For most people who are planning a trip to Osaka, they will undoubtedly add the Gilco Man at Dotonbori and Universal Studio and the jolly clown Kuidaore Taro into their sightseeing and exploration itinerary.

Almost every traveler knows or hears about the huge billboard of the Glico Man running on a sky blue race rack. It is hung at a building along the Dontonbori river overlooking the forever busy Dontonbori bridge. Locals and tourists swamped the bridge and took pictures with the Gilco Man which is said to be an unofficial mascot of Dontonbori (not confirmed).

Let’s talk about the historical facts of this famous landmark in Osaka: Gilco, the Japanese food manufacturer of Pocky and Pretz first erected this Gilco Man advertisement billboard in 1935. Pretz and Pocky have become kids favorite snacks since they were introduced in 1963 and 1966 respectively.

The Glico Man's joyful appearance and its running pose have become an iconic image of energy and happiness. This landmark billboard has captured the hearts of Osakans and tourists alike for 84 years since it first erected in 1935. Almost no one can resist the temptation of not taking a photograph or a selfie with the Gilco Man at Dontonbori. It can be said that a tourist has not been to Osaka if they return home without a symbolic photo or selfie with the Gilco Man.

The Gilco Man billboard will be lit up 30 minutes after sunset every night. This lighting up definitely adds flare to the already sumptuously beautiful night scene at Dontonbori.

Apart from posing at the usual photo spot on the bridge, you can try out several other photo locations: Go up the yellow steps to the viewing platform beside H&M. Or go down the steps to the opposite side of the Gilco Man and take a photo with the full size billboard behind you. Usually this spot is more quiet and less frequented by tourists.

Dotonbori is a lively and exciting place where people can explore numerous restaurants and bars enjoy their gourmet odyssey. When night falls Dontonbori is filled with bright neon signs; the whole area becomes energetic and dynamic with people visiting clubs, bars, and restaurants serving local cuisines.

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, a 4 mins walk from the Gilco Man sign, is a well known roofed shopping arcade with a history of 380 years. There are numerous shops for people to satisfy their shopping spree adventure. Shops include western clothing and footwear retailers, fashion boutiques, restaurants and fast food outlets, jewelers, and many more. You can also visit the popular Parco department store and Daimaru department store located near the end of the shopping street. If you are a Pokémon fan, do stop by Pokémon cafe at 9/F Daimaru. Reservation is strongly recommended but it is difficult to reserve a table.

While you are in Dontonbori, spare some time to try the two most popular snacks: okonomiyaki and takoyaki. Osaka is also famous for fried chicken skewers and other fried food, there are plenty of restaurants for you to choose from. Kushikatsu Daruma - Dotonbori (the most popular eatery specializing in fried food) have few branches in Dontonbori and Shinsekai. But the original main shop is at Dontonbori. You cannot miss this restaurant cause you find either long queues in front of the restaurant or the big signature chef figurine positioned outside the restaurant. When the skewer set are served in the counter, you only dip your skewers in the sauce once. This is mainly for hygienic reason. However if you really want to dip the sauce twice, use the lettuce to scoop up some more sauce onto your plate.

Last but not least go shopping at Donki and ride the Ferris wheel for fun. You won’t regret it. Unfortunately the day we went, the Ferris wheel was closed due to routine maintenance. Disappointed.

You can easily spend a whole day exploring, eating and shopping in Dontonbori. Just have fun and spend money.