Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi Food Walk Course

Osaka is known as the city where you eat until you drop. This half-day plan centers on a food walk, tasting famous dishes beneath the flashy signs of Dotonbori and enjoying some shopping in Shinsaibashi. The route takes about five hours, so come with an empty stomach.

Course Route

11:00 Start at Dotonbori Begin your stroll at Dotonbori, lined with photogenic spots such as the Glico sign and the giant crab of Kani Doraku.

11:30 Snack on takoyaki Start with takoyaki, an Osaka specialty. Crispy outside and soft inside, enjoy them piping hot as you walk along the river.

12:30 Lunch with okonomiyaki Sit at the griddle and watch your okonomiyaki cook right in front of you. The savory aroma of the sauce is irresistible.

14:00 Shopping in Shinsaibashi Suji Head to the covered Shinsaibashi Suji shopping street. Browse a variety of shops selling everything from fashion to goods.

15:30 A break with kushikatsu End the food walk with kushikatsu. Follow the no double-dipping rule and enjoy the freshly fried, crispy skewers.

16:00 Cruise on the Dotonbori sightseeing boat Finish with a sightseeing boat along the Dotonbori River, taking in the streetscape from the water and soaking up the afterglow of a lively day.

Highlights

- The famous signs of Dotonbori including the Glico sign - Authentic flour-based dishes like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu - The covered Shinsaibashi Suji arcade, reassuring even on rainy days - The Dotonbori river cruise for views from the water

Access and Tips

- The Namba or Shinsaibashi subway stations are the nearest, and both are very close - For a food walk, the trick is to share small portions across many shops - Weekends and nights get crowded, so weekday afternoons are calmer - Carrying small wet wipes is handy for eating on the go

A Quick Tip

The way to enjoy this course is to try many shops a little at a time rather than eating a lot at once. When eating while walking, be considerate of others and stop at designated spots to enjoy your food.