[Shinsekai Travel Guide] Enjoy Tsutenkaku and the Bustling Shopping Streets!

[Shinsekai Travel Guide] Enjoy Tsutenkaku and the Bustling Shopping Streets!

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP

Shinsekai is a must-visit destination where you can experience the unique sights and flavors of Osaka. No trip to Osaka is complete without a stop in this iconic district, known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food.
With countless attractions, just strolling through the neon-lit streets lined with flashy signs can be an experience in itself. However, there’s so much more to Shinsekai than meets the eye.
For first-time visitors, this guide will help you make the most of your time, ensuring you fully immerse yourself in the culture, food, and excitement of Shinsekai. Read through before your Osaka adventure and get ready to explore like a pro!

What is Shinsekai?

Located in Naniwa Ward, Osaka, the bustling area around Ebisuhigashi 1-chome to 3-chome is known as Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s most iconic tourist destinations.

The district traces its origins back to 1912, when an amusement park was built around Tsutenkaku Tower, with the vision of creating a new tourist hub inspired by both Paris and New York—hence the name "Shinsekai" (New World).

Even today, Tsutenkaku remains a symbol of Osaka, drawing crowds alongside other nostalgic attractions like Jan-Jan Yokocho, a lively alley packed with retro charm, and Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street, which offers some of the best views of the tower.

Shinsekai is filled with authentic, deep Osaka experiences. From historic eateries serving local specialties to traditional cafés, souvenir shops, quirky knick-knack stores, and classic game centers, the district is a vibrant mix of old and new Osaka culture.

With its retro atmosphere, rich culinary scene, and the towering presence of Tsutenkaku, Shinsekai is a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Osaka.

Take a memorable photo along the streets lined with flashy Osaka-style signs and decorations.
Take a memorable photo along the streets lined with flashy Osaka-style signs and decorations.
Explore nostalgic alleyways that capture the retro charm of old Osaka.
Explore nostalgic alleyways that capture the retro charm of old Osaka.

How to Get to Shinsekai

Shinsekai is easily accessible from JR Osaka Station, one of the main transportation hubs for sightseeing in Osaka.
Simply take the Osaka Loop Line from JR Osaka Station and get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station. Exit from Exit 1, and you’ll find Shinsekai right in front of you.
Travel time: Approximately 20 minutes.

Start with the Classics! How to Enjoy Shinsekai

If it’s your first time visiting Shinsekai, follow these suggestions to fully immerse yourself in the district’s vibrant atmosphere. Embrace the retro charm and lively energy, and you're sure to experience everything that makes Shinsekai so special.

1. Take in the Iconic View of Tsutenkaku and the Giant Signboards

The bold and colorful scenery of Shinsekai, featuring Tsutenkaku Tower and its quirky, oversized signboards, is one of Osaka’s most famous sights.

One of the must-see attractions is the giant Nebuta-style signboard outside a famous kushikatsu restaurant. Standing at 5 meters tall and 20 meters wide, this massive display showcases vibrant depictions of sumo wrestlers, tigers, and kabuki actors. At night, the illuminated signs bring the entire district to life with dazzling colors.

Other eye-catching landmarks include a massive octopus sign and a giant statue of Billiken, the “God of Good Luck and Prosperity.”

When visiting Shinsekai, be sure to snap a memorable photo at Tsutenkaku Hondori Shopping Street, where many of these iconic sights come together!

Take a memorable photo with Osaka’s iconic scenery as your backdrop!
Take a memorable photo with Osaka’s iconic scenery as your backdrop!

2. Enjoy a Panoramic View of Osaka from Tsutenkaku

Standing 108 meters tall, Tsutenkaku Tower is one of Osaka’s most iconic landmarks, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The tower consists of five above-ground floors and a basement level, with its main observation deck located 87.5 meters above ground. The 5th floor houses the "Golden Observation Deck", beautifully adorned in gold, along with the famous Billiken statue—a good luck deity said to bring fortune to those who rub the soles of its feet.

A visit to Tsutenkaku is a must for anyone exploring Shinsekai, offering stunning panoramic views of Osaka's cityscape from above!

A 108-meter-tall observation tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and one of Osaka’s most iconic landmarks.
A 108-meter-tall observation tower, inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and one of Osaka’s most iconic landmarks.

3. Savor Osaka’s Best Street Food at Historic Eateries

Shinsekai is home to many long-established restaurants that have been deeply rooted in the local community for years. When it comes to enjoying Osaka’s culinary scene in Shinsekai, must-try dishes include kushikatsu, horumon-yaki, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki. In addition to these classic Osaka flavors, the area is also known for unique specialties such as stew udon, beef fillet cutlet sandwiches, onion oden, and mixed juice. Another distinctive dish is ano-ne maki, a sushi roll without rice, as well as yudofu, a simple yet satisfying hot tofu dish that offers great value for money.

