Don Quijote Dotonbori — Attraction in Osaka

• Huge Selection & Great Location, But Accessibility is a Major Challenge*

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 Stars)

Don Quijote Dotonbori is truly an experience! This massive store lives up to its reputation with a staggering amount of products spread throughout the whole building – you can find almost anything here, from snacks and souvenirs to cosmetics and electronics. It's a shopper's labyrinth in the best way.

The location is unbeatable: right beside Shinsaibashi and within easy walking distance to the train station, making it incredibly convenient to visit, especially given how busy Dotonbori always is.

One unexpected highlight was their selection of high-end used purses and watches. The quality and brands available were impressive, and it's something I haven't seen in their Hong Kong stores – definitely worth a look for luxury finds.

However, significant drawbacks exist, especially for families or those needing accessibility:

Not Stroller/Wheelchair Friendly (Despite Accessibility): While technically accessible, navigating with a baby stroller or wheelchair is extremely difficult. The store is very tight throughout, making maneuvering a stroller a constant challenge. Elevator Woes: There's only one elevator, and the wait times are very long. If you plan on visiting multiple floors with a stroller, forget about it being efficient. We resorted to carrying both the baby and the folded stroller up and down the stairs – only feasible if you're strong enough. This severely impacts the experience for anyone not fully mobile. Missed the Ferris Wheel: Unfortunately, the Ferris wheel right at the front of the store was closed during our visit around 8:30 PM, so we couldn't experience that.

Overall: Don Quijote Dotonbori is iconic, chaotic, and packed with unique finds at a great location. It earns 4 stars for the sheer product range, convenience, and the surprising luxury second-hand section. However, be warned: if you require easy accessibility, use a wheelchair, or are visiting with a baby stroller, prepare for significant challenges navigating the crowded, tight aisles and facing impractical elevator waits. Visit if you're mobile and ready for the bustle, but families with young children or those needing accessibility aids should manage...

I received the worst service ever in this chemist. Went there a couple of days ago and tonight, despite the constant crowds there which I do not have problem with, I was served by the same European looking shop assistant at the tax return counter. First time when I went there, I was enquiring him how the returned tax was worked out for my two receipts and instead of him showing me what the calculation was, he only replied me with this exact following wording 'The tax return was 8%, not 18%!' I was a bit shocked with the service but later I started to think he might just have a bad night that night. The second time when I went there, after the tax return, I went to an empty register at the corner with a bench to put my passport and cash away. There was a pen lying freely on the bench. The pen was for customers to sign their receipts anyway and since other staff were so busy serving customers and I was not attended by any staff when I stood there, I did not ask if I was able to borrow the pen and used it. This same shop assistant came from no where when I started writing and took my pen and put it to the pen holder on the cash register machine then said: This is not your pen, don't self serve yourself!' I explained to him that I was not able to ask to borrow the pen since the register was unattended and at the corner, he then unwillingly allowed me to take the pen again from the pen holder. I do not understand how the service there could be lowered to this standard....Where is Japanese 'Omotenashi'? It is only sensible that there will be no thorough services during busy time from Japanese shops especially chemists in popular tourist spots (Being a regular traveller in Japan I received excellent customer services else where like department stores, electrical shops and restaurants even small ones in Japan though) but at least as a customer, I clearly know the minimum is that I do not deserve to take such attitude from a shop staff. I highly encourage any of your opinions or sharing the same customer service experiences to help other customers make their decision of choosing which...

Don Quijote Dotonbori is a must-visit shopping destination in Osaka, offering an incredible range of products at competitive prices. Open 24 hours, it's perfect for late-night shopping after exploring the vibrant Dotonbori area. The store is packed with everything from Japanese snacks and cosmetics to electronics, souvenirs, and even luxury items.

Must-buy items:

Japanese snacks and sweets – A paradise for food lovers! Stock up on matcha-flavored KitKats, Tokyo Banana, Pocky, Shiroi Koibito cookies, and unique Japanese chips. Beauty and skincare products – Don Quijote offers a wide selection of popular Japanese brands like Shiseido, SK-II, Hada Labo, and Biore at reasonable prices. Face masks, sunscreens, and hair products are must-buys. Medicated and health products – Japanese pain relief patches (Salonpas), eye drops (Rohto), and digestive aids (Eisai Chocola BB) are popular among travelers. Electronics and gadgets – Look for unique and affordable Japanese electronics, including portable fans, USB gadgets, and travel-friendly rice cookers. Souvenirs and traditional items – Get your hands on cute keychains, lucky charms, chopsticks, and washi paper products. Anime and character merchandise – A great place for anime lovers to find collectible figurines, plushies, and themed stationery featuring Pokémon, One Piece, and Studio Ghibli characters. Luxury goods – Don Quijote surprisingly offers a selection of second-hand luxury bags, watches, and accessories from brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Rolex.

While the store has great deals and a tax-free counter for tourists, it can get crowded, especially in the evenings. The aisles are narrow, so be prepared for a bit of a maze-like shopping experience. If you want a more relaxed visit, go early in the morning.

Overall, Don Quijote Dotonbori is a fun and exciting shopping stop that truly has something for everyone. Whether you're hunting for souvenirs, Japanese beauty products, or just exploring the quirky and unique items, it’s a place you...