Dotonbori Canal, Iconic Glico Running Man & Ebisubashi Bridge

Category: Iconic Street Food & Vibrant Nightlife | Location: Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0071 (3-minute walk from Exit 14 of Namba Station on the Midosuji Line)

Excavated in 1612 by local merchant Yasui Doton during the dawn of the Edo period to link regional trade waterways, Dotonbori has evolved into western Japan’s most electric dining, entertainment, and nightlife promenade. Strolling along the pedestrian boardwalks flanking the Dotonbori Canal immerses visitors in a sensory wonderland illuminated by thousands of kinetic neon marquees and colossal 3D animatronic storefront sculptures—including the iconic waving red legs of the Kani Doraku crab, the mythical dragon plunging through Kinryu Ramen, and the beloved mechanical drumming doll Cui-daore Taro. The global centerpiece of Dotonbori is Ebisubashi Bridge, offering prime sightlines to the legendary 20-meter Glico Running Man billboard. First erected in 1935 by Ezaki Glico confectioners, this world-renowned athlete crossing an Olympic track finish line with triumphant outstretched arms has become an inescapable pop-culture pilgrimage where travelers mimic the iconic single-legged victory pose. Beyond dazzling photo opportunities, Dotonbori serves as the sacred heartland of Osaka’s "Kuidaore" ethos—the convivial civic philosophy of enthusiastically eating until pleasantly bankrupt with joy. Visitors can slip away into the lantern-lit cobblestone alleyway of Hozenji Yokocho to pour water over the moss-clad Mizukake Fudo deity, or board the open-top Tombori River Cruise for a breezy 20-minute water voyage piloted by witty Kansai-dialect guides.