[2025] 20 recommended spots in Dotonbori and Namba that you must visit when you come to Osaka!

If you visit Osaka, you can’t miss the Dotonbori and Namba areas. The area is filled with the bright neon Glico sign, lively restaurants, and entertainment spots unique to Osaka, attracting many travelers. This time, we have compiled recommended spots and access information so that even first-time visitors to Japan can enjoy themselves.

1. Access to Dotonbori and Namba areas

The Dotonbori/Namba area is located in the center of Osaka and has excellent access from major stations.

• Access from Kansai International Airport
  • Take the Nankai Electric Railway “Rapi:t β” and head to “Nankai Namba Station” in about 35 minutes.
  • Take the JR Kansai Airport Rapid Service to Shin-Imamiya Station, then transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Namba Station.
• Access from Shin-Osaka Station
  • Approximately 15 minutes to Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.
  • Transfer to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line from JR Osaka Station and it’s about a 10-minute ride.

2. Must-visit spots in Dotonbori and Namba

1. “Proof photo for your trip to Osaka!” Take a commemorative photo in front of the Glico sign and say cheese!

When you think of Dotonbori, you think of the Glico neon sign. Strike a pose for a photo from Ebisubashi Bridge (Hikkakebashi Bridge) with the neon-lit night cityscape as your backdrop, and your memories of your trip to Osaka will be even more special!

2. “Enjoy the water city of Osaka on a cruise” Tombori River Cruise

The 20-minute cruise down the Dotonbori River is a special experience that lets you enjoy Dotonbori from a different perspective than on the ground. You can spend a relaxing time learning about the history of Osaka while listening to the guide’s humorous commentary.

3. “Guaranteed to make you laugh!” Enjoy comedy at Namba Grand Kagetsu (NGK)

Osaka is known as the city of comedy! You can enjoy Japanese comedy culture to your heart’s content at the Yoshimoto Kogyo theater. Even if you don’t understand the language, the visual gags and reactions are enough to make you laugh, so it’s very popular with foreign tourists.

4. Experience history at Hozenji Yokocho, a hidden gem with a Showa-era feel

The stone-paved Hozenji Yokocho is a spot where you can feel the history and atmosphere of Osaka. After visiting the moss-covered Mizukake Fudoson, why not enjoy a quiet moment at a long-established izakaya or Japanese restaurant?

5. “View Osaka from an aerial walk!” Dotonbori Ferris Wheel Ebisu Tower

A unique Ferris wheel attached to the Don Quijote Dotonbori store. It’s a 15-minute flight away and offers a spectacular view of the Osaka cityscape.

6. Buy second-hand clothes at Americamura (Triangle Park), the “Harajuku of Osaka” !

A mecca for young people filled with unique fashion and street art. There are also many stylish cafes and vintage shops, so if you want to be ahead of the trends, this is the place to be!

7. Indulge in gourmet food at Kuromon Market, the “Gourmet Paradise”

Kuromon Market, known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” is filled with fresh seafood and wagyu beef, and is a great spot for eating while walking around, including skewers and sushi.

8. Get beautiful at Namba Parks, an “urban oasis”

A lush rooftop garden and shopping mall combine to create an urban oasis, a soothing space where you can relax between shopping trips.

9. A must-see for anime and game fans! Experience otaku culture at Den-Den Town

An area where you can experience Japanese pop culture, lined with electronics, anime and figure shops.

10. Hozenji Yokocho: Great for a night stroll

This is a spot with an adult atmosphere, with a fantastical alleyway lit by lanterns and lined with stylish izakayas and bars.

3. Gourmet spots where you can enjoy Osaka specialties

1. “Enjoy the finest broth!” Dotonbori Imai (Kitsune Udon)

A traditional Osaka udon restaurant. The specially made broth and sweetly simmered fried tofu are superb!

2. “Compare the authentic taste!” Takoya Dotonbori Kukuri (Takoyaki)

These takoyaki balls are fluffy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. They are also popular to eat dipped in Akashiyaki-style broth.

3. “No double dipping!” Enjoy a quick snack walk with Kushikatsu Daruma

The crispy fried kushikatsu goes perfectly with the sweet and spicy sauce. Perfect for eating on the go!

4. “Osaka specialty!” 551 Horai’s pork buns are a must-try

These juicy pork buns are the perfect souvenir from your trip to Osaka.

5. “Open until late at night!” A final bowl of Kinryu Ramen

Free all-you-can-eat kimchi and Chinese chives. The rich soup will warm your midnight stomach.

6. “The original taste!” Famous omurice restaurant Hokkyokusei

The birthplace of Japanese omurice. The fluffy eggs and rich sauce go perfectly together!

7. Dotonbori Jihei – Enjoy Osaka’s specialty “Tetchiri” puffer fish dish in Dotonbori

Enjoy Osaka’s luxury food, fugu. The taste is still great even at the new store!

8. “Fluffy and creamy texture!” Chibo’s okonomiyaki

A long-established restaurant where you can enjoy Osaka’s specialty okonomiyaki. A dish with a rich sauce and mayonnaise that goes perfectly with the dish.

9. “A new sensation of eating with dashi stock” Akashiyaki Takohachi

Akashiyaki is a fluffy batter dipped in soup that is different from takoyaki and is a must-try!

10. “A must-see for crab lovers!” A luxurious dinner at Kani Douraku Dotonbori main store

Look for the giant crab sign. This is a famous restaurant where you can enjoy fresh crab dishes.

4. Summary

The Dotonbori and Namba areas are attractive spots that offer sightseeing, gourmet food, and entertainment that are unique to Osaka. Even if it’s your first time visiting Japan, it’s an area that is easy to access and enjoy, so be sure to visit it during your trip to Osaka.