Dotonbori, Osaka Travel Guide

Dotonbori, the dazzling heart of Osaka, has been a center of entertainment and commerce since the early 17th century. In 1612, Yasui Doton initiated a project to expand the Umezu River into a canal, linking it to the Kizugawa River and boosting trade. Although Doton died during the Siege of Osaka, his cousins completed the canal, naming it in his honor.In 1621, the Tokugawa Shogunate designated Dotonbori as Osaka's official entertainment district, attracting kabuki and bunraku theaters, restaurants, and teahouses. While the theater scene has diminished, the Shochikuza theater still hosts performances. Today, Dotonbori is renowned as a gastronomic paradise, embodying Osaka's *kuidaore* culture—eating until you drop.The district is famous for its eye-catching signage, including the iconic Glico Running Man. This advertisement, first erected in 1935, has become a beloved symbol of Osaka. Other notable signs include a giant pufferfish, an octopus, and the Kani Doraku crab. Visitors can stroll along the Tombori River Walk, take a river cruise, and explore the Ebisubashi-suji and Shinsaibashi-suji shopping streets. Dotonbori offers a mix of history, food, and entertainment, making it a unique destination.