Visit Osaka

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  • Dotonbori – the kitchen of Japan!

    Dotonbori – the kitchen of Japan!

    Dotonbori, a bustling district in Osaka, Japan, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Kansai region. Known for its vibrant nightlife, neon lights, delicious street food, and unique culture, Dotonbori offers a quintessential Osaka experience. If you’ve been searching for travel tips or are curious about what to do in Dotonbori, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit, covering everything from things to do and eat to cost-effective recommendations.

    Top Things to Do in Dotonbori

    Take a Photo with the Glico Man

      The Glico Running Man sign is an iconic Osaka landmark. It’s a rite of passage for visitors to snap a photo here. The best time for photos is after sunset when the neon lights illuminate the area.

      Cruise the Dotonbori Canal

          Hop on a boat tour to enjoy a unique view of the district. Most tours cost around ¥1,000-1,500 and last about 20 minutes. You don’t need to book in advance and can hop on a boat while there!

          Explore Hozenji Yokocho

          Step back in time by visiting this narrow alley lined with traditional restaurants and izakayas. Don’t miss the moss-covered Hozenji Temple where you can make a wish by splashing water on the statue of Fudō Myō-ō.

          Shop Along Shinsaibashi-suji

          This massive shopping arcade connects directly to Dotonbori and features everything from high-end fashion to quirky souvenir shops. A paradise for shopaholics!

          Catch a Show at Namba Grand Kagetsu

          Experience Osaka’s famous comedy culture with a live show at this renowned theater. Tickets typically cost around ¥2,000-5,000 depending on the performance.

          What to Eat in Dotonbori

          Dotonbori is a foodie’s heaven, boasting some of the best street food in Japan. Here’s what you can’t miss:

          Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)

          These savory snacks are a Dotonbori staple. Try them hot off the grill at stalls like Kukuru or Wanaka. Prices range from ¥500-800 per portion. The further away from the main stretch you go, the cheaper they will be!

          Okonomiyaki

          Osaka’s famous savory pancake is a must-try. Visit Mizuno, a highly-rated restaurant, for authentic flavors. Expect to pay around ¥1,000-1,500 per dish.

          Kushikatsu

          Skewers of deep-fried meat, vegetables, and seafood. Daruma is a popular chain to sample this Osaka delicacy. Dishes cost around ¥100-200 per skewer.

          Ramen

          Ichiran and Kinryu Ramen are local favorites. A bowl typically costs ¥700-1,000 and is perfect for late-night cravings.

          Fresh Seafood

          Don’t miss the giant crab sign at Kani Doraku, which serves some of the best crab dishes in the area. Meals here start at around ¥2,500.

          Budget-Friendly Tips

          Stay in Namba: Book accommodations in Namba for convenient access to Dotonbori. Capsule hotels and hostels start at around ¥2,500 per night, while mid-range hotels range from ¥6,000-10,000 per night.

          Eat Street Food: Street food is affordable and allows you to try multiple dishes without breaking the bank.

          The best time to visit is in the evening as Dotonbori’s neon lights and vibrant energy are best experienced after dark.

          FAQs

          1. Is Dotonbori expensive? Dotonbori can suit various budgets. Street food is affordable, and there are dining options ranging from cheap eats to high-end restaurants.
          2. How long should I spend in Dotonbori? A full evening is enough to explore, but if you want to shop or enjoy multiple meals, consider half a day.
          3. Is Dotonbori family-friendly? Absolutely! While the nightlife can get lively, families will enjoy the food, shopping, and cultural attractions.

        1. Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

          Expo ’70 Commemorative Park

          Recently we decided to visit Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, the site of Japan’s first world fair in 1970. It felt right to do with the Osaka Expo ‘25 starting soon! I had heard about the Tower of the Sun, a strange-looking sculpture that had become an Osaka landmark, and had to see it for myself. The commemorative park is huge, with a mix of open spaces, museums, and gardens. It turned out to be a quiet place to walk around, away from the busier parts of the city. It costs just ¥250 (£1.30!) to enter the park, which is amazing value for money. I recommend purchasing the ticket at the gate, and make sure to bring cash as some of the machines don’t accept card payments.

          How to get there:

          Getting to the park was straightforward. We took the Midosuji Line from Osaka Station to Senri-Chuo, then switched to the Osaka Monorail for a short ride to Bampaku-Kinen-Kōen Station. The monorail stops right by the entrance, which makes access pretty convenient. The ride on the monorail itself was exciting (and perhaps a little daunting an experience if you’re not used to travelling this way!).

          Exploring the Park

          One of the first things I saw upon entering was the Tower of the Sun, an unusual sculpture standing at 70 meters tall. Designed by artist Taro Okamoto, it was originally created for the Expo and has been preserved ever since. The tower has a distinct look, with large outstretched arms and multiple faces representing different aspects of time. We didn’t book a tour to see the inside, but were surprised to find out that this is an option. Admission to the Tower of the Sun Museum is by reservation only. (A minimum of a 1-day advance reservation is required.)

          Tower of the sun!

          After walking past the tower, we headed toward the Japanese Garden. It was well-maintained, with ponds, bridges, and a mix of different landscaping styles. Depending on the season, you can see cherry blossoms (spring) or autumn foliage (November-December). You can also see bamboo swaying gently in the breeze, which I personally found more relaxing than the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto which has become a tourist hotspot.

          The gardens are fun for all ages and there is an interactive stamp collection activity, if you collect just 5 stamps on your way around you will get a lovely gift! I won’t spoil the surprise for you…

          For those interested in history and culture, the park has a couple of museums. The National Museum of Ethnology showcases cultural artifacts from around the world, while the Expo ’70 Pavilion focuses on the history of the 1970 World Expo. We walked through the Pavilion, which had exhibits on the futuristic designs and ideas presented at the Expo. It was a small but interesting look into Japan’s post-war era of rapid growth.

          For those who enjoy activities, the park has something called “Banpaku BEAST”, an athletic facility that utilises a hexagonal platform using unique technology from Germany. You can enjoy various activities such as climbing, slacklining, and aerial bicycles at this facility. There are 121 types of activities. With a high level of safety, people of all ages, from elementary school students to seniors, can experience them. The athletic area is on four floors, and there is also an observation deck on the rooftop that offers a panoramic view of the park. An additional fee is required to enter the BEAST!

          Food wise, there were a few food stalls inside the park selling mostly selling snacks and drinks. Vending machines are also there (of course). If you’re looking for more options, Expo City, a large shopping and entertainment complex right next to the park, has restaurants, an aquarium, and a shopping mall. This includes a buffet-style KFC… yes you read that right!

          Is a visit to the Commemorative Park worth it?

          Expo ’70 Commemorative Park isn’t typically a tourist attraction, but it’s a lovely place to visit if you enjoy open spaces, walking trails, or learning about Osaka’s history. The Tower of the Sun was the main highlight for me, and the gardens make for a relaxing day out. I would highly recommend a visit if you’re looking for a break from the city, a day out with family relaxing with a picnic, or have an interest in the legacy of the 1970 Expo. Just make sure to take sunscreen and hats as the park is a large open space, with not much shelter. We will definitely be back!