- The Glico Billboard is a photo spot where travelers from all over the world gather
- What is the Glico Big Billboard (Glico Sign)?
- History of the Glico Sign
- Why is it so popular? Why is the Glico Sign so loved?
- Highlights and recommended photo spots
- Tips and tricks for enjoying the Glico Sign
- 🗣️ Foreign language signage
- ⏰ Estimated peak times for photography
- Access Information
- Summary of the Glico Sign in Dotonbori
The Glico Billboard is a photo spot where travelers from all over the world gather
When you think of Dotonbori, the Minami area of Osaka, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous signboard, the “Glico Sign .” With tourists from all over the world visiting the Osaka Expo, this iconic location is one of the “must-see” tourist spots.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of the Glico Sign, the reasons for its popularity, tourist attractions, and recommended photo spots!
What is the Glico Big Billboard (Glico Sign)?
The Glico Sign is a giant neon sign put up by the Osaka food manufacturer Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. , and is designed to depict a runner crossing the finish line. It is set up along the river near Ebisubashi Bridge in Dotonbori, Osaka, and the brightly colored neon lights at night captivate visitors.
History of the Glico Sign
| 時期 | event |
|---|---|
| 1935 | The first Glico sign appears (a neon sign using light bulbs) |
| 1955 | Colorization as the second generation |
| 1972 | Third generation, animation function introduced |
| 1982 | 4th generation, improved with brighter neon |
| 1998 | The fifth generation, a more three-dimensional LED type |
| 2014 | Renewed to the current 6th generation (high brightness LED + energy saving specifications) |
The latest, sixth generation model features entertaining designs for visitors, such as displaying famous Japanese sites throughout the four seasons in the background of the runners.
Why is it so popular? Why is the Glico Sign so loved?
1. A symbol of Osaka
As a symbol of Osaka’s vibrant atmosphere, a standard thing to do when you visit Dotonbori is to take a photo with the Glico sign.
2. Looks great on social media!
The Glico sign lit up at night is photogenic! The “#Glicopose” tag is also very popular on social media sites such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
3. High recognition overseas
It has been featured in many tourist guidebooks, YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms, and has now become a **global “photo spot.”**
Highlights and recommended photo spots
📸 Recommended photo spot 1: Ebisu Bridge
This is the best position to capture the Glico sign from the front. It’s a classic photo opportunity to strike the same “Glico pose” as the runners!
📸 Recommended photo spot 2: Dotonbori River Promenade “Tonbori River Walk”
You can enjoy a composition looking up from a low position across the river. At night, the neon signs are reflected on the water’s surface, creating a fantastical photo.
📸 Recommended photo spot 3: Near the Ferris wheel at Don Quijote Dotonbori store
If you want to capture the entire Glico sign and the hustle and bustle of Dotonbori together, this is the place to be. With a slightly diagonal shot, you can enjoy the Glico sign and the surrounding signs together.
Tips and tricks for enjoying the Glico Sign
- Is the “Glico pose” a universal language?
At the 2025 Osaka World Expo, many foreign tourists can be seen posing while shouting “Glico!” - The background scenery changes depending on the time of day!
The scenery that appears in the background also changes depending on the season or event. You can enjoy something different every time you go! - Be sure to check out the limited edition “candy-shaped Glico souvenirs.”
At the nearby “Dotonbori Glico Store,” you can find goods and sweets that can only be purchased here.
🗣️ Foreign language signage
Currently, tourist information centers in the Dotonbori area and surrounding areas have pamphlets and signs in multiple languages (English, Chinese, Korean). In particular, the Tombori River Walk and Glico Store offer the following services:
| language | Presence or absence of guidance | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| English | ○ | Photo shoot and route guidance available |
| Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) | ○ | Particularly popular with group tourists |
| Korean | ○ | Korean explanation panels are also available. |
| Japanese | ◎ | Fully supported |
Additionally, you can use the Osaka Tourism Bureau’s smartphone app “OSAKA GUIDE” to view explanations of the signs using AR!
⏰ Estimated peak times for photography
| Time Zone | Congestion level | remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (9:00-11:00) | ★★☆☆☆ | Relatively empty and highly recommended |
| Daytime (12:00-16:00) | ★★★★☆ | The time when tourists start to gather |
| Evening (17:00-19:00) | ★★★★★ | The place was crowded with people looking to see the sunset and neon lights. |
| 夜間（20:00～22:00） | ★★★★☆ | Many people are looking to post photos that will look good on social media. |
| Late night (after 23:00) | ★☆☆☆☆ | It’s empty but be careful of security. The neon lights are on until around midnight. |
Recommended time: Morning or around 8pm.This is the best time to enjoy the night view without the crowds.
Access Information
- 📍Address : 1-10-1 Dotonbori , Chuo-ku, Osaka (near the south end of Ebisubashi Bridge)
- 🚇Nearest station :
- 5 minutes walk from Namba Station on the Midosuji Subway Line
- 6 minutes walk from Nihonbashi Station on the Sakaisuji Subway Line
- 7 minutes walk from Nankai Electric Railway “Namba Station”
- 🕒Free viewing (outdoors) : Photography allowed 24 hours a day!
Summary of the Glico Sign in Dotonbori
The Glico Sign is more than just a signboard; it can be said to be the “face” of Osaka. If you are visiting the Osaka Expo, be sure to take a photo of yourself smiling here as a memento of your trip.
“Cross the finish line of your trip to Osaka together with the runners!”
