Shinsaibashi & Dotonbori Sights in Osaka

In our Japan itinerary, we set aside an afternoon and night to explore downtown Osaka.  The main attractions for us were Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori streets.  If it's your first time in Osaka, this must be in your itinerary, too.

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street is the famous shopping area in Osaka.  It's a roofed arcade that runs about a third of a mile (600 meters) long.  The covered arcade is a great way to familiarize yourself with Osaka's shopping and eating culture.  There are so many restaurants, cafes, and snack stops with Japanese, imported, and local-Osaka treats.


Further down the street is Dotonbori street - famous for local eats including okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) and takoyaki (octopus-battered balls).  The street is filled with so many signs and lights.  It's best to go at night to enjoy it all.  Plus, there are so many side streets to pop into and get lost. It was fun to discover hidden gems of restaurants and bars filling these streets.

Here are pictures of sights along the walkway of Shinsaibashi and through Dotonbori and its side streets.

If you can't see the slide show here, check out my Flickr album: Osaka Arcade and Doutonburi Eats