The New World. 🌆
Shinsekai is flashy, cheap, and loud. The streets are filled with massive colorful lanterns, pufferfish signs, and the smell of fried food. It is the visual definition of "Osaka."
The Atmosphere
It feels like a movie set from the 1960s. It's best visited at night when the neon signs reflect off the wet pavement.
Cheap Eats
This is a working-class district. You can find sushi, kushikatsu, and udon for half the price of Dotonbori.
Tsutenkaku Tower. 🗼
It isn't very tall (103m), but it is the soul of Osaka. The top neon lights change color to forecast tomorrow's weather (White=Sun, Orange=Cloudy, Blue=Rain).
Billiken
The "God of Things As They Ought To Be." Rub the feet of the wooden statue on the observation deck for good luck.
The Slide
They recently added a terrifying 60-meter spiral slide ("Tower Slider") that shoots you down the side of the tower.
Underbelly
The ceiling mural under the tower features a beautiful painting of flowers and peacocks, recently restored.
100 Yen
25 Balls
Smartball News. 🎱
Step into "Smartball News," an arcade that hasn't changed since the 1950s. Smartball is a mix of pinball and pachinko. It is purely mechanical—no screens, just gravity and glass balls.
The Prize:
If you win, balls cascade out with a satisfying crash. You can trade them for snacks like chocolate bars or dried squid.
Jan-Jan Alley. 🏮
A covered shopping arcade that feels underground. It gets its name from the "Jan Jan" strumming sound of shamisen guitars that used to attract customers.
Shogi Clubs
You will see glass-walled rooms where old men play Shogi (Japanese chess) in intense silence. It is a unique piece of local culture.
Mixed Juice
Try Osaka's famous "Mixed Juice" (Mikkusu Juusu) at a retro kissaten. It's a blend of milk, banana, and canned fruits.