Dotonbori in Osaka stands as a central attraction in the Namba area, consistently bustling with numerous tourists. While resembling Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon in appearance, Dotonbori exudes a livelier, more dynamic atmosphere compared to the serene ambiance of Cheonggyecheon.
“Commercial Districts Formed around Dotonbori”
Dotonbori is a small river flowing across the heart of Osaka’s downtown. Along the banks of this river, commercial districts have formed on both sides. Particularly around Dotonbori, there are many large buildings with prominent signs, turning the signs themselves into tourist attractions.
One notable sign is the Glico Man sign from the Glico company, where crowds can easily be found taking commemorative photos imitating the running pose with both hands raised towards the sky.
“Diverse Large Signs in Osaka Dotonbori”
In Dotonbori, you can find various other large signs. The Asahi Beer sign is also famous, and the moving Kani Doraku sign, mimicking a lively crab, is another well-known attraction. Additionally, characters like “Kuidaore Taro,” a boy joyfully beating a drum, are widely recognized in this area.
“The Origin of Dotonbori”
The history of Dotonbori dates back from the late Warring States period to the Edo period in Japan. It derives its name from a merchant named “Yasui Doton.” In 1582, as a reward for his contribution to the development of the Osaka Castle canal, he received the “southern land of Osaka Castle.” However, he tragically lost his life during the Summer Siege of Osaka (Osaka Campaign) while investing his wealth in canal development. The canal was later completed by his descendants, and it was named “Dotonbori” in his honor.
“Why Are There Large Signs in Dotonbori?”
Dotonbori is adorned with various large signs, a symbol of the economic boom in Japan during the 1980s. In the prosperous era before the “Lost 30 Years” of the Japanese economy, businesses started creating larger and more impressive signs to attract more customers with the remaining wealth. However, as the economy faced a downturn, it became challenging to continue producing such signs. Nevertheless, the signs created during that era still stand, making them iconic symbols of Dotonbori.
“Revisiting Dotonbori in 2023”
I had visited Dotonbori during my travels to Osaka in 2018. This time, while revisiting Osaka, I naturally found myself returning to Dotonbori multiple times, capturing the night and morning landscapes through photographs.
- Dotonbori Landscape in 2018: “Dotonbori,” the Center of Tourism in Osaka
There weren’t significant changes compared to my visit in 2018. Although Dotonbori was still lively in 2023, it felt slightly less crowded than before the COVID-19 pandemic. With the world transitioning into the post-COVID era, it’s anticipated that the demand for travel might increase again, showing signs of recovery compared to the past.
“Japan Osaka, Dotonbori”
- Address: 1 Chome, Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan
- Phone Number: +81 6-6211-4542
- Dotonbori Shopping Street Association Website: Dotonbori