Osaka’s well-known and well-loved Minami district—at night!

Maido! Osaka Bob here!

Is everyone aware that I’ve been on Instagram since 2014? It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long, but recently I took a look through my pictures… And I’ve taken a lot!

There are so many pictures of Minami— that’s a district in the southern part of the city, which includes Namba and Dotonbori.

Perhaps the most recognizable landmark in Minami is the Glico Sign. It looks especially magnificent during the Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival, when the rowboats come by (The festival is held in July, however was cancelled in 2020 due to Covid. Let’s hope they will be able to hold it this year!)

The other thing I should mention is the quintessential Glico Man pose in front of the Glico Sign. You’ll definitely want a picture with the Glico Man and if you aren’t too embarrassed, you can pose like you’re running too.

Turn off the main streets into the tiny Hozenji Yokocho alleyway for a quieter yet charming look at this neighborhood. Little restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine line the alleys leading to Hozenji Temple. There is something magical about this area that feels a bit like stepping into a world of fantasy.

On the other side of Midosuji Boulevard, but still steps away from the Dotonbori Canal, you’ll notice 4 giant heads outside Dotonbori Hotel. Can we call them heads? Head feet? Headed feet columns?

Anyways, this is a fun place to take photos and there are lots of nice bars and restaurants in this neighborhood too!

Other important things to note about Dotonbori are that there are impressive signboards overhead. The animatronic crab at Kani Douraku, the huge dragon above Kinryu Ramen are just a taste of the fantastical billboards you can see in Dotonbori.

I’ve taken so many pictures in this neighborhood— it’s hard not to! Have a look at my instagram feed for more pictures that will give you a taste of what it’s like to be in Osaka!

👉https://www.instagram.com/osaka_bob/

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