Dotombori District
Dotombori District
4.5
About
The heart of Osaka nightlife, this area is filled with theaters, restaurants, cafes, bars, arcades and nightclubs.
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  • 준하 박
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dotonbori, the great city.
    I went Dotonbori in Osaka with my friends in this summer. It was beautiful city with a lot of foods and people. We took a river cruise, which can show us a view of the whole city. While we were on this cruise, we felt the atmosphere of this city and many Japanese people welcomed us on both sides of the river. After the cruise, we went to the restaurant to eat Gyukatsu. It was really good and I can’t recommend it enough. Then we went to Don Quijote, which is duty free shop. I bought Konjac jelly there. The trip in Dotonbori was enjoyable. It’s well worth a visit.
    Visited August 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 5 October 2023
  • bkbatson
    Middleville, Michigan232 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Take the 20 min. cruise
    A must see in Osaka is the 20 min. Nakanoshima River cruise in Dotonbori area especially at dusk to see the buildings light up. Restaurants are everywhere. Didn't get a chance to enjoy the little coaster ride, but did pose with the Glico man. Great place to relax and people watch.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 14 November 2023
  • tony l
    Vancouver, Canada5,047 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    :} Street food center of the world :}
    My girl #1 is a Asian seasoned traveler , soon as we arrived , she told me next few days in Osaka , we just going to eat street food no restaurants , because 100% unique taste and lot cheaper ! we spend whole days at the Dotombori district eating street food on main Street also the side street , just amazing every Tom , Dick , Harry on the street , people all over the place like the mad mad mad world , more bustling them Kabukicho in Shinjuku ! so many malls / restaurants / arcades / nightclub / gift shops and street food stands , it is foodies promised land also shop till your drop ! the food stands have variety tasty food like crab , kobe beef , takoyaki , octopus and many many more ! they all so yummy , I pig out like there is no tomorrow , great experience and very safe place to wondering around , just like any big in city in the world play smart , special so many people around ! if you visit Osaka , this place must visit , you need less a day to export it !
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written 27 January 2024
  • 1VictoriaTheTraveler
    Sacramento, California768 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Vibrant Vibes and Outstanding Food in Dotombori
    Our visit to the Dotombori District in Osaka was nothing short of fantastic. The bustling energy and vibrant atmosphere made exploring the area a great time for my family and me. The highlight of our Dotombori experience was undoubtedly the outstanding food. From traditional street snacks to diverse culinary delights, the district offered a gastronomic journey that delighted our taste buds. The variety and quality of the cuisine available showcased the rich food culture that Osaka is renowned for. Navigating the neon-lit streets and iconic landmarks added to the overall charm of Dotombori. The lively ambiance, combined with the diverse dining options, created an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a dynamic district with a mix of entertainment, shopping, and, most importantly, exceptional food, Dotombori is a must-visit destination in Osaka. Our time here was a culinary adventure that left us with lasting memories of the vibrant city.
    Visited March 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 3 February 2024
  • StefanoMorello
    Genoa, Italy592 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a must
    I have enjoyed a full day in Osaka before flying back to Italy. It was a rainy day. This area is the best to stay dry and enjoy local atmosfere. A plenty of local shops and international ones with an huge selection of food.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 18 February 2024
  • Wood77
    Los Angeles, California3,285 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visit here for food crawl experience
    Doutonbori Street in Osaka is a scintillating area for street food and night life. You can enjoy exploring the crisscross streets for additional restaurants and gift shops. Some adjacent streets seems more geared for shopping. There is also a riverwalk close by where you can take a boat ride. There were costumed characters performing on the bridge.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 February 2024
  • Samantha Yuuki
    Selangor, Malaysia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It's very exciting and makes you tired of walking 😉
    Tourists must stop by here to enjoy the excitement. Dotonbori District It's more fun if you visit at night. One of the popular places as a shopping center, hotel, street culinary, restaurant and entertainment. You won't feel tired from walking because this place is fun!
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 February 2024
  • Linda Valencia
    Batu Ferringhi, Malaysia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Full of culinary delights and river boats.
    The air is very cool in the morning, the environment is very clean and there are lots of various culinary delights or enjoy the busy night by taking a boat across the river. There are many food sellers here, especially at night. Very happy and really like it.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 26 February 2024
  • James I
    New York City, New York575 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Food everywhere
    An incredibly popular and busy area of Osaka. I highly recommend staying in this area, not only visiting it. It is close to major points of transportation, and staying in the area allows you to experience the nightlight along the river and side streets without having to worry about catching a train back to your hotel. Lots of food stalls and restaurants here, especially if you like the seafood options of the takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Keep it mind it does get very, very crowded here especially on the bridge by the Glico running man, and things stay crowded well into the night. If you prefer a quiet area, this is not for you.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 30 March 2024
  • msa23_2000
    Chino Hills, California1,455 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Surprisingly I really liked it - better after dark
    Dotonbori is everything I generally dislike - and yet I thought it was great and went back the next night. It is crowded, and the lights are bright, but everyone is really friendly. If you walk on the canal street it is not so just. Lots of places to eat at reasonable prices. Great fun to people watch and just take in the atmosphere. It is corny as anything, but for some reason I was drawn to it.
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written 2 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles12,599 reviews
Excellent
5,621
Very good
5,006
Average
1,698
Poor
201
Terrible
72

