5 Must-Visit Sightseeing Spots in Osaka's Shinsekai Area
The Shinsekai area is one of the most bustling districts in Naniwa Ward, Osaka, where you can enjoy a charming, old-fashioned atmosphere. It is packed with highlights, including the "Tsutenkaku Tower," known as a landmark of Osaka; "Janjan Yokocho," a 130-meter-long alley lined with about 50 shops, including kushikatsu restaurants; and the "Tennoji Zoo," which boasts over 100 years of history. Here, we introduce recommended spots for tourists, ranging from classic locations to hidden gems.
1Tsutenkaku
Get a panoramic view of the city from an observation deck that shines with Osaka's unique character
A 108-meter-tall landmark tower in Osaka that has been designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. The original tower, built in 1912 (Meiji 45), was destroyed by fire, and the current second-generation tower was completed in 1956 (Showa 31), designed by Tachu Naito, who also worked on the Tokyo Tower. The facility has a total of four observation decks, and the most recommended is the "Golden Observation Deck" on the 5th floor, where you can meet the charming Billiken statue. After looking out over the city of Osaka, be sure to gently rub the soles of Billiken's feet to wish for good luck.
Check out the latest attractions that are sure to provide excitement and thrills
In recent years, its high-impact attractions have become a hot topic. Among them, the most popular is the "Tower Slider," which lets you slide down a total length of about 60 meters from 22 meters above ground to the first basement floor in one go. Another highlight is that you can download a video of your start and finish for free.
For those who want to enjoy more thrills, be sure to try the "Dive & Walk" attraction, which consists of two parts: the "Walk," where you can experience an athletic course about 26 meters above the ground, and the "Dive," where you jump down about 14 meters from the middle of the tower.
Local
Supporter
At the shops on the second floor and the first basement level, you can purchase unique Osaka souvenirs featuring motifs of Tsutenkaku Tower and Billiken. Also, don't miss the illumination, which changes color depending on the season.
- Tsutenkaku
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1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, OsakaMAP
Approx. 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Ebisucho Station
10:00–20:00 (Last admission 19:30) *Attraction operating hours may vary
Adults (15 and older) 1,200 yen, Children (5–14) 600 yen
Tower Slider (1 ride) Adults (15–65) 1,000 yen, Children (7–14) 500 yen
Dive & Walk (1 time) Adults (15–65) 3,000 yen, Children (9–14) 2,000 yen
06-6641-9555
Attractions have height and weight restrictions. Please check the website for details.
2Tennoji Zoo
An oasis in the heart of Osaka where you can encounter many animals
A historic zoo that opened in 1915 (Taisho 4) and celebrated its 110th anniversary on January 1, 2025. Within the approximately 11-hectare park, about 1,000 animals of approximately 170 species are kept, allowing you to encounter a wide variety of animals while staying in the heart of the city.
One of the highlights is the "ecological exhibit," where you can see animals living naturally by recreating their habitat landscapes as much as possible. This format is used in areas such as the "Penguin Park & Sea Lion Wharf" opened in April 2023, the "iFART" reptile ecological building, and the "African Savanna Zone," where giraffes, lions, and other animals live.
Packed with events where you can observe more realistic animal behavior
There is also plenty of exciting content, such as "Meal Time & Snack Time," where you can watch the animals eating lively, and events where you can observe the animals with a guide from the staff in charge. The "Night ZOO," where you can observe the animals at night, which you rarely see, is also recommended. It is held only on limited dates in August and September, so if you are interested, please check the website.
Local
Supporter
"Night ZOO" is an event I personally highly recommend. The park is fantastically illuminated, allowing you to enjoy an atmosphere different from the daytime and a sense of being in an extraordinary space. It is also perfect for a date.
- Tennoji Zoo
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- 1-108 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka MAP
- Approx. 5-10 minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Osaka Metro
- 9:30–17:00; until 18:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in May and September (last admission 1 hour before closing)
Mondays (if a holiday, open and closed the following day), year-end and New Year holidays (December 29–January 1)
*Please check the business calendar for temporary opening days.- Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen (free for elementary and junior high school students living in Osaka City)
- 06-6771-8401
None- Please check the website for "Meal Time/Snack Time" schedules.
3Smart Ball New Star
The only smart ball arcade in Osaka
An amusement arcade located near the Tsutenkaku Tower, the symbol of Shinsekai. You can experience "smart ball," a traditional pinball-like game, and it is loved by tourists and locals alike as a Shinsekai specialty alongside Tsutenkaku and kushikatsu.
Inside the Showa-era style shop, more than 50 smart ball machines are lined up. It is said that they used to be a staple of festivals and there were many such arcades, but now it has become a very rare spot.
