Foodie’s Guide to Dotonbori, What to Eat in Osaka’s Iconic Street Food District
The streets of Dotonbori is as bright as the sun!
When in Osaka, you cannot miss Dotonbori, located in the bustling bright neon Namba area of Osaka this district has a reputation for being the top foodie hotspot in all of Japan attracting both international tourists and locals who come here to try the delicious and diverse array of dishes.
Another extraordinary street food epicenter is also nearby, the Kuromon Ichiba Fish Market, if you love fresh seafood then Kuromon Ichiba is the place for you.
Dotonbori has something for everyone: if you want a light snack try the Takoyaki, a hearty and doughy pancake-like dumpling stuffed with pieces of octopus and drizzled with a sweet and tangy sauce, if you are looking for something more filling then how about a dozen sticks of Kushikatsu, various types of seafood, meats, and vegetables deep coated in panko brad crumbs and deepfried. There is no shortage of delicious eats here in Dotonbori
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The Lively District of Dotonbori
Towering buildings and colossal advertisements, are we in a dystopian future?
I’ve only been to Osaka once before in my life, and that was when I was very young and couldn’t really appreciate the sights and sounds around me. Even now, I couldn’t really recall my last trip.
If your impression of Japan comes from movies and TV shows, then I would say that Dotonbori matches that representation very accurately. As soon as I enter the district I was met with: tall buildings enclosing me from all angles, the brightest of neon lights and signs, and gargantuan display advertisements for medicine and beauty products, all of this attack on my senses while cheerful Anime/J-Pop music was blasting in the background.
Honestly, the visual and auditory spectacle was a bit frightening, for a little while I felt like I was in a cyberpunk dystopia a la Blade Runner.
Hotels Near Dotonbori
Dotonbori is a huge place and there are many things to see and do in its surrounding areas, booking a hotel in this area is a great choice if you want to be located near many of Osaka’s great attractions. Here are some hotels that I recommend:
APA Hotel Namba-Eki Higashi - Chain hotel with excellent quality and comfort
APA Hotel Namba Shinsaibashi Nishi - Same high quality chain hotel in a different location
JOYTEL HOTEL Namba-Dotonbori - Modern and comfy hotel near Dotonbori
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka Namba - Cozy and comfy hotel located in the center of Osaka
CANDEO HOTELS Osaka Shinsaibashi - Luxury hotel with a minimalist and traditional oriental design
Dotonbori’s Glico Running Man
Be sure to not miss this iconic Osaka landmark
Through all of the chaos, one sight you simply cannot ignore is the famous Glico Running man, the iconic landmark of Dotonbori, or perhaps even the whole of Osaka.
You might be wondering why he’s there? Initially the sign was installed to advertise the Glico Candy but over the years the sign changed to commemorate various events such as the celebration of the World Cup and to promote the Osaka baseball team.
The Glico Man was easy to find, as you enter Dotonbori head straight on to the bridge and turn around, he’s right there eerily smiling at you at all times.
You can be sure that at all times of the day, tourists will be taking photos and mimicking the famous Glico Man pose, so join in and snap a photo for yourself as this sign is heart and soul of Osaka.
Let’s Eat
Definitely that largest octopus I’ve ever seen, wouldn’t be surprised if this was the Kraken
Dotonbori is full of delicious dishes so let’s get right into it!
A brief list of what foods we will be talking about today are:
Takoyaki
King Crab
Okonomiyaki
Yakiniku
Melon Pan
Kushikatsu
Sushi
Dotonbori is a massive street with many twists and turns, even I wasn’t able to fully explore Dotonbori’s street food scene.
This is why I would highly recommend you go with a tour group such as this Osaka Dotonbori Local Foodie Walking Tour which includes a certified English speaking local tour guide, and plenty of opportunities to try Dotonbori’s famous street food dishes like Kushikatsu and Okonomiyaki.
Book your private tour now at the link above!
