Shinsekai (“New World”) is one of Osaka’s most iconic sightseeing areas. Centered around the famous Tsutenkaku Tower, this retro neighborhood offers a nostalgic charm and the lively atmosphere of Osaka’s traditional downtown. From local gourmet food to fun experiences, there’s plenty to explore! In this guide, we’ll also introduce nearby attractions such as Tennoji Zoo and Abeno Harukas, making it the perfect itinerary for a full day in southern Osaka.

Located in Osaka’s Naniwa Ward, Shinsekai is a retro downtown district and one of the city’s most famous sightseeing spots. The area was developed as an entertainment district on the site of the 1905 Industrial Exposition, which showcased Japan’s industries to the public. Today, its lively Jan-Jan Yokocho, lined with restaurants featuring flashy neon signs, is often used as a filming location for movies and TV dramas.

■ Shinsekai’s Symbol: Tsutenkaku Tower

Originally built in 1912, Tsutenkaku Tower is Shinsekai’s most iconic landmark. Its design combines elements of the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, and it was once the tallest structure in Japan. Although the original tower was dismantled after a fire in 1943, the current second-generation Tsutenkaku was rebuilt in 1956 and continues to stand proudly as a symbol of Osaka

■ Nighttime Exploration Recommended

When the sun goes down, Shinsekai transforms into a dazzling wonderland of bright neon lights and colorful restaurant signs illuminating the streets. Tsutenkaku Tower is also beautifully lit up at night, with its colors and designs changing according to the season or special events. Many restaurants in the area stay open until around 10 p.m., so if you have the chance, be sure to experience the vibrant nightlife of Shinsekai!

Here are some examples of how to get to Shinsekai from major tourist areas in Osaka:

■ From Osaka Station / Umeda Station

JR Loop Line: Osaka Station → Shin-Imamiya Station ( 6 min walk from the East Exit)

Osaka Metro Midosuji Line: Umeda Station → Dobutsuen-mae Station (6 min walk from Exit 1)

■ From Namba Station

Osaka Metro Midosuji Line: Namba Station → Dobutsuen-mae Station (6 min walk from Exit 1)

JR Yamatoji Line: Namba Station → Shin-Imamiya Station (6 min walk from the East Exit)

■ From Dotonbori

Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line: Nipponbashi Station → Ebisucho Station (7 min walk from the South Gate)

Taking a taxi will get you there in about 10 minutes.

▶If you’re traveling from Kansai International Airport to Osaka Umeda, check out this article

Inside the approximately 108-meter-tall Tsutenkaku Tower, there are plenty of fun attractions to enjoy! Start on the first floor, where you can admire the reconstructed ceiling mural of the original Tsutenkaku. The retro design from 1912 is definitely worth seeing!

■Enjoy the city view from the observation decks

Tsutenkaku has two main observation decks with distinct atmospheres. The “Observation Deck of Light” on the 4th floor (84 meters high) transforms into a club-like space at night, featuring colorful lighting and mirror balls. The “Golden Observation Deck” on the 5th floor (87.5 meters high) gleams entirely in gold.

For an extra fee, you can head up the stairs from the 5th floor to the outdoor “Tenbo Paradise” deck, where you can enjoy the breeze and panoramic views. Thrill-seekers shouldn’t miss the “TIP THE TSUTENKAKU,” a glass platform extending about 5.4 meters outward—perfect for an unforgettable experience!

■Featured Attraction: Tower Slider

One must-try attraction at Tsutenkaku is the “Tower Slider,” which opened in 2022. Starting from a height of 22 meters, this 60-meter-long slide takes you on a thrilling 10-second ride that spirals around the outside of the elevator tower before reaching the basement level. After purchasing a ticket on the B1 floor, take the elevator to the 2nd floor and climb the spiral staircase to the 3rd floor to reach the entrance.

Tsutenkaku also has floors where you can learn about the tower’s history and shop for souvenirs, so take time to explore if your schedule allows. On the 5th floor, don’t miss meeting Billiken, the tower’s pointy-headed guardian deity of good luck!

■Estimated visit time

Around 1 to 1.5 hours
The duration may vary depending on how long you stay and the waiting time.