Enjoy the games while soaking in a nostalgic atmosphere
"Smart ball" is a game in which you use a spring to launch small balls onto a board with nails and holes, and try to get them into winning holes to increase your number of balls. You can play from 100 yen per game, and you can exchange the balls you win for prizes such as snacks. The rules are very simple, so even beginners can easily try it, and you will find yourself hooked before you know it.
Since it is open until 10:00 PM, many locals stop by between bar-hopping or after a drinking party. After experiencing the game, it is recommended to take pictures of the retro space and the exterior.
Local
Supporter
It is an old-fashioned game that is addictive precisely because it is simple. Please try enjoying it along with the space that is full of Showa retro vibes.
- Smart Ball New Star
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- 3-5-19 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, OsakaMAP
- Approx. 5-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Osaka Metro
- 11:30–22:00, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00
- 6 times a month, irregular
- 100 yen per time
- 06-6641-1164
- None
- No entry for those under 18
4Dorakutei
A theater with a great sense of presence, focusing on Kamigata rakugo
Located near the entrance of the "Janjan Yokocho" arcade, a well-known tourist spot, this yose (vaudeville theater) is easily accessible from Shin-Imamiya Station and Dobutsuen-mae Station. Created by theater manager Katsura Zakoba with the wish that people "enjoy rakugo casually," the theater offers a variety of performances, primarily by the Katsura Beicho school, which represents Kamigata rakugo.
Although it is a small theater with a capacity of about 100 people, the proximity to the performers is a key feature, allowing you to experience everything up close, from their breathing to their eye movements and facial expressions. You can enjoy the sense of realism that only a live performance can provide.
If it's your first time, be sure to check out the "Dorakutei Daytime Performance," which you can watch without a reservation
For beginners and tourists, we recommend the "Dorakutei Daytime Performance," held from 2:00 PM on the 1st to the 20th of every month. The appeal is that there is no need for advance tickets or reservations, so you can just drop by whenever you feel like it. The musical accompaniment is live, with the sounds of the shamisen and drums further enlivening the rakugo performance. The lively production where background music, known as "hamemono," is played during the story is a unique characteristic of Kamigata rakugo.
From the 21st of each month, various performances, including not only rakugo but also naniwa-bushi and kodan, are held during the day and night. Why not try experiencing traditional performing arts in a relaxed and casual way?
Local
Supporter
You might feel that "Rakugo" is hard to get into, but it is actually a form of comedy culture that has recently been gaining popularity among young people as well. Please feel free to drop by while sightseeing in Shinsekai.
- Dorakutei
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- 1-17-6, Nishinari-ku, Osaka-shi, OsakaMAP
- Approx. 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Dobutsuen-mae Station
- Varies by performance. Please check the official website.
- Depends on the performance.
- Varies by performance.
- 06-6365-8281 (c/o Beicho Office Co., Ltd.) *Inquiries: Weekdays 10:00–18:00
- None
5Billiken Shrine
A local power spot dedicated to the god of happiness
Billiken-san is known as a mascot of Osaka, bringing good luck and prosperity with his charming appearance.He first appeared in Shinsekai in 1912 (Meiji 45) and was displayed at the "Billiken-do" in the "Luna Park" amusement park, which opened at the same time as Tsutenkaku Tower. After that, he went missing when the amusement park closed, but in 2012, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Shinsekai, a new Billiken-san was made and enshrined at the "Billiken Shrine." It sits quietly in a corner of a shopping street lined with kushikatsu restaurants.
Gently stroke the soles of its feet while making a wish
Although there are various theories, it is said that his roots lie in a god of happiness who appeared in the dream of American artist Florence Pretz in 1908 (Meiji 41), and it is said that rubbing the soles of the statue's feet brings good fortune. The words "THINGS-AS-THEY" carved at his feet mean to love and be grateful for things as they are.
It is now one of the famous spots alongside the Billiken statue at Tsutenkaku. Even today, many people visit to stroke the soles of its feet while praying for business prosperity, success in exams, or the fulfillment of romantic love. It is also popular as a photogenic spot.
Local
Supporter
Since there is a shrine next to the kushikatsu specialty restaurant "Yokozuna Tsutenkaku Store," we recommend enjoying some delicious kushikatsu after visiting the shrine.
- Billiken Shrine
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- 3-6-1 Ebisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, OsakaMAP
- Approx. 3-minute walk from Osaka Metro Dobutsuen-mae Station
- 10:00 - 22:00
MAP
- Nearby Hoshino Resorts facilities
Local supporter in charge of this article
- Yuki OkumuraOMO7 Osaka's Gourmet Expert
OMO7 Osaka
Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Conveniently located near major tourist attractions. Packed with heart-stirring experiences, from guided tours where you can experience Naniwa culture to unique events.
Access A short walk from JR/Nankai Electric Railway Shin-Imamiya Station
- Accommodation rate example
- Per person per night From ¥12,000