Introduction
Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai are two unique tourist attractions that offer a taste of Osaka’s history and culture. Tsutenkaku Tower, first built in 1912, is Osaka’s most iconic tower and still retains its charm today. The Shinsekai area is an entertainment and dining district with a retro atmosphere developed in the Taisho era. By visiting this area, visitors can experience the atmosphere and vitality of good old Osaka.
The observatory at Tsutenkaku Tower offers a wonderful view of Osaka City. At night, beautiful illumination lights up the area, creating a romantic atmosphere. There is also a statue of “Billiken-san,” Osaka’s guardian deity, on the observation deck, which is said to bring good luck when touched.
The Shinsekai area is also famous for its diverse gourmet spots. Kushikatsu” in particular is a Shinsekai specialty, characterized by its crispy batter. Many kushikatsu stores line the streets, making it easy to enjoy eating your way through the area. Another attraction of Shinsekai is that visitors can enjoy Osaka’s unique food culture in a retro atmosphere.
Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai are definitely worth a visit when sightseeing in Osaka. In this area, you can feel the unique atmosphere of Osaka’s fusion of tradition and modernity. Enjoy the historical architecture, lively streets, and delicious food as you explore Osaka.
Places to visit
Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai are sightseeing spots that can be enjoyed throughout the year, but the best times to visit are spring and fall. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully and the warm weather is perfect for strolling. Autumn is the perfect season for sightseeing with its autumn leaves and pleasant temperatures. Summer offers many events, but you need to be prepared for the heat. In winter, illuminations are beautiful and you can enjoy strolling at night.
Major tourist attractions and popular spots
Tsutenkaku Tower
Tsutenkaku Tower is a symbolic tower representing Osaka. From the observatory, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of Osaka City, both during the day and at night. Especially at night, the illuminated Tsutenkaku Tower looks fantastic. There is also a statue of “Billiken-san,” the god of luck, on the observation deck, and it is said that if you touch it, your wish will come true.
Shinsekai
Shinsekai is an area with a retro atmosphere developed in the Taisho era. Many kushikatsu restaurants line the streets here, where visitors can enjoy crispy kushikatsu. Daruma” is especially famous and popular among tourists. Enjoy the unique atmosphere of Shinsekai while eating and walking around.
Tennoji Zoo
Tennoji Zoo is located near Shinsekai. Families can enjoy the zoo and interact with a variety of animals. There is also a beautiful garden in the zoo where you can spend a relaxing time.
Spa World
Spa World is a large-scale hot spring theme park. With areas themed around hot springs from around the world, visitors can relax and enjoy themselves all day long. Especially on a cold winter day, it is the perfect place to warm up your body in a warm hot spring.
Points to note at tourist attractions.
- Avoid crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends, holidays, and during events. We recommend visiting on weekday mornings or late afternoons.
- Weather Protection: Summers in Osaka can be very hot and winters can be cold. Be prepared to dress appropriately for the season. Especially in summer, remember to wear a hat, sunscreen, and drink plenty of water.
- Safety Measures: While the areas around tourist attractions are generally safe, avoid walking alone at night and choose areas with main streets and pedestrian traffic.
- Etiquette: Kushikatsu restaurants have a “no double dipping” rule. Please enjoy your meal with good manners.
Access
Access from Shin-Osaka Station
Access to Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai from Shin-Osaka Station is very convenient. First, take the Midosuji Subway Line from Shin-Osaka Station and get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station. The trip takes about 20 minutes. From Dobutsuen-mae Station, it is approximately a 5-minute walk to Tsutenkaku Tower and the Shinsekai area. Another route is to take the JR Osaka Loop Line from Shin-Osaka Station and get off at Shin-Imamiya Station. It takes about 5 minutes on foot from Shin-Imamiya Station as well.
Access from Namba Station
It is easy to access Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai from Namba Station. Take Midosuji Subway Line or Sennichimae Line and get off at “Dobutsuen-mae” station. It takes about 10 minutes. From Dobutsuen-mae Station, it takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach Tsutenkaku and the Shinsekai area. Another option is to take the JR Osaka Loop Line from JR Namba Station and get off at Shin-Imamiya Station. From Shin-Imamiya Station, it takes about 5 minutes on foot.
Access from Kansai International Airport
There are two ways to get to Tsutenkaku/Shinsekai from Kansai International Airport: by train or by bus. By train, take the Nankai Railway Airport Line and get off at Shin-Imamiya Station. The trip takes about 40 minutes, and from Shin-Imamiya Station, it takes about 5 minutes on foot to reach Tsutenkaku and the Shinsekai area. If you take a limousine bus, there is also a direct service to Namba Station. From Namba Station, as mentioned above, take the Midosuji Subway Line or Sennichimae Line and get off at “Dobutsuenmae Station”.
Gourmet
The Tsutenkaku/Shinsekai area is a great place to experience Osaka’s unique food culture. The area is home to many restaurants where you can enjoy many specialties, so be sure to stop by during your visit.
Kushikatsu
Kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets), synonymous with Shinsekai, is a gourmet dish that should never be missed in this area. Characterized by its crispy batter and juicy ingredients, it can be enjoyed easily. Daruma” in particular is a famous kushikatsu store that attracts many tourists. Enjoy them with plenty of their special sauce, which is not allowed to be dipped twice.
Fugu (blowfish) cuisine
There are many restaurants in Shinsekai that serve delicious fugu (blowfish) dishes. Fugu nabe (blowfish hot pot) and fugu sashimi are especially popular during the winter season. Fugu cuisine is recommended when you want to feel a little extravagant.
Okonomiyaki
Osaka is famous for its okonomiyaki. Shinsekai is lined with many okonomiyaki restaurants. Mitsuno’s is one of them, featuring a fluffy batter and a wide variety of ingredients. There are many variations of okonomiyaki, from simple to extravagant ones with many ingredients.
Doteyaki
Doteyaki is one of Osaka’s popular dishes, consisting of beef tenderloin stewed in miso paste. In Shinsekai, you can enjoy authentic Doteyaki at izakayas such as Yaekatsu. The rich miso flavor and tender beef tendon meat make it an excellent accompaniment to alcoholic beverages.
Retro cafes
Shinsekai is also dotted with cafes where you can enjoy a retro atmosphere. For example, at a café in “Janjan Yokocho,” you can enjoy an old-fashioned coffee shop menu. Take a break and enjoy coffee and sweets while enjoying the Showa-era atmosphere.
A gourmet experience in the Tsutenkaku/Shinsekai area is a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Osaka’s culinary culture. Enjoy the wide variety of cuisines and get a taste of what Osaka has to offer.
Summary
Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai are fascinating sightseeing spots where you can experience Osaka’s history and culture. Tsutenkaku Tower was first built in 1912 and continues to attract many tourists today as its iconic tower. From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy a wonderful view of Osaka city and beautiful illumination at night. The Shinsekai area also has a retro atmosphere from the Taisho era and is famous as a gourmet spot where visitors can enjoy specialty foods such as kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets).
Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai can be enjoyed all year round, but cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall are especially recommended. Major tourist attractions include Tsutenkaku’s observatory, Shinsekai’s kushikatsu restaurants, Tennoji Zoo, and Spa World.
The area offers a wide variety of gourmet delights. Kushikatsu (skewers) are synonymous with Shinsekai, and Daruma is particularly popular. You can also enjoy fugu (blowfish) dishes, okonomiyaki, and doteyaki.
Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai are places where you can enjoy delicious food and shopping while experiencing Osaka’s culture and history. When you visit Osaka, be sure to visit this area and enjoy its charms to the fullest.
