Namba-Dotonbori

The Heart of Osaka

Namba and Dotonbori are Osaka's representative entertainment districts, prospering as the center of commerce and entertainment in Osaka, "the nation's kitchen," since the Edo period. The unique giant signs lining the Dotonbori canal are world-famous as symbols of "Osaka-ness."

Gourmet Heaven

Famous Osaka gourmet shops concentrate in Dotonbori-Namba. Diverse food options include takoyaki shop "Kukuru," kushikatsu "Daruma," okonomiyaki "Chibo," and various ramen and udon. Strolling while eating is the highlight of Osaka tourism.

Osaka's Unique Sign Culture

Dotonbori's Glico running man (since 1935) is Osaka's representative icon. The giant three-dimensional signs expressing each shop's personality — Kani Doraku's crab, Kukuru's octopus, Kinryu Ramen's dragon — are Osaka's signature landscape.

Surrounding Tourist Spots

Many attractions are scattered in the Namba area including Ebisubashi Bridge, Kuromon Market, Namba Parks, and Osaka Shochiku-za. Excellent access to shinkansen Osaka/Namba stations makes it ideal as an Osaka tourism base.