Good Old Times In Dotonbori

2019.05.13

Written by: 조 세희（CHO SEHEE）

A little alley called Ukiyo Koji…

● A little alley called Ukiyo Koji…

Among the many charming spots in Dotonbori, you’ll find a little alley called Ukiyo Koji… And unlike the bustling streets of the main Dotonbori drag, this narrow walkway is quiet and quaint and lined with lanterns and art that will take you on a time trip to Osaka’s past.

Old-fashioned artworks show images of daily life from the Taisho era to the early years of Showa. Images of drinking establishments, the many theaters and busy streets are so very retro! From past to present, Dotonbori has been and still is an entertainment district. It’s fun to look at the history of the area through art and imagine how it must have evolved over the years. We recommend using the alley entrance on the Dotonbori-suji side so you can take a look around and then take a look inside.

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Another fun thing you’ll discover inside the alleyway is a miniature shrine to a miniature figure from Japanese fairytale land. Issunboshi is a very well-known character who was famously small, measuring in at about 3 centimeters. Throughout his adventures, he rode in a little boat made from a bowl and paddled along with a chopstick. And according to the story here, this little guy traveled right up the Dotonbori canal in his makeshift boat. Get some of his special luck with a ¥100 fortune, and take a peak behind these little wooden doors to see Issunboshi in his boat and other characters from his story.

Ukiyo Koji is only about 20 meters long and about 1 meter wide so it’s easy to miss. Look for the popular udon shop Imai (今井) on the corner. Enjoy your trip back in time. And don’t forget to pop around the corner to the Hozenji Yokocho alley too!