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Shinsekai: Osaka’s Retro District with a Blend of Nostalgia and Modern Charm
Shinsekai, a well-known tourist spot in Osaka, is an area with a unique charm that blends the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era with modern elements. Centered around Tsutenkaku Tower, this district retains a strong sense of Osaka’s downtown culture.
Shinsekai is also famous as a place where you can experience traditional Osaka cuisine. From kushikatsu to other Osaka delicacies, you can enjoy the local flavors while interacting with the locals. The area is dotted with old-fashioned amusement facilities and shopping streets, offering a firsthand experience of Osaka’s popular culture.
In this article, we introduce the must-visit spots in Shinsekai. From Tsutenkaku Tower to Janjan Yokocho and kushikatsu shops, discover the best places to experience the charm of Shinsekai to the fullest. Use this guide as a reference when planning your trip to Osaka.
Tsutenkaku Tower
The most famous landmark in Shinsekai is Tsutenkaku Tower, which stands at the center of the district.
At Tsutenkaku, you can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka from the observation deck and thrilling attractions.
The entrance is at the base of the tower. Although there may be long lines due to its popularity, a visit to Tsutenkaku is a must for first-time visitors to Shinsekai.
Read more about Tsutenkaku Tower
Janjan Yokocho
Janjan Yokocho is a street located in the southeast of Shinsekai, lined with old-fashioned shops that exude a nostalgic downtown atmosphere.
One of the famous shops in Janjan Yokocho is Daiko Sushi, known for its delicious and affordable sushi, which attracts long lines every day.
Janjan Yokocho is also home to many popular izakayas, making it the best place to experience Osaka’s downtown atmosphere.
Janjan Yokocho also has standing bars where you can enjoy interacting with the locals. The friendly atmosphere ensures a good time even for visitors.
Read more about Janjan Yokocho
Tsutenkaku South Main Street
The scenery often seen in magazines and TV shows featuring Shinsekai can be found on Tsutenkaku South Main Street. This street, with its vibrant storefronts and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower in the background, is a quintessential Shinsekai view.
The unique scenery of Shinsekai is perfect for memorable photographs, with its colorful and photogenic setting.
Read more about Tsutenkaku South Main Street
Kushikatsu: The Pinnacle of Shinsekai Cuisine! The Holy Land of Osaka’s Kushikatsu
When you think of Shinsekai, you think of kushikatsu. Among Osaka’s many gourmet offerings, kushikatsu stands out, and Shinsekai is the holy land of this delicacy. Numerous kushikatsu specialty shops are scattered throughout the area.
Among them, the most famous and popular is “Kushikatsu Daruma.”
Kushikatsu Daruma is a long-established kushikatsu specialty shop that originated in Shinsekai. It has four locations in Shinsekai alone, all of which have long lines every day.
Read more about Kushikatsu Daruma
Osaka Downtown Cuisine
In Shinsekai, you can enjoy not only kushikatsu but also other Osaka delicacies such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, horumon (offal), and seafood sushi.
Amusement Arcades
Shinsekai is home to many amusement arcades. These arcades offer games such as shooting and archery, reminiscent of stalls at Japanese festivals.
Shooting games involve using a toy gun to knock down prizes displayed on shelves. These arcades are scattered throughout Shinsekai and are always bustling with activity.
This is an archery game. There are few places in Japan where you can enjoy archery games.
Endangered Retro Game: Smart Ball Specialty Shop
Shinsekai is home to a rare smart ball specialty shop called “New Star.”
Smart ball, which was popular during the Showa era, originated in Europe in the 1700s. It was initially played on tilted billiard tables. It’s a game similar to pinball with the prize elements of pachinko.
There are only a few places in Japan where you can play smart ball, making the shop in Shinsekai particularly valuable. You can play for just 100 yen per game, so why not take a break and give it a try? (Note: Those under 18 are not allowed to enter.)
Read more about New Star
Shinsekai Market Street
Shinsekai Market is located in the northern part of Shinsekai, west of Tsutenkaku Tower.
Shinsekai Market is home to traditional shops and izakayas, allowing visitors to enjoy the nostalgic downtown atmosphere of Osaka.
Lanterns hanging from the ceiling add to the festive atmosphere.
There are many izakayas and stalls, and you can enjoy the downtown Osaka vibe at the outdoor tables.
Zannen-ishi (Regret Stones)
In front of Tsutenkaku Tower, you’ll find the “Zannen-ishi” (Regret Stones).
During the Edo period, many stones were quarried from Shodoshima for the construction of Osaka Castle. However, some stones were left unused and remained on the island, earning the name “Zannen-ishi.”
Naniwa Ward, where Shinsekai is located, has a close relationship with Shodoshima, and these regret stones were brought to Shinsekai with the sentiment, “We can’t leave them regretting forever!”
You can find these regret stones not only in Shinsekai but also in various places around Osaka, including Osaka Castle and Dotonbori, where regret stones have been turned into monuments. If you are interested in history, be sure to check them out. They are right in front of Tsutenkaku Tower.
Shinsekai: A Unique Area Full of Osaka’s Signature Scenery and Cuisine
Shinsekai is a one-of-a-kind tourist spot that condenses the downtown charm and flashy elements unique to Osaka. Centered around Tsutenkaku Tower, this area harmoniously blends the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa era with modern elements, continuously enchanting visitors.
From kushikatsu and other Osaka delicacies to the lively Janjan Yokocho, nostalgic amusement arcades, and warm interactions with the locals, Shinsekai offers a wealth of must-see attractions for Osaka tourists.
Additionally, with deep Osaka culture spots like Shinsekai Market Street and the Regret Stones, even repeat visitors will find new discoveries in this district.
When you visit Osaka, make sure to explore Shinsekai. The unique atmosphere and diverse attractions of this area will undoubtedly add vibrant memories to your trip. Enjoy the views from the Tsutenkaku observation deck, the conversations with the locals, and the authentic flavors of Osaka. Time spent in Shinsekai embodies the essence of Osaka tourism.