Cheryl L
Osaka, Japan5 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
It is crowded, bustling with all the lights and energy of a big city. However, during the evenings this place can get very crowded. There are too many smoking stations in between the most popular areas. Could not enjoy anything without inhaling second hand smoke even while eating. The whole strip including popular areas nearby are simply catered to Chinese tourists. I noticed many stores and stalls are owned by Chinese and they operate a little differently (i.e aggressive sales) than a local hence you will not experience a true Japanese cultural experience. Noticeably polluted when it seems anywhere else is so clean. Best to avoid here if you’re seeking a true Japan experience.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dds
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia307 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Family
One of the many touristy spots, lots to see, do and shop. The street food was enticing with quite a number of restaurants alongside. If you’ve always wanted to try Taco Bell, there is one at the entrance.
The giant yummy roasted chestnuts are a must try. Japanese buns stuffed with/without ice cream were nice & crispy. Strawberries were really sweet. The pricy bbq crab/prawns lightly dusted with salt and pepper were fine. Hokkaido crabs were really expensive for such small portions. Crab sushi was also expensive but good!
The riverside bridge was noisy and chaotic but it made yet another great backdrop for amazing colourful photos. A few buskers on several spots were entertaining. Overall an interesting place.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Siddharth B
Seattle, WA545 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2019
Dotonbori is unquestionably the liveliest and most picturesque area of Osaka marked by the iconic crab at it’s entrance. It’s at crossroads of Shinseibasi-suji, Namba Walk which in their own right are also interesting streets but Dotonbori takes the cake. It’s mostly a food-based street, but liveliness, decor, animations are what makes the street so iconic. A lot of food joints are actually Japanese chains, so it’s hard for me to say it’s the best food I ever had in Japan but I loved walking through here every time. Do walk on all sides on it, along the river as well following the sign of Glico Man. Also if you’re walking in the night (that’s my advice) stop by Hozenji temple- a small illuminated temple.
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

bikerjoe15
Singapore, Singapore1,135 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
Dotonburi is a place mostly selling street food and sit down restaurants food, souvenirs, and medical/cosmetic products. Tried a few of their items and felt it was very touristy and over-priced. Super crowded as this is where most of the famous ramen shops are located. Recommended to visit. Opens till late.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JCaro
Oxnard, CA14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Friends
Dotombori has a ton of different food. I was lucky enough to go there and eat Takoyaki as well as eat at the Kaiten-sushi place. I visited there on a rainy week but on a clear morning, there are street performances all the time.
Written 25 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

M A
19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019 • Friends
I always go here whenever I visit Japan. It gets really crowded, but there are plenty of must-try food stalls and other restaurants to choose from. So if you're a foodie or if you're on a trip with friends/family with different preferred tastes, Dotonbori should definitely be in your list. If you're looking for souvenirs, there are a lot of tax free shops there too. If you want to go shopping, I recommend going in the morning because there aren't as many people. It's also a more relaxed atmosphere in general if you visit earlier in the day, and you won't have to wait in line for too long. It's a great place to feature on your social media accts too, if you're into that. 👍
Written 11 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

izyphotos
Mascot, Australia691 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2021
This area is located along the canal and only 5 mins walk from Namba station. It is literally an explosion of colour, neon lights, street food, clubs, stores and bars. There are so many of the flashy billboards above the restaurants with the crabs, octopus, dumplings etc. You have to try the Takoyaki - grilled octopus balls. The glico Running Man is a popular icon and can be seen from the Ebisu bridge. You can take a river cruise which goes under the 9 bridges. There is a free ferris wheel which we came across by accident as the entrance of it is from inside the Don Quijote store. It gives a great view of the district. There were many people but as we visitied at the beginning of Covid in March 2020, there were not as many tourists. This is unique and unlike anything you will experience anywhere else.
Written 16 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stefanie H
Lincoln, NE1,746 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
This entertainment area in Osaka is really crowded but also really fun to see! There are so many restaurants and shops, and the buildings all have giant signs on them to attract customers. I would suggest eating on one of the streets off of the main street, because the food will be cheaper and the lines will be less.
Written 3 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Andy T
Perth, Australia55 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2023 • Couples
Amazing for an evening walk, you can really soak up the vibes of Japan. For nightlife, it can be a bit overwhelming with crushing crowds and it's easy to fall victim to restaurants and bars that prey on tourists with hidden service fees, cover charges, and overpriced food. Make sure you pick places you want to go to beforehand rather than wander into somewhere you don't know (or at least check google reviews before you commit!). Honestly I had more enjoyment grabbing some snacks and drinks from a convenience store and walking down the river at my own pace.
Written 4 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Katrinus
Dubai, United Arab Emirates133 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Family
Maybe if I’d seen this as my first stop in Japan I would’ve been goggle eyed but as the last thing on our itinerary I was underwhelmed by Dotonbori. Yes the lights are nice as are the few cool 3D signs but otherwise I felt it was grotty with only tourists and no locals. There’s better food elsewhere!
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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