Dotonbori
Chuo, Osaka, JPN
Dotonbori (also called Dotombori) is a bustling nightlife district in Osaka’s Minami area. It stretches along the Dtomborigawa River, with a multitude of small restaurants, bars, and neon lights that come alive after nightfall. An entertainment neighborhood, Dotonbori is famous for its varied cuisine and huge animated signs.
Dotonbori provides a whole night’s worth of entertainment. Visit lively bars, peruse shops, and test your gaming skills at an arcade room. Numerous food options are available, ranging from street food stalls to sit-down restaurants offering both local delicacies and international cuisine.
Many Osaka walking tours include a visit to Dotonbori along with samplings of local street food. You can also experience the city’s quirky side on an Osaka GoKart tour featuring funny costume rentals, and cruise around the city dressed up as your favorite Mario Kart character. For a personalized experience, visit on a private city tour or see Dotonbori at your own pace on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Dotonbori is a must-see for foodies and nightlife seekers.
This is a good spot to try Japanese street food: look out for hot-off-the-grill yakitori kebabs, savory okonomiyaki pancakes, and deep-fried octopus balls.
Don’t miss the iconic Glico running man, a huge illuminated sign featuring the Glico candy company’s mascot.
Dotonbori is located in the Minami area, a 5-minute walk from Namba Station in downtown Osaka, Japan. Parking is hard to find, so public transportation is your best bet.
You can visit Dotonbori anytime, but the district comes alive at night, especially on Friday and Saturday. Spring and autumn are good times to visit Osaka, when the weather is typically clear and mild.
Dotonbori isn’t just a wild nightlife spot—it’s also one of the best places in Osaka to grab brunch. With restaurants offering spicy curries and sushi, Italian rooftop eateries, and cat cafés, this district has you covered.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!