Fresh Piping Hot Takoyaki at Juhachiban
The giant Takoyaki stares at you menacingly, but do not be afraid as it is delicious
Takoyaki, One of Osaka’s most famous foods can be found right here in Dotonbori! “Takoyaki” translates to “grilled octopus” but that is a gross understatement of what these balls of joy actually are.
Whether in a train station or by the roadside, you can find countless vendors selling their own version of this tasty snack. Takoyaki is an essential part of Osaka’s street food culture and when you are in Dotonbori it’s a dish that every tourist (and local) simply cannot miss!
The speed and precision of the chef is immaculate
Made from a batter of flour, eggs, and dashi broth, these snacks are traditionally filled with diced octopus (of course), green onions ,and pickled ginger.
The mixture is cooked in a special griddle where the chefs use a chopstick to poke and shape the batter into the signature ball shape.
Once cooked the takoyakis are then dressed with a sweet Worcestershire-like sauce, mayonnaise, and a handful of dried fish (bonito) flakes, and just to be a little extra fancy, a little bit of aonori (dried aromatic seaweed) powder is dusted on top.
these little balls of joy are piping hot, take care of your tongue
The result is a savory and tantalizing ball-shaped snack with a thin and crispy outer shell and a soft, warm, and creamy interior. These feel like the most comforting comfort food you could ever imagine, if you don’t have a smile on your face after eating one of these… well then eat another one.
You might be freaked out by the seemingly sentient bonito flakes but that’s because they are so thin that the steam from the takoyaki causes them to move!
The best spot to try this delicious treat is Takoyaki-Juhachiban, the restaurant is unmissable, just look for the giant Takoyaki stuck to the front of the building and you’re good to go.
Takoyaki-Juhachiban Details
Location: Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−7−21 中座くいだおれビル 1F
Opening Hours: 11:00AM - 9:00PM | Mon - Sun
Fresh from the Sea Giant King Crab at Kani Doraku
If that octopus was the Kraken what do you think this is?
Being a port city, you can expect to find a lot of seafood in Osaka, one luxury you need to try is the Giant King Crab. Kani Doraku is a renowned seafood restaurant in Dotonbori that serves everything about King Crab from grilled to sashimi or even hotpot. The restaurant actually has many branches but the main branch is right here in Dotonbori.
If you prefer to explore more of Osaka’s fresh seafood scene, then you can read about my adventures at equally popular Kuromon Ichiba Fish Market that is just a 10 minutes walk away, there you can find all sorts of street food dishes from fatty tuna sashimi to giant grilled scallops, and of course and delicious helping of king crab legs.
RELATED: Must Eat Street Foods at Kuromon Ichiba, the Paradise Seafood Market in Osaka
While Kani Doraku primarily serve expensive dishes and luxury menus, they have a stall at the front selling cheaper items and bento boxes for everyone to try.
The restaurant is also famous for it’s giant mechanical King Crab sculpture stuck to the front of the restaurant turning this into a tourist attraction in its own right.
Kani Doraku Details
Location: 1 Chome-6-18 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Phone Number: +81 66 211 8975
Opening Hours: 11:00AM - 10:00PM | Mon - Sun
Japanese Pancake, the Hearty Okonomiyaki
Some call it a pancake and some call it a pizza, but whatever it is, it’s delicious as heck
Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake that is a specialty of Osaka cuisine and a definite must try for any tourist visiting Dotonbori.
They are made from a batter of flour, eggs, and water with the fillings being made up of chopped cabbage, green onions, and other ingredients and proteins such as bacon or shrimp.
There are actually many varieties of Okonomiyaki specific to different regions of Japan, with some having ramen noodles or a fried egg as a topping.
Once the Okonomiyaki is finished cooking , it is drizzled with the same sauces as the Takoyaki and is then served.
The result is similar to the Takoyaki, with a thin and crunchy outer shell and a soft, warm, and sort of bouncy interior. The dish is more hearty as well from all the vegetables and meat, this is typically served as a snack or side dish but I would say that this can even be a very filling meal.
