Shinsekai (新世界, lit. "New World") is a district in Osaka that was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades afterwards. At the district's center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgia-evoking symbol of Shinsekai.
The area was developed into its current layout following the success of the 1903 National Industrial Exposition, which brought over five million people to the neighborhood. Shortly after the expo closed its doors, work began to improve and update Shinsekai.
Paris was chosen as the model for Shinsekai's northern half, while the southern portion was built to imitate Coney Island in New York. Tsutenkaku Tower was constructed in 1912 after Paris' Eiffel Tower. Although it was scrapped during WWII, the tower was reconstructed soon afterwards in 1956. The current tower is 103 meters high, with the main observatory at a height of 91 meters. In addition, the tower offers an open-air deck on top of the main observatory and a 60 meter long slide at the base of the tower. It is also possible to participate in an activity that involves walking and jumping around the exterior of the tower.
Another noted attraction is kushikatsu, one of Osaka's best known specialties. It is a dish composed of various skewered, battered and deep fried foods. Varieties on offer range from chicken and beef, to pumpkin and asparagus, to the banana and ice cream dessert varieties. Many of Shinsekai's kushikatsu restaurants are open 24 hours, but only truly come alive when the lights come on at night.
Shinsekai is also home to Spa World, a huge bath complex with a large number of hot spring baths on a European-themed floor and an Asian-themed floor. The floors are switched between genders each month, and bathing is enjoyed naked. Natural hot spring water is pumped up from far below the earth's surface. In addition, there is a separate pool area for kids and relaxation to be enjoyed with swimming wear.
Getting there and around
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.
How to get to and around Osaka
Hours and Fees
Tsutenkaku Tower
Hours
10:00 to 20:00 (entry until 19:30)
Closed
No closing days
Admission
1200 yen (admission to the observation deck)
plus 300 yen for the open air deck
plus 1000 yen for the slide
plus 3000 yen for the Dive&Jump activity Buy ticket online
plus 300 yen for the open air deck
plus 1000 yen for the slide
plus 3000 yen for the Dive&Jump activity Buy ticket online
Spa World
Hours
Hot spring: 10:00am to 8:45am (on the following morning)
Pool: 10:00 to 19:00 (until 22:00 on weekends and holidays)
Pool: 10:00 to 19:00 (until 22:00 on weekends and holidays)
Closed
Infrequent, irregular closures for inspection
Admission
Hot spring only: 1500 yen (plus 1450 yen between midnight and 5am)
Hot spring and pool: 2000 yen (weekdays), 2500 yen (weekends/holidays)
Hot spring and pool: 2000 yen (weekdays), 2500 yen (weekends/holidays)
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Osaka
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SponsoredKaneyoshi RyokanA modern Japanese inn in Dotombori. the center of Osaka. 2 subway stations nearby. Close to many shops and Osaka Castle.View siteSponsored
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Top rated in Osaka
Budget:
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Hotel 88 ShinsaibashiHotel 88 Shinsaibashi is an 8-minute walk from OCAT (Osaka City Air Terminal) and a 10-minute walk from Namba Station. Glico Man Sign is a 4-minute walk from the property. Free WiFi is available in all rooms. Featuring modern d?cor, all rooms come with air conditioning and heating facilities, a flat-screen TV and pajamas. Private bathroom includes a bath, walk-in shower, hairdryer, toilet with an electronic bidet and free toiletries. Free luggage storage is available at the 24-hour front desk. Guests can enjoy billiards at the property. There is a drinks vending machine, and laundry service can be arranged. Tsutenkaku and Shinsekai shopping street are a 16-minute train ride away. Osaka Itami Airport is a 45-minute drive from Hotel 88 Shinsaibashi.View on Booking.com -
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Guesthouse Ten-roku - Female OnlyGuesthouse Ten-roku - Female Only features accommodation within 2.5 km of the centre of Osaka, with free WiFi, and a kitchen with an oven, a microwave and a toaster. The air-conditioned accommodation is 1.1 km from Toyosaki Shrine. The accommodation provides a 24-hour front desk, a shared kitchen and luggage storage for guests. The units in the guest house are fitted with an iPad. A fridge, a stovetop and kitchenware are also available, as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. All units have a shared bathroom, slippers and bed linen. