Japan Travel Osaka - Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi 道顿堀, 心斋桥

Japan Travel Osaka - Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi 道顿堀, 心斋桥 (2019 0513-22)

Getting There:

From Osaka/Umeda Station, take the Midosuji Line to Shinsaibashi Station. Look for the exit to the Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street shopping arcade. If you walk the length of the arcade you will emerge at Ebisubashi bridge in Dotonbori. Alternatively, to reach Dotonbori directly continue on the Midosuji Line train to Namba Station.

Osaka’s most famous shopping area for international visitors is Dotonbori, with an overwhelming number of giant billboards crammed into small spaces, while the neighboring area of Shinsaibashi is bustling with rows of restaurants and clothing stores.

Dotonbori

The history of this area goes back to 1612 when a merchant by the name of Yasui Doton invested all of his personal capital in an ambitious local development project. Doton’s plan was to divert and expand the Umezu River into a new waterway that would link the local canal network with the Kizugawa River. Unfortunately, Doton’s project was interrupted by war and he himself was killed during the Siege of Osaka in 1615. Later that same year, Doton’s cousins completed his work and in his memory the new canal was named Dotonbori or “Doton Canal”.

The Moving Crab at Kani Doraku

Dotonbori Japanese Street Food

Osaka's Local Food - konamon

Dotonbori Museum Mamikiza

Hozenji Yokocho 浄土宗 天龍山 法善寺 - Splash Some Water and Make a Wish & Hozenji Yokocho Alley 法善寺横丁- Stroll the Old Townscape of Osaka

Wave at Onlookers from the Tombori River Cruise

Get An Aerial View of Dotonbori: Dotonbori Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel

Giant Dotonbori Billboards & The Glico Running Man Originally installed in 1935

Traditional Japanese Narrow Street, Dotonbori, Osaka

The alley is beautifully decorated with old theatrical posters and illuminated with paper lanterns

It is Legal in Japan

Shinsaibashi - Covered Shopping

Shinsaibashi Arcade is the premier shopping area in Osaka. Around 600 meters long, it’s filled with trendy boutiques, retail chains, and luxury department stores.

Amerikamura (West of Shinsaibashi): Street fashion, Vintage Clothes and youth culture, There are plenty of quirky cafes to hang out in and if you stay till late, clubs and live music venues.

Triangle Park (a tiny concrete seating place)