A journey through Shinsekai, filled with the atmosphere of classic Osaka
*Photos posted on this page are from before 2018.
Times have changed, and lifestyles have changed... Amid the rapidly changing scenery of Osaka, the Osaka Shinsekai area still retains its nostalgic atmosphere. While you can still enjoy nostalgic games such as the smart ball that you loved playing when you were young, you can now see a new side with the addition of popular play spots such as a zoo and natural hot springs where couples and families can relax. Even so, Shinsekai food such as Kushikatsuya and Doteyaki from Janjan Yokocho is still alive and well! Many people flock to this place every day to enjoy this flavor. We will discover the still unknown charms of Shinsekai, which has now become a very popular tourist spot.
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START
OSAKA METRO Midosuji Line Dobutsuen-mae Station
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5minutes on footOsaka Tennoji Zoo
The highlight of Tennoji Zoo is undoubtedly the "African Savannah Zone" where lions and zebras live. It's like being on an African safari. You'll be surprised at the size of the lions as you see them up close through the glass. In addition, there are about 1,000 animals of 170 species living here, including Japan's first hippopotamus underwater viewing exhibition pool, polar bears that jump into the water for an impressive sight, and kiwis that can only be seen at Tennoji Zoo in Japan. The zoo also sells original goods, so why not check out some souvenirs to commemorate your occasion?
External sitesee spotAdults: 500 yen; elementary and junior high school students: 200 yen; junior high school students and younger who live in Osaka City, people 65 years of age or older who live in Osaka City, and people with a disability certificate: free (proof required)
5minutes on foot -
Tsutenkaku Tower
Tsutenkaku means ``a high building that leads to the sky.'' First, take the elevator to the observation deck. The Tsutenkaku pamphlet that you receive when you purchase an admission ticket is very useful. It comes with trivia about Tsutenkaku, things to see in the area, and a paper craft of Tsutenkaku that you can enjoy even after you get home. Once completed, paper crafts are great and can even be used as a piggy bank! Then, take the elevator and go to the observation deck 100m above ground! From the observation deck, you can see Mt. Ikoma and Mt. Rokko in Kobe, and the 360-degree panoramic view offers a different view of Osaka from the view from the ground. Also popular is Tsutenkaku's mascot Billiken statue, whose soles are said to bring good luck if you stroke it. The shop on the second floor has Billiken goods and many other souvenirs unique to Osaka, so be sure to check them out.
Adults: 800 yen, Junior high school students/elementary school students/infants (5 years old and over): 400 yen
3minutes Walk -
Janjan Yokocho
Janjan Yokocho has been the setting for movies and TV dramas, and there is a famous manga depicting the townscape called ``Jarinko Chie''. As soon as you step inside, you'll find Shinsekai's famous kushikatsu restaurant, a retro shogi hall reminiscent of the early Showa era, and a smart ball shop. The recommendation of Janjan Yokocho is definitely Osaka's specialty, Kushikatsu! The arcade, which stretches approximately 180 meters from north to south, is lined with countless stores. No matter which restaurant you go into, you can enjoy freshly made piping hot kushikatsu in a lively atmosphere. The bite-sized skewers are so easy to eat that you can't help but eat them. Also, although it varies by store, many are closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so be sure to check before heading out.
see spot5minutes on foot -
gallery reunion
It was built in 1952 as a Southern European-style pure cafe called ``Reunion,'' and in December 2006, it was registered as a ``Registered Tangible Cultural Property,'' along with Tsutenkaku. Currently, it is not open as a coffee shop, and you can only enter during the jazz concert that is held once a month.
2minutes on foot -
Shinsekai Inari Shrine
A small Inari shrine located in a corner of the Shinsekai area. When you pass through the torii gate, there is a rare roulette-style fortune made from a stone monument in the back right corner. When you visit Inari-san, try spinning the fortune-telling fortune.
7minutes Walk -
Spa World World's Great Hot Springs
thank you for your hard work! After enjoying the Shinsekai area to the fullest, wash away the day's fatigue here. Spa World is a comprehensive entertainment facility that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults, with various types of baths, relaxation salons, pools, and baths where you can eat, drink, and stay overnight. After taking a unique and playful bath, we recommend a massage salon. It felt so good I couldn't help but doze off... Give it a try as a reward for yourself during your busy days.
Spa World World's Great Hot SpringsJunior high school students and above: 1,300 yen~ Elementary school students and below: 1,000 yen~
*The lowest price is listed. Please check as it varies depending on the season. - GOAL!
Additional Information
- drop-in spot
- The Showa era is brought back to life, such as the game center where you can play smart balls, giving you a nostalgic feeling.
- Taste spot
- The mixed juices from Sennariya Coffee Shop, an old-fashioned pure coffee shop, are popular for their thick and rich taste. Inside Janjan Yokocho.
- souvenir
- We recommend the Tsurigane Manju from Tsuriganeya Honpo, which is made of fluffy castella cake in the shape of a bell and filled with a sweet bean paste, and the hearty Nadai Basho, which is filled with banana paste. It's also interesting that you can hear the sound of a bell ringing when you enter the store.