Dotonbori is the part of Osaka commonly referred to as "Minami," literally "south" in Japanese. This area is a hub for youth culture and new trends. It's also a really popular sightseeing spot for foreign tourists. All of the signs here are huge, from Glico, with its iconic pose that's synonymous with Osaka itself, to Kani Doraku, Osaka Ohsho, Kinryu Ramen, and Meiji's Karl. In front of Don Quijote is the large ferris wheel, Ebisu Tower. At night, all of the neon lights shine, and the area is filled with life no matter where you look. Dotonbori is the name of a river that stretches 2.7 km, with over 10 small bridges such as Aiai Bridge and Ebisu Bridge, each with names that come with their own unique stories. The Tombori River Cruise is a popular activity in recent years, where the guide shares this sort of trivia and sightseeing info as you actually traverse the undersides of these bridges. Also well-known as a mascot of Osaka, Kuidaore Taro. Japanese marching bands have watched over Dotonbori for over half a century and continue to bring smiles to visitors even now.