Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku

From Namba, we took a short train ride to Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s most nostalgic and culturally rich neighborhoods. Our main stop was the historic “New World” market area, known for its retro charm and unique atmosphere. The streets were lined with old-school arcades, tiny chess clubs, and traditional izakayas serving classic Osaka street food like kushikatsu and takoyaki. The vibe here felt like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into what everyday life might have looked like in mid-20th-century Japan.

Towering above the district stood the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, a beloved symbol of Osaka. Originally built in 1912 and reconstructed in 1956 after being damaged in WWII, Tsutenkaku was modeled after both the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. Standing at 103 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Inside, there’s also a museum, souvenir shops, and a shrine dedicated to Billiken—the “God of Things As They Ought to Be”—a quirky, good-luck figure unique to Osaka. The tower, combined with Shinsekai’s retro streets, gave the whole visit a mix of playful nostalgia and authentic local culture.