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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.