Osaka's Shinsekai. The moment you step into this neighborhood, you'll be greeted by a nostalgic "Showa-era vibe" in the air. From the famous local dish kushikatsu to retro game arcades, flashy signs, and neon lights... FUN! JAPAN editors will guide you on a slightly deep nighttime stroll packed with authentic Osaka experiences.
*By purchasing or reserving products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
What is Osaka's Shinsekai?
"Shinsekai" is a historic area located in Osaka's Naniwa Ward. It was developed on the site of the 5th National Industrial Exhibition held in 1903 (Meiji 36). In 1912 (Meiji 45), the first Tsutenkaku Tower opened as the symbol of the area. The neighborhood then grew into a bustling entertainment district with theaters and movie houses popping up around the tower.
Today, Shinsekai is a popular destination for tourists, known for its unique retro atmosphere and lively, down-to-earth charm.
From here, we'll introduce a walking plan to explore Osaka's Shinsekai.
Boost Your Luck with the New Must-Try Snack, "Billiken-san Shiawase-yaki"!
Located right beneath Tsutenkaku, "Shinsekai Omiyagemon Yokocho" was renovated and reopened in July 2024. There, you'll find the newly popular local snack, "Billiken-san Shiawase-yaki", quickly becoming a staple for foodies exploring Shinsekai.
"Billiken-san" is known as the god of happiness enshrined at Tsutenkaku. The figure was originally created by an American female artist who based it on a god she saw in a dream and is considered a symbol of good fortune.
"Billiken-san Shiawase-yaki" is a Japanese-style sweet similar to taiyaki. It comes in two flavors: Hokkaido red bean and rich custard, with special seasonal fillings also available.
The packaging features the sole of Billiken-san's foot, which adds to its charm! We recommend holding it up to the sky and snapping a photo with Tsutenkaku in the background.
Taking a bite of Billiken-san, the symbol of happiness, might just bring you some good luck...!
Shinsekai Omiyagemon Yokocho
Address: 2-7-2 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 10:00–19:00 (hours may vary by season)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Access: 5-minute walk from Ebisucho Station
Check out "Shinsekai Omiyagemon Yokocho" on Tabelog 👉 here
No Double Dipping! Bite into Shinsekai’s Signature Gourmet, Kushikatsu
"Omakase Kushikatsu 5 Skewer Set" - ¥858
As you walk down the street with Tsutenkaku behind you, you'll arrive at an area filled with flashy, eye-catching signs.
When it comes to Shinsekai's must-try food, it’s kushikatsu. Said to have originated in Shinsekai between the late Taisho and early Showa eras, kushikatsu started out as a filling, affordable meal for manual laborers. Today, it's widely known as one of Osaka’s signature local dishes.
In addition to classic beef skewers, you’ll find a wide variety including asparagus, cheese, and quail eggs—so many tempting choices to whet your appetite.
At each table, there’s a container of kushikatsu sauce, with a sign that says "No double dipping!" The shared rule is to dip your skewer into the sauce only once before taking a bite. Dip it deep into the sweet and savory sauce just once, and then take a hot, satisfying bite! Wash it down with a cold beer, and you’ll be filled with happiness.
If you feel there’s not enough sauce, you can use the cabbage served on the side to scoop up the sauce and drizzle it over your kushikatsu—totally allowed!
At Kushikatsu Yokozuna, their oversized platters are also popular. Dishes like yakisoba for 10 people or deep-fried takoyaki for 8 offer MEGA portions you won’t believe. If you're visiting with a group, definitely give them a try.
Menus at the tables are available in English and Chinese, and you’ll often see foreign tourists dining here.
The restaurant consists of two locations facing each other: the Tsutenkaku branch, decorated with sumo wrestler illustrations, and the Shinsekai Main Branch, which features a giant statue of Billiken-san.
Kushikatsu Yokozuna Shinsekai Main Branch
Address: 2-4-11 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Hours: [Mon–Thu] 11:00–22:00 [Fri] 11:00–23:00 [Sat] 10:00–23:00 [Sun/Holidays] 10:00–22:00
- Closed: Open year-round
- Access: 3-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station (Exit 5), 3-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station (East Exit)
Official Website of "Kushikatsu Yokozuna Shinsekai Main Branch" 👉 here
Reserve at "Kushikatsu Yokozuna Shinsekai Main Branch" on Tabelog 👉here
Reserve at "Kushikatsu Yokozuna Shinsekai Main Branch" on AutoReserve 👉here
Kushikatsu Yokozuna Tsutenkaku Branch
Address: 3-6-1 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: Open year-round
- Access: 3-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station (Exit 5), 3-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station (East Exit)
Official Website of "Kushikatsu Yokozuna Tsutenkaku Branch" 👉here
Reserve at "Kushikatsu Yokozuna Tsutenkaku Branch" on Tabelog 👉 here
Reserve at "Kushikatsu Yokozuna Tsutenkaku Branch" on AutoReserve 👉 here
Book a special course at "Kushikatsu Yokozuna Tsutenkaku Branch" on KKday 👉 here
Sober Up with a Nostalgic Shooting Game
Right next to "Kushikatsu Yokozuna," you’ll find Shinsekai Yugi-jo Champion, a shooting gallery lined with shelves full of snacks and plushies waiting to be won.
Even I, the editor, gave it a try! The staff kindly explained how to play. Aimed for a small snack and managed to hit one!
Shooting booths are a common sight at Japanese festivals, but in Shinsekai, the festive spirit is alive all year round. Aside from this spot, you’ll find plenty of other places offering retro games like shooting galleries and smart ball.
Shinsekai Yugi-jo Champion Tsutenkaku Branch
Address: 3-6-1 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
- Hours: 10:00–23:00
- Closed: Open year-round
Wander Beneath the Flashy Signs and Neon Lights
In Osaka, flashy oversized signs are part of the charm.
The vibrant neon and 3D signage crowded together in Shinsekai is a sight you’ll only see here.
Take photos, look for your next izakaya stop, or just enjoy a carefree stroll—there’s plenty of fun just wandering around.
Soak in the Night Vibes Beneath Tsutenkaku
When people think of Osaka, they often picture Dotonbori or the Glico sign. But if you want to experience the city’s local charm, we recommend a night in Shinsekai. Enjoy an unforgettable evening that only this area can offer.
Book "Osaka Nightlife｜Sake Tasting Tour｜Tennoji & Shinsekai Area" on KKday 👉 here
Buy "Tsutenkaku Tickets" on KKday 👉 here
Comments