What makes Shinsekai even more appealing is that not only is the food delicious, but it is also available at incredibly affordable prices. With so many dining options, it’s hard to go wrong when choosing a place to eat. Whether you're strolling through the streets for a casual bite or indulging in a night of food and drinks, Shinsekai is a true haven for food lovers, offering an unforgettable taste of Osaka’s rich culinary culture.

Plenty of restaurants serving classic Osaka specialties.
Plenty of restaurants serving classic Osaka specialties.
Explore long-established local eateries that have been part of the community for generations.
Explore long-established local eateries that have been part of the community for generations.

Enjoy Osaka’s Best Dishes at Historic Restaurants! 4 Must-Visit Eateries in Shinsekai

As mentioned in our Shinsekai Travel Guide, this vibrant district is packed with iconic eateries serving some of the best Osaka specialties.
If you’re unsure where to go, check out these four highly popular restaurants that capture the essence of Shinsekai’s food culture!

1. Osaka Shinsekai Original Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store

Founded in 1929, just off Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka's landmark. The main store of "Kushikatsu Daruma", which operates mainly in Osaka city.
Kushikatsu is fried in Daruma's special original cooking oil making it light and easy to eat and does not cause stomach upsets like many heavy deep fried dishes can. The breadcrumbs used for the batter are very fine, thin and crispy. There are approximately 40 types of Kushikatsu available including beef, pork, shrimp, tomatoes, onions, and Shiitake mushrooms. The freshly fried Kushikatsu can be dipped in Daruma’s famous special sauce, which has taken many years to develop and perfect.

A famous restaurant serving Kushikatsu, one of the most popular Osaka gourmet foods.
A famous restaurant serving Kushikatsu, one of the most popular Osaka gourmet foods.

2. Japan Ichi no Kushikatsu Yokozuna Tsutenkaku Branch

Located just a 3-minute walk from Tsutenkaku Tower, Yokozuna Tsutenkaku stands out with its bold exterior decorated with Billiken statues, sumo wrestler illustrations, and traditional lanterns.
This lively eatery offers over 50 varieties of kushikatsu, one of Osaka’s most iconic local delicacies. Each skewer is carefully crafted using premium ingredients, crispy batter, and high-quality oil, then fried to perfection. The signature sauce, perfected through trial and error, has a mildly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the skewers.

A kushikatsu restaurant featuring Shinsekai’s largest banquet hall, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.
A kushikatsu restaurant featuring Shinsekai’s largest banquet hall, perfect for gatherings and celebrations.

3. Jumbo Tsuribune Tsurikichi

Located just a 1-minute walk from Tsutenkaku Tower, this unique entertainment restaurant offers an exciting combination of fishing and dining.
At the heart of the restaurant, you'll find three massive boat-shaped seating areas, surrounding an enormous 120-ton fishing pond. Here, you can reel in live fish such as sea bream and pufferfish, experiencing the thrill of fishing like a true fisherman. Once you've caught your fish, the chefs will prepare it in your preferred style—sashimi, tempura, sushi, or grilled—ensuring the freshest and most satisfying meal possible.

Enjoy both fishing and dining in this one-of-a-kind entertainment restaurant!
Enjoy both fishing and dining in this one-of-a-kind entertainment restaurant!

4. Sennariya Coffee

Founded in 1948, Sennariya Coffee is the legendary birthplace of mixed fruit juice, a staple in Osaka's kissaten (traditional cafés). The drink was first created by Ichiro Tsunekawa, the café’s original owner, who initially ran a fruit shop. Shortly after opening the café, he sought a way to use overripe fruits that could no longer be sold, leading to the invention of Osaka’s now-iconic mixed juice. Today, this beloved drink has spread across Japan and is recognized as a symbol of Osaka’s café culture.

Enjoy the original birthplace of the legendary mixed fruit juice.
Enjoy the original birthplace of the legendary mixed fruit juice.

Two Must-Visit Shopping Streets in Shinsekai

Shinsekai is home to vibrant shopping streets filled with must-see attractions, local flavors, and nostalgic charm.
To fully experience Shinsekai, be sure to explore these two key shopping streets, which serve as the heart of this lively district!

1. Shinsekai Hon-dori Shopping Street

Tsutenkaku Tower, Jan Jan Yokocho Street, Spa World are in Ebisu-Higashi, Naniwa District. People started calling this area Shinsekai (New World) in 1912, when Tsutenkaku and Japan’s second amusement park, Luna Park, opened. It meant a new-born tourist spot in Osaka. Since then, this amusement street has grown, used as a location for movies and TV dramas, and became a famous site in Osaka.

Specialties in Osaka cluster in this area. Enjoy gourmet food for common people.
Specialties in Osaka cluster in this area. Enjoy gourmet food for common people.

