Hotels near Dotonbori

Dotonbori is the 500-metre canal-side strip of restaurants, bars, and oversized neon signs that defines Osaka in every guidebook photo. The Glico Running Man billboard (operating since 1935, the current LED version since 2014) is the city's most-photographed sign. Mechanical signs of giant crabs, blowfish, octopuses, and dragons crawl across the facades of competing restaurants - a tradition dating to the 1950s.

The street food along the canal is essential Osaka eating: takoyaki (octopus balls, 500-800 JPY per box), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes, 1200-1800 JPY), and kushikatsu skewers. The famous Kani Doraku restaurant chain originated here with the giant moving crab sign. The Ebisu Bridge crossing the canal is the densest selfie spot in Japan. The strip operates day and night but is at its electric best after sunset 18:00-23:00.

Pro Tip: For the best takoyaki, queue at Wanaka or Kukuru on the side streets rather than the main strip - same quality, half the wait. Take a Tonbori Riverwalk canal cruise (1500 JPY, 20 min) for a different angle on the neon.