Welcome back to the Japan Series! This week I am sharing a really cool place called Dotonbori aka Billboard Street. You’ll see why it’s called that in the photos. It is an interesting place to take photos, both during the day and at night. I loved looking at the signs and bright colors along the canal and street.
Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a famous entertainment area in Osaka. It’s known for neon lights, extravagant signage, stores (like Mega Don Quixote), restaurants, and night life. It is named after a merchant who wanted to expand the waterway to connect to a nearby river. There is an interesting history surrounding his work, which you can read more about at the link below.
There is a different type of food culture in Dotonbori called kuidaore, which essentially translates to eat yourself bankrupt, and this would be the place to do it. The variety of restaurants, food stalls, and bars is astounding. I saw ramen, shabu shabu, crab, kebabs, takoyaki, melon bread with ice cream, etc. One of my new friends and I went to a vegan place that was pretty good. Our food choices are pictured below.
As I said earlier, this area is known as Billboard Street. Some of the biggest ones are a giant pufferfish, octopus, clown, crab, as well as the famous Glico Running Man. I was able to get pictures of a good portion of the signs. My favorites were the dragons, the moving clam, and the spinning man with skewers.
This info is from my experiences and the website for the area. Credit where credit is due.
Accessibility of Dotonbori
Parking
There was next to no parking here, however, it is a short walk from the station. We took the subway from M22 to M20.
Bathrooms
There are public bathrooms in this area. All you will need to do is put public bathroom into Google Maps and it will get you there. These ones left something to be desired in the cleanliness department, but if it’s a bathroom emergency I’d take what I can get…
My Experience
I spent time here during the day time and the evening/night. It’s a busy place, especially at night. At times, the crowds could be difficult to move through. If you want pictures, you’ll need to politely just go for it so you’re not stepped around.
The walking surfaces are mostly stone, pavement, and concrete. They were relatively flat, however, there were some stairs and inclines on the bridges and by the canal since things were on the lower level by the water. There’s also a boat tour and they need to get under the bridges.
Overall, it was a cool place to see, especially when everything was lit up and all of the food choices was great. I would say if you aren’t food issues kinda person, it would be even better.
My rating
If I had to throw a rating on this activity, I would say it was easy with the potential to be moderate depending on where you go and crowd size. Dotonbori doesn’t have a big grade (aka change in elevation), however it is there. I got around fine, but did get shortness of breath. Full transparency, that could have been due to the long day filled with energy exerting activities and the quick pace of our group.
Getting there from the subway station did include some stairs, however, escalators and elevators are an option in most places. You have to keep an eye out for them in some areas of the station. The route from the station was fairly flat as well. My group did walk a little fast at times, but if you can go at your pace, it isn’t a bad jaunt.
Anything else you’d like to know? Comment below 😊
Unfortunately, Cardybear did not come on the Japan adventures. I wanted to bring him, but he takes up my whole backpack. He was definitely there in spirit though.
Be safe out there and remember your passport! Seeyalaterbye 💜
Also, if you feel called to help a sista out with her travels, check this out!
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