Dotonbori is home to many Okonomiyaki vendors each with their own unique twist to the dish, so it’s a perfect place for foodies to sample and enjoy this classic Osaka dish.
Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant Details
Location: Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−5−5 道頓堀ビル 1～6F 千房
Phone: +81 66 212 2211
Opening Hours: 11:00AM - 10:00PM | Mon - Sun
Juicy and Tender Japanese Yakiniku
it might not look like much but it’s full of juicy beefy flavor
While yakiniku is available almost everywhere in Japan, when you’re in Dotonbori you might as well try some. Yakiniku is Japan’s version of a BBQ and is an eating experience that is a must try for meat lovers.
For yakiniku, diners cook their own meats over a hot charcoal grill, this is perfect for those of who like our meats cooked a certain way. The grilling aspect also lends itself to being a social experience, typically yakiniku is enjoyed with friends and family, in Japan you’ll see plenty of tables full of businessman enjoying themselves and drinking the night away.
This is because yakiniku is a social experience rather than a simple meal.
look at the marble and the glistening sauces, is your mouth watering yet?
You are typically given a variety of sauces to dip your meat in to, these are mainly soy sauce based, or lime. Some fancy places will give you salt or a combination of sesame oil and salt. I prefer to eat the meat as is so that I can enjoy the full flavor of the meat.
There are also different types of proteins available like pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, fish, squid, scallops, etc… Each selection also come with marinade options, whether you want a sweet or spicy marinade, or just plain. And when you’re in Japan you can always be guaranteed that no matter the price point, the meat is always of good quality and very delicious.
My favorite cut of meat to order is always without a doubt the ox tongue, the texture can vary, unfortunately it can be quite tough and rubbery to chew if you happen to get a cheaper cut, but if you can get your hands on a good cut then you will be in for a life changing experience as the flavor is out of this world. Trust me, tongue sounds gross, but it has non of the funkiness of typical organ meats like liver or heart.
Yakiniku-densetsu Baribari Sennichimae Details
Location: 1 Chome-7-2 Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0074, Japan
Phone: +81 66 212 1514
Opening Hours: 5:00PM - 3:00AM | Mon Tue Thu
Osaka is a large place with many things to do and see, it can be confusing for first time visitors, I recommend booking this Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, and Museum of Housing and Living Day Tour to ease the stress of planning, the tour will bring you to all of Osaka’s highlights, enjoy the history of the 16th century Osaka Castle, the delicious street food wonders of Kuromon Ichiba and Dotonbori, and immerse yourself in Edo Japan at the Museum of Housing and Living. All of this for a really good discounted price at the link above. Book now to enjoy the best price possible.
Sweet Crunchy Melon Pan (Bread)
I don’t really think they look like the Japanese melons they’re trying to represent but they still look cute though
Melon Pan is a sweet and fluffy pastry made from sweet dough and is covered in a thin sugar cookie layer. Despite its name there is no melon inside of the bread, the name comes from it’s distinctive shape which looks (sorta?) like a Japanese Melon.
This snack is very popular within and around the Dotonbori district with many bakeries selling this delicious snack, however the best and most popular would have to be the “Melon Bread” stall recognizable by the giant melon pan sculpture stuck to the top of the stall.
I saw many people ordering the strawberry flavor, perhaps you should try that when you come here
The highlight of the snack is the sweet cookie shell, unbelievably crunchy and sweet, you could eat this by itself but the Melon Bread stall has a trick up their sleeve, a big spoonful of vanilla, strawberry, or matcha ice cream is placed in between melon pan.
The ice cream was a genius addition, it works really well with the warm, crunchy, and soft melon pan bread.
Melon Bread Details
Location: Shibata.Bld, 1 Chome-5-8 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Phone: -
Opening Hours: -
Golden Brown Kushikatsu at Daruma
Notice the hand trying to force feed you a piece of tuna sushi?
Another of Osaka’s specialty is the Kushikatsu, deep fried goodies on a stick, and the best and most famous place to try this crunchy snack is at Kushikatsu Daruma in Dotonbori.