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Popular points of interest near the guest house include Catholic Osaka Umeda Church, Tsunashikiten Shrine Otabisha and Tomishima Shrine. Itami Airport is 20 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Four Seasons Hotel OsakaBoasting a terrace and a bar, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is attractively situated in the centre of Osaka, 500 metres from Dojima Yakushido. Featuring a restaurant, the property also has a fitness centre, as well as an indoor pool and a sauna. The accommodation features room service, a 24-hour front desk and currency exchange for guests. A buffet, continental or American breakfast is available at the property. The hotel offers 5-star accommodation with a hot tub. Popular points of interest near Four Seasons Hotel Osaka include Herbis Plaza ENT, Octopus Pine and Herbis Plaza. Itami Airport is 16 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi3-star accommodation, HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi is located in central Osaka, 600 metres from Dotonbori River and the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel, 700 metres from popular music and shopping district America Village. Conveniently located in the Chuo Ward, the hotel is situated 2.4 km from Shinsekai. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk with multi-lingual staff. Free WiFi is available at the hotel. Each air-conditioned room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and desk. Free toiletries and rain shower are provided in all rooms, while certain rooms feature a bathtub. A buffet breakfast is available daily at the hotel. Traditional locations such as Shitennoji Temple and Kuromon Ichiba Market are within 2.5 km from the hotel. Osaka Itami Airport and Kansai International Airport are both less than a one-hour train ride from HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi.View on Booking.com -
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InterContinental Hotel Osaka by IHGOnly a 5-minute walk from JR Osaka Train Station, InterContinental Osaka is located at the Grand Front Osaka. This 5-star hotel boasts 5 dining options, a 24-hour fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. Free WiFi is available at the entire property and guests can enjoy refreshing massages during their luxurious stay. Umeda Station on the Midosuji Line is a 7-minute stroll from the hotel. Offering views of Osaka city from the 20th floor, Pierre restaurant serves exquisite contemporary French dishes. All Day Dining serves a buffet with various international dishes, drinks are available at Adee Bar and Lounge. Osaka InterContinental Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Osaka Castle and a 20-minute drive from Universal Studios Japan. Shin Osaka Station and Namba Station are both a 15-minute train ride away. Kansai International Airport is a 60-minute express train ride from JR Osaka Station.View on Booking.com -
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The Ritz-Carlton OsakaFeaturing a classic European-style decor, The Ritz-Carlton Osaka is conveniently located just a 7-minute walk from JR Osaka Station and a 5-minute walk from Nishi-Umeda Subway Station. This hotel boasts 5 dining options including a Michelin starred French restaurant, as well as a large meeting room. Elegantly decorated, spacious rooms are all located on the 24th floor and above. Rooms feature a stunning view of varying heights. Guests staying in the Club rooms have access to the exclusive Club Lounge. JR Shin Osaka Shinkansen (bullet train) Station is a 3-minute train ride from JR Osaka Station. Lively Namba and Dotonbori area can be reached within a 7-minute subway ride.View on Booking.com -
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&Here OSAKA NAMBAAttractively set in the centre of Osaka, &Here OSAKA NAMBA is within 400 metres of Nipponbashi Catholic Church and 400 metres of Nipponbashi Park. The property is close to Manpuku-ji Temple, Shinsengumi Osaka Tonsho Monument and Daikaku-ji Temple. The hotel features a terrace, a 24-hour front desk, and free WiFi is available throughout the property. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. Popular points of interest near &Here OSAKA NAMBA include Komyo-ji Temple, Shinko-ji Temple and Koden-ji Temple. Itami Airport is 21 km from the property.View on Booking.com -
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Enman Guest House OsakaEnman Guest House Osaka in Osaka provides adults-only accommodation with a garden and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are a shared kitchen and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can enjoy quiet street views. Each unit is fitted with air conditioning, a shared bathroom and a well-fitted kitchen including a microwave, toaster, fridge and kitchenware. Every unit is equipped with a safety deposit box and certain rooms come with garden views. All units have bed linen. Panasonic Museum is 1.5 km from the guest house, while Kadoma City History Museum is 2.9 km from the property. Itami Airport is 20 km away.View on Booking.com -
