A free walk through the neon area of Dotonbori, the Glico sign and the illuminated canal.
The evening walk through Dotonbori is one of the most exciting and essential plans in Osaka. From nightfall, the canal and its banks transform into a spectacle of neon, illuminated signs and the smell of street food that envelops all the senses. The starting point and must-take photo is the Ebisubashi bridge, in front of the famous Glico runner sign, the city's most recognisable symbol since 1935. From there you can walk the riverside promenade east and west, flanked by restaurants with enormous sculptures on their facades: the giant crab of Kani Doraku, the octopus of Takoyaki Wanaka or the golden dragon over the river. Don't miss the small Hozenji Yokocho alley, with its moss-covered statue and its intimate izakayas. Entry to all this urban space is free; the spending is up to you at the food stalls. Allow at least two hours to wander unhurried. To get there, take the subway to Namba (Midosuji, Sennichimae or Yotsubashi lines) and follow the signs to the canal.