2. Nanyodori Shotengai (Janjan Yokocho Alley)

The official name, Nanyodori Shotengai is said to mean the street bathed in light. The alley is commonly known as Janjan Yokocho, after the sound of twangs of shamisen and taiko that could be heard from the street of local shops looking to draw in patrons after the end of WW2. At 2.5 meters wide the 180 meter-long alley is home to a compact but eclectic line up of little shops.

Crispy kushi-katsu skewers, udon shops and other foodie delights, games of “go” or shogi”, retro shooting salons and so much more for kids and adults to love.
Crispy kushi-katsu skewers, udon shops and other foodie delights, games of “go” or shogi”, retro shooting salons and so much more for kids and adults to love.

Perfect Souvenirs from Shinsekai! 2 Must-Buy Osaka Gifts

After soaking in the unique sights, culture, and atmosphere of Shinsekai, don’t forget to bring home a piece of Osaka with the perfect souvenir!
With countless souvenir shops lining the streets, you’ll find an array of Osaka-themed gifts. To help you choose, here are two carefully selected must-buy souvenirs from Shinsekai!

1. Tsurigane Manju

A beloved Osaka confection with over 100 years of history, Tsurigane Manju is the signature product of Tsuriganeya Honpo, a long-established sweets shop in Shinsekai, Osaka, founded in 1900 (Meiji 33). This bell-shaped manju is named after the Great Bell of Shitennoji Temple, which is located near the main store. Cherished by locals for generations, it is recognized as an iconic Osaka delicacy.

A bell-shaped confection featuring soft castella dough filled with smooth, mildly sweet koshi-an (strained red bean paste).
A bell-shaped confection featuring soft castella dough filled with smooth, mildly sweet koshi-an (strained red bean paste).

2. Tsutenkaku® Crispy Chocolat

Produced by Morozoff, known for its regional sweets from areas like Hokkaido and Kyoto, this Osaka-exclusive treat is a popular souvenir shaped like the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.
Nicknamed "Take Home Tsutenkaku®", this crispy chocolate features crunchy cereal coated in white chocolate, shaped into a miniature version of the famous tower. Despite its cute size, the design faithfully replicates details like the tower’s distinctive form and observation deck windows. Enhanced with cranberries, it delivers a sophisticated balance of sweetness and tanginess.

A chocolate confection inspired by Osaka's beloved symbol, cherished by people of all ages.
A chocolate confection inspired by Osaka's beloved symbol, cherished by people of all ages.

Top 3 Shopping Spots Around Shinsekai

The area surrounding Shinsekai is home to numerous shopping destinations, perfect for finding unique items and souvenirs.
After exploring Shinsekai and indulging in Osaka’s famous cuisine, head to these three must-visit shopping spots to complete your experience!

1. Namba Parks

The 9-story commercial complex with a city park, connected to Nankai Namba Station, houses more than 200 shops with fashion, miscellaneous goods, and gourmet as well as movie theaters.
The main feature is the Parks Garden with lush trees, grass, flowers and the plaza. From the entrance on the 2nd floor, you can see the sloped garden up to the 9th floor. A variety of plants grow there, hosting seasonal birds and insects. Dedicated gardeners take care of the plants to offer visitors this natural setting in the middle of the city.

The 9-story commercial complex with a city park, connected to Nankai Namba Station.
The 9-story commercial complex with a city park, connected to Nankai Namba Station.

2. Osaka Takashimaya

This longstanding department store is a landmark of the Osaka/Namba area. It was revamped and opened in March 2011 with an all new line up of beloved stores and brands.

On each of its 6 floors you’ll find a colorful splash of stores from high-end and ladies fashion brands to lifestyle and specialty items galore.

Osaka/Namba’s veteran department mall for all your favorite stores.
Osaka/Namba’s veteran department mall for all your favorite stores.

3. Namba Marui

Located in the heart of Osaka's Minami area, Namba, it is directly connected to the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Namba Station via an underground pathway, allowing customers to enter without getting wet even on rainy days. It also has good access from other JR and private railway stations.

Namba Marui is a commercial facility with a wide range of shops, located in front of the Namba station in Osaka, which is easily accessible.
Namba Marui is a commercial facility with a wide range of shops, located in front of the Namba station in Osaka, which is easily accessible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shinsekai

Q

Is Shinsekai unsafe?

A

While Shinsekai had a reputation for being unsafe in the past, it has since become a safe and welcoming area for tourists. Visitors can now explore and enjoy the district with peace of mind.

Q

What is the origin of the name "Shinsekai"?

A

The name "Shinsekai" was chosen with the vision of creating a new tourist area that incorporated international influences.

Wrap-up

Shinsekai offers a unique blend of Osaka’s vibrant scenery, local cuisine, and nostalgic charm. It’s the perfect place to experience authentic Osaka culture firsthand.

Use this guide to explore Shinsekai and make the most of your visit!