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Miyako City Osaka HommachiWell set in Osaka, Miyako City Osaka Hommachi provides a buffet breakfast and free WiFi throughout the property. Featuring a 24-hour front desk, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. The property is non-smoking and is located 300 metres from Stage Ku. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms offering a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, a balcony and a private bathroom with a bidet. Popular points of interest near Miyako City Osaka Hommachi include Nanba Betsuin Temple, Namba Shrine and Shinsaibashi Station. Itami Airport is 20 km away.View on Booking.com -
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LIBER HOTEL OsakaLIBER HOTEL Osaka features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV in the Osaka Bay district of Osaka. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and ticket service, along with free WiFi. The hotel has a garden and provides a terrace. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a kettle. All units will provide guests with a fridge. A buffet breakfast is available daily at Liber Hotel Osaka for a fee. Universal Studios Japan is 1.0 km from the accommodation, while Tempozan Ferris Wheel is 6 km away. The nearest airport is Itami Airport, 22 km from LIBER HOTEL Osaka.View on Booking.com
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Osaka Restaurants
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SponsoredSukiyaki Shabu-Shabu Nipponbashi TsuruyaA sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurant in Nipponbashi, Osaka. Tsuruya's modern Japanese atmosphere is suitable for any event, from casual dinner to anniversaries. Come enjoy Japan's proud food culture!View siteSponsored
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Recommended in Osaka
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Oryori MiyamotoAwarded Two Stars in 2024 - A renowned kaiseki restaurant that has earned two stars on a prestigious global gourmet site for over 10 consecutive years. While preserving the traditions of Japanese cuisine, the chef窶冱 unique and innovative touch subtly shines through in the dishes, attracting food enthusiasts from all over the world.View on JapanEatinerary -
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SushirokuAwarded One Star in 2024 - A cozy, family-run restaurant managed by a husband and wife. They are deeply committed to perfecting their shari (sushi rice) and use two types of vinegared rice tailored to complement each topping. Since 2019, the restaurant has consistently earned stars.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Kitashinchi Kushikatsu BonA restaurant that elevates Osaka's soul food, kushikatsu, to a luxurious level. Skilled chefs meticulously prepare each skewer using carefully selected premium ingredients such as Chateaubriand and foie gras. The skewers are fried in a custom copper pot using a unique oil blend based on cottonseed oil, enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients.View on JapanEatinerary -
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OIMATSU Tempura SuzukiA renowned tempura restaurant led by a master chef who honed his skills at prestigious establishments, including The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. Guests can savor exquisite tempura made with premium ingredients such as Japanese Black Wagyu fillet and Chateaubriand. The restaurant features a pristine white-wood counter, with lacquered vermillion trays set before each seat, the vibrant hue adding an elegant and festive touch to the entire space.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Sushidokoro Kurosugi ShinkanThe branch of the star-awarded Sushidokoro Kurosugi offers a more affordable way to enjoy its exceptional flavors. Ingredients are sourced together with the main restaurant, where they are prepared before being brought to this location to be crafted into dishes.Guests can savor outstanding sushi alongside a wide selection of sake that is always available.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Kassen IritaniThe head chef honed his skills at the star-awarded Naniwaryori Yu and served as the executive chef at the second branch of the equally star-awarded Oimatsu Kitagawa. He showcases his expertise by sourcing the freshest seafood from across Japan, offering dishes such as fresh sashimi and fragrant charcoal-grilled delicacies. The head chef also holds a sommelier certification, providing a wide selection of wines ranging from classic labels to rare finds.View on JapanEatinerary -