Do not be intimidated by the aggressive looking sculpture of the chef staring down at you, he is just fueled with pure energy and determination to serve you the best kushikatsu possible.
Golden deliciousness on a skewer, I like the fried quail eggs the most
Kushikatsu is made with various ingredients from meats, to seafood, to vegetables. These are served with a dipping sauce and some cabbage.
If you are the adventurous type you can try lotus root, quail eggs, and even a cheese skewer! It’s almost like playing the lottery, or one of those gachapon toy vending machines you see a lot in Japan, sometimes you can’t tell what you are about to bite into.
Kushikatsu Daruma is known for its lively and fun atmosphere, this dish is typically enjoyed with friends and family paired with a few bottles of beer. When you’re in Dotonbori, sit down, order a glass of beer and enjoy a few skewers of deep fried goodness, it might just be what you need after a long and tiring day exploring Osaka.
Kushikatsu Daruma Details
Location: Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−6−8 道頓堀だるまビル 2F
Phone: +81 66 213 8101
Opening Hours: 11:00AM - 10:30PM | Mon - Sun
Revolutionary Conveyer Belt Sushi at Daiki Suisan Kaiten Sushi
conveyer belt sushi is objectively the best sushi
While Sushi is available everywhere in Japan, Osaka has an upper edge when it comes to quality and freshness. In Dotonbori, there are several sushi restaurants but the appeal is in the converyer belt sushi scene.
While Dotonbori offers a wide range of options from upscale and luxurious to budget and quick, I prefer the budget sushi train option. Budget here doesn't mean bad, not at all, cheap sushi in Japan is still great sushi.
Conveyer belt sushi is great as there are so many options to choose from and you can control the price by how much you eat. It’s really fun to look at each plate pass by and to try out all the weird combos that you might see.
Daiki Suisan Kaiten Sushi Details
Location: Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−7−24 道頓堀ビル １F 四海樓
Phone: +81 66 214 1055
Opening Hours: 11:00AM - 11:00PM | Mon - Sun
Details About Dotonbori
Dotonbori is in the right in the heart of Osaka, Japan and is the epicenter for the Osaka street food scene. So many things to see, and eat it could take you days to explore all the nooks and crannies that this district has to offer.
Dotonbori extends beyond the main street as well with the surrounding area also being home to numerous clothing and cosmetic stores.
The area is typically at its peak during the late evening and night but some stores do open at around 11:00AM, however when you do visit, I would recommend you go during the late evening to get the full experience.
Location: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
Phone: +81 66 211 4542
Opening Hours: 24 Hours | Mon - Sun
How to get to Dotonbori
There are several methods to get to Dotonbori, it’s quite easy to get to actually. I would recommend by you go by train or taxi. If you are taking the train there are several stations that are within walking distance of the district. The nearest one being Namba station which you can get to by getting on the train along the Midosuji, Sennichimae, and Yotsubashi line.
Once you arrive at Namba station it is just a short walk away, about 5 minutes.
Dotonbori Hotels and Accommodation
APA Hotel Namba-Eki Higashi - Chain hotel with excellent quality and comfort
APA Hotel Namba Shinsaibashi Nishi - Same high quality chain hotel in a different location
JOYTEL HOTEL Namba-Dotonbori - Modern and comfy hotel near Dotonbori
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka Namba - Cozy and comfy hotel located in the center of Osaka
CANDEO HOTELS Osaka Shinsaibashi - Luxury hotel with a minimalist and oriental design
Looking for Things to Do in Osaka?
Osaka Amazing Pass - Enjoy must visit spots in Osaka hassle free
Universal Studios Japan Express Pass - Skip through long wait times at major attractions
Street Go Kart Experience - Ever wanted to play Mario Kart in real life?
Discounted Tickets - Browse a variety of attractions, tours, and transports all for a great price
Useful Resources for Traveling in Japan
Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Japan
Pocket Wi-Fi - Important for staying connected on the go
JR Rail Pass (Whole of Japan) - Easy , cheap, and unlimited access to JR transports
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