Holidays, Hellidays and the Journeys in between....: The Delightful Dontonbori

When in Osaka, we stay near Dontonburi so we can wander up for dinner each night (Namba station is a hub so perfect for day tripping too!).

I love this sign - they've doubled up on the mascots. 2 in 1. Billiken dressed as Kuidaore Taro.

While full of tourists, the lights dazzle and the cuisine delights.

There is an abundance of choice.

While you wander around looking for a restaurant, there are street foods to sample and plenty to look at.

There are plenty of blogs and reviews for the 'best' but we chose at random and were very happy each time.

Don't ignore the little side streets as there is much beauty tucked away just metres from the crowds.

Because of the kids, we missed out on the bars but they looked so cool and inviting.

There are even copies of the famous signs (that are nearby!!) and as much as I tried, I couldn't lure the kiddo onto the famous ferris wheel sign! (Ebisu Tower)

And so many Spidermans! If you have little kids, this is a great way to keep them entertained while walking - play Spiderman 'bingo'.

Or Cat bingo!

And also keep the eyes on the manholes....

Basically Dontonbori requires you to look up, look down and look all around - it's a sensory overload of colour and good times!

There's also plenty of other entertainments - you're not far from the Night Kabuki or other games and entertainments, even archery!

Osaka gets overlooked as just a stop for Universal studios, in favour of Tokyo or Kyoto but Osaka has a charm like no other city in Japan, you just have to stay long enough to be enchanted by it.