Shinsekai

What to know

Shinsekai (新世界, meaning "New World") is a district in Osaka that was developed before the war and later neglected for decades. At its center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgic symbol of Shinsekai.

The area took its current shape after the success of the 1903 National Industrial Exposition, which attracted over five million visitors. Soon after the expo ended, work began to renovate and modernize Shinsekai.

The northern half of Shinsekai was modeled after Paris, while the southern half was inspired by New York's Coney Island. Tsutenkaku Tower, built in 1912, was modeled after the Eiffel Tower. Although it was scrapped during WWII, the tower was rebuilt in 1956. The current tower stands 103 meters tall, with the main observation deck at 91 meters. It also features an open-air deck above the main observatory and a 60-meter-long slide at the base. Visitors can even walk and jump around the exterior of the tower.

Another highlight is kushikatsu, one of Osaka's most famous specialties. This dish consists of various skewered, battered, and deep-fried foods, ranging from chicken and beef to pumpkin and asparagus, and even dessert varieties like banana and ice cream. Many of Shinsekai's kushikatsu restaurants are open 24 hours, but they truly come alive at night when the lights turn on.

Shinsekai is also home to Spa World, a massive bath complex with numerous hot spring baths on European-themed and Asian-themed floors. The floors switch genders each month, and bathing is done naked. Natural hot spring water is pumped from deep underground. Additionally, there is a separate pool area for kids and relaxation where swimwear is allowed.

Shinsekai is a short walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji subway lines, and Ebisucho Station on the Sakaisuji Subway Line.