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KonohaAwarded One Star in 2024 - The head chef, with 16 years of training at a long-established traditional restaurant, expresses the seasonal flavors of each passing season through dishes based on a broth made from premium kombu (kelp). Their signature tempura stands out with a delicate batter enriched with extra egg yolks for a rich and indulgent flavor. The tableware, carefully selected, includes exquisite pieces such as Kutani porcelain and Wajima lacquerware.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Sushi HoshiyamaAwarded One Star in 2024 - This restaurant is popular for offering authentic Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi without modern interpretations or creative twists. The head chef trained extensively at a star-awarded sushi restaurant in Osaka before establishing his own place. The restaurant is also highly regarded among fellow sushi chefs, boasting many fans within the industry.View on JapanEatinerary -
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YUNiCOAwarded One Star in 2024 - Run by a chef who trained for 10 years at RISTORANTE HiRo, operated by the renowned Hiromi Yamada, featured in numerous media outlets. Guests can enjoy the thrill of watching high-quality ingredients, including Kyoto's traditional vegetables and fresh seafood from Awaji, being prepared right before their eyes across the counter.View on JapanEatinerary -
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Sushi HakuIn an elegant space that perfectly embodies the term "a hidden retreat for adults," guests can savor exquisite sushi. With presentations that delight not only the palate but also the eyes, each visit offers new discoveries and moments of awe. On the second floor, a bar is available where guests can enjoy a relaxing post-meal time with sake or wine.View on JapanEatinerary
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Experiences around Osaka
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SponsoredPrivate Behind-the-Scenes Art and Architecture Tour of the Umeda Sky Building and its Kuchu Teien ObservatoryAt Osaka’s landmark Umeda Sky Building and its famed Kuchu Teien Observatory, enjoy open access to the building’s in-house art gallery and central floating bridge, usually closed to the general public. Enjoy in-depth commentary about the building’s architectural secrets and its designer Hiroshi Hara.View experienceSponsored -
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SponsoredJapanese Tea Culture Experience & Tea-Based Lunch in Sakai, Osaka — Sen no Rikyu's HometownImmerse yourself in Japan's rich tea culture at no less than the hometown of the great tea master Sen no Rikyu (1522–1591): Sakai City in Osaka. At Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo, a reputed tea shop in Sakai with a history of over 170 years, enjoy a comprehensive Japanese tea culture experience and savor a tea-based lunch course — complete with a Wabunka-exclusive dessert made with high-grade matcha. Watch skilled tea masters select tea leaves from various regions then roast and blend them right in front of you, and relax with some tea in the tranquility of the 340-year-old traditional building that houses Tsuboichi Seicha Honpo.View experienceSponsored
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Top rated in Osaka
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Japanese Weaving Experience in Osaka"Saori weaving" without a role model. You can enjoy the weave of your choice.View on Klook -
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Kimono Rental by Kimono Botan in OsakaMakes me feel better! Let's stroll around Osaka in your favorite kimonoView on Klook -
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Kendo Experience Tour In Osaka "SAMURAI TRIP"Enjoy a real samurai experience with a 2-hour class to learn Kendo, a Japanese martial art formView on Klook -
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World Heritage Shirakawago and Takayama Private Tour from NagoyaLearn about the history of Japanese traditional buildings at your leisure.View on Klook -
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Japanese Ceramics DIY Private Workshop in OsakaA pottery workshop in Osaka with an English, Spanish and Catalan speaking potterView on Klook -
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Tea Ceremony Experience in OsakaObserve and experience the tea ceremony together with other participantsView on Klook -
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Ninja Experience in OsakaBecome a ninja for a day on this 1 hour ninja workshop and costume rental experience in OsakaView on Klook -
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Osaka Highlights Private Day TourVisit the best spots in Osaka, including the famous Osaka Castle and Dotonbori Glico Spot, in just one day!View on Klook -
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Osaka Nighttime Guided Food TourExplore local neighborhoods many visitors don’t get to seeView on Klook -
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Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building & Tonbori River Cruise Day TourVisit famous Osaka's hotspots in one dayView on Klook
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