■Advance reservations recommended

To avoid waiting in line, it’s best to reserve your entry time online in advance. Same-day reservations are available until 6:30 p.m.

■Kushikatsu – The Signature Dish of Shinsekai

Kushikatsu is one of Japan’s most popular deep-fried dishes, made by skewering meat, vegetables, or seafood, coating them in breadcrumbs, and frying them until golden brown. In Shinsekai, you’ll find kushikatsu restaurants lined up one after another. The local classic — and the dish that started it all — is beef kushikatsu, so be sure to order it first!

There’s also one very important rule: “no double dipping.” Each table shares a common sauce container, and for hygiene reasons, dipping your skewer into the sauce after taking a bite is strictly prohibited. Every restaurant has its own batter, sauce, and ingredients, so it’s fun to hop from shop to shop and taste the differences.

■Doteyaki

A beloved Osaka soul food, doteyaki is made by simmering beef tendon and konnyaku (yam cake) in a rich miso and mirin sauce for hours until tender. The name comes from the cooking method, where miso is spread along the edge of the pot like a “dote” (embankment). Its sweet and savory flavor makes it perfect as a side dish for drinks or rice. In Shinsekai, doteyaki is just as popular as kushikatsu — many kushikatsu restaurants serve both, so don’t miss trying them together!

■Mixed Juice

A thick, creamy blend of fruit and milk, mixed juice is a nostalgic Kansai favorite. It originated in 1948 at a fruit shop that later became the café Sennariya Coffee in Shinsekai, where ripe fruits were blended and served fresh to customers. While you can now find mixed juice throughout Japan, it was long considered a Kansai-only classic. When visiting Shinsekai, stop by Sennariya Coffee and enjoy the original mixed juice where it all began!

■Enjoy Retro Games at “Smart Ball New Star”

Smart Ball is a nostalgic Japanese arcade game where you pull a lever to launch small steel balls onto a board filled with pins, aiming for holes marked with points. The total score determines the prizes you can win, such as snacks or small toys. It’s a simple yet addictive game — once you start playing, you might find it hard to stop!

■Try Classic Festival Shooting at “Hihokan Honten”

At Hihokan Honten, you can experience “shateki,” a traditional Japanese festival game where players shoot cork bullets from an air gun to knock down prizes like candy or toys. With an 11-meter-long counter — one of the largest in Japan — this shop lets you enjoy shateki anytime. You can also try throwing real metal shuriken (ninja stars) at targets for a fun and easy ninja experience!

■Test and Buy Authentic Japanese Knives at “Tower Knives”

Tower Knives specializes in handcrafted Japanese knives made by skilled artisans, along with a variety of other cutting tools. Visitors can try out many of the knives at the in-store test area to feel the sharpness firsthand. The shop has multilingual staff who speak English, French, Chinese, Spanish, and Korean, and offers tax-free shopping for international visitors with a valid passport.

■Affordable and Fascinating “Tennoji Zoo”

Opened in 1880, Tennoji Zoo is one of Japan’s oldest and most family-friendly zoos. It’s home to around 1,000 animals across 200 species, housed in spacious enclosures designed to mimic their natural habitats. One of the highlights is the polar bear exhibit located at the south end of the zoo — a must-see for visitors of all ages!

■Enjoy Panoramic Views from “Abeno Harukas”

Standing tall in front of Tennoji Station, Abeno Harukas is a 300-meter-high skyscraper complex featuring a department store, restaurants, an art museum, and a hotel. From the observatory deck “Harukas 300,” you can take in sweeping views of Osaka City, Awaji Island, and even the Rokko Mountains on clear days.

■Relax at “Spa World: Onsen from Around the World”

Spa World is a massive relaxation complex offering 17 types of hot springs inspired by 12 countries, from Asia to Europe. Visitors can also enjoy saunas, stone baths, esthetic treatments, and relaxation lounges. There’s even a large indoor pool, making it perfect for families. The facility includes a hotel with everything from standard rooms to luxury suites — and overnight guests can enjoy full access to all spa, sauna, and pool areas.

With its retro charm, colorful streets, and nostalgic atmosphere, Shinsekai offers a completely different experience from other areas of Osaka. Conveniently located near both Umeda and Namba, it’s an easy and fun destination to add to your Osaka itinerary!

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