The city of Osaka is known as one of the gastronomy spots of Japan, and most of its restaurants are concentrated in the streets of Dotonbori. Along the Dotonbori river there’s a large number of restaurants, huge billboards and flashy neon lights to get you distracted every second you’re walking down the streets. At the end of the article you’ll find a short video filmed with my GoPro Hero 3 on the main street of Dotonbori. Not only Dotonbori is about food an amusement, keep reading to find about Hozenji temple in the backstreets of this entertaining district.
Biggest food billboards can be seen in Dotonbori area, Osaka.
Dotonbori
Main spot for tourists searching for amusement in Osaka. Plenty of souvenir shops, entertainment options and restaurants. The neon signs all along the canal and the chants of the streets make it even better when the sun goes down. To get to Dotonbori, drop off at Namba station, less than five minute walk.
Dotonbori canal, back from the main streets of Dotonbori area.
Dotonbori by day is also impressive, even without all the neon lights.
Shochiku-za
The kabuki theatre in Dotonbori, known as the Arc de Triomphe of Dotonbori. Many programs take place all year, with impressive stages, using all the ancient devices brought to modern day, like Japan’s fastest revolving stage, or an elevating platform. The Schochiku-za is not the only entertainment in Dotonbori, were many other types of theatres and shows take a spot in the area.
Kabuki theatre Shochiku-za at the entry of Dotonbori main streets, Osaka.
Gourmet town
In Dotonbori area, the restaurant options are vast. Going into any restaurant will guarantee a full stomach, but try to be smart and check different options first, as many prices can be touristy rise. Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, fugu fish and kushikatsu (deep fried skewers) are amongst the many specialities to try in Dotonbori. Have you tried any of these specialities? or wish to know more? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below the article.
Biggest food billboards can be seen in Dotonbori area, Osaka.
Tourists can observe how Takoyaki are made in Dotonbori.
Biggest food billboards can be seen in Dotonbori area, Osaka.
If can’t decide by the billboards in Dotonbori, many restaurants have plastic version of their dishes at the entrance.
Weirdest souvenirs can be found in Dotonbori, or cookies.
Billiken has a small statue in Dotonbori. The big Billiken is in Shinsekai, also in Osaka.
Hozenji Yokocho
Dive into the side streets of Dotonbori to find the small temple hidden in the area. Famous for the Fudo-myo statue at the altar, covered in moss. The stone paved streets and the temple hidden here makes you forget the fast-pace live out on the main streets.
Walking through the backstreets of Dotonbori area.
Hozenji temple in Dotonbori area, Osaka.
Hozenji temple in Dotonbori area, Osaka.
Hozenji temple in Dotonbori area, Osaka.
Yokozuna kushikatsu restaurant in the backstreets of Dotonbori area.
Yokozuna kushikatsu restaurant in the backstreets of Dotonbori area.
Kushikatsu Daruma has many franchises in Osaka, search for the “angry” guy.
Kushikatsu, a speciality to taste in Osaka.
Wandering around modern Dotonbori area.
Biggest food billboards can be seen in Dotonbori area, Osaka.
Travel photographer and journalist. Degree in Tourism management and master's degree in Travel Journalism. Lived and studied in Tokyo for more than 2 years, where I started my blog Hype in Tokyo. I kept the name from that period in Tokyo for my travel projects as a memento of where it all started. 
