Shin-sekai

A deep town spreading out under the symbolic Tsutenkaku tower.

Tsutenkaku has continued to watch over Osaka as the city's symbolic tower for nearly 50 years. The current second-generation tower was constructed in 1956 after the original tower was burned down in a fire in 1943. It was designed by Tachu Naito, the architect of the Tokyo Tower. The area centered around Tsutenkaku is called "Shin-sekai (New World)". This is definitely the place to visit if you want to experience "deep Osaka". The atmosphere of Showa-era Osaka still remains in this area; elderly men play Shogi (Japanese chess) in the shopping street from the daytime and the smell of sweet sauce drifts from the short split curtains of the kushikatsu (skewered, deep-fried meat and vegetables) stores. Many retro cafes including "Do Re Mi" are scattered about and you can feel the densely concentrated Showa-era entertainment.

Stroll down “Jan Jan” alley and enjoy “Smart Ball”

Aimlessly walk down the streets of Shin-sekai, and you will see colorful billboards, huge blowfish ornaments, retro cafes, public theaters and Billiken, the official character of Shin-sekai which can be found in souvenir shops. Everywhere is vibrant. “Jan Jan” Alley is a particularly well-known area of Shin-sekai, which is lined with Shogi clubs, with restaurants displaying their short split curtains in the gaps between. The lively sounds you can hear are coming from “Smart Ball”. Smart Ball is like the Japanese version of pinball. It costs 100 yen per play, but is not as easy as it looks. The scene of infatuated adults playing Smart Ball is fitting for Shin-sekai – the town of entertainment.

Kushikatsu, a popular snack in Shin-sekai.

Takoyaki and okonomiyaki are the famous foods of Osaka, but you can't forget kushikatsu. Shin-sekai, in particular, is a mecca for kushikatsu. "Omiya Main Store" is a well-established kushikatsu store that was opened after the war. Kushikatsu is deep-fried skewered vegetables and meat with a thin batter enjoyed with a salty-sweet sauce. The sauce is placed on the table, and all kushikatsu stores strictly prohibit "double dipping". It may seem a little tense, but you can only experience the liveliness of Osaka-ben (the local dialect) being exchanged across the counter in the traditional district. If you can proudly order kushikatsu, you are a true Osakan.

For reference

Tsutenkaku Tower

Address

1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Open

9:00 am to 9:00 pm (visitors admitted until 8:30 pm)
English

http://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp
Chinese

http://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/Guide-pdf/Chinese.pdf

Omiya Main Store

Address

2-3-18 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Opening

12:00 pm to 9:00 pm (open from 11:00 am on Sundays and public holidays)
Closed

Thursday