Exploring Dotombori

Dotombori is a one of the biggest tourist destinations in Osaka, Japan. It is located along the Dotombori canal between Dotonboribashi Bridge and Nipponbashi Bridge. It is one street that is famous for historic theaters, shops, restaurants, and signs. When in Osaka, one place to visit is Dotombori and here are the places to check out when exploring Dotombori.

Gilo Man Billboard: This huge sign is a giant neon athlete on a blue track. Dotombori is famous for their large signs. The sign was originally constructed in 1935, but has been changed several times for different occasions such as the World Cup. The sign has also been changed to show support of the Osaka baseball team, the Hashin Tigers.

Kani Doraku Crab: This large crab billboard is six and a half meters tall and is located along the front of the crab restaurant Kani Doraku Crab. The crab is mechanical, meaning it can move its arms and eyes. There are many imitations that were built after this, including a squid that puffs steam.

Kuidaore Taro: This mechanical drum-playing clown is also known as Kuidaore Ningyo and was installed in 1950 in front of Cui-daore. All the visitors for the Grand Sumo Tournament line up here every March for photos in front of the Kuidaore Taro. Unfortunately it has now been scheduled to be removed.

Cui-daore: One of the largest restaurants imaginable, this eight-story building has a different type of Osaka cuisine on every floor. It is one of the most unique restaurants imaginable and at one point, it was in contention for the largest restaurant in the world. The restaurant itself has since closed down, but the building still remains to be explored.

Kinryu Ramen: This restaurant chain has three restaurants just in Dotombori and is famous for its three-dimensional dragon billboards. There is one restaurant located at each end of Dotombori and one in the middle. What separates this restaurant from the others is that it is open 24 hours. It offers free garlic and a kimchi bar. Come and sit down in the outdoor seating consisting of tatami mats.

Shopping in Dotombori: Walk through the long street between the bridges and stop at all the different shops Dotombori has to offer. Pick out a unique souvenir to take home and get something for everyone in the family.   

After exploring the futuristic Dotombori area, visit some of the historic sights around Osaka.