Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower Review: Osaka’s Retro Gem

Okay, so, if you’re after a taste of something quite different from the polished gleam of, say, Tokyo, then visiting Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka is, arguably, really the ticket. Very much a step back in time, Shinsekai—that literally translates to “New World”—is an area brimming with a sort of Showa-era charm, kinda like, think 1950s Japan. Actually, Tsutenkaku Tower, towering above, adds to that whole feeling of stepping into a time capsule. As a matter of fact, it’s really quite unlike anything else you’ll find in the city and makes a really great spot to spend the better part of a day, in some respects.

A Look Back: History That Makes Shinsekai Special

Basically, the Shinsekai area has an origin story involving pretty big ambitions that met with, in fact, fairly serious setbacks. Initially constructed way back in 1912, it had been designed to pretty much show off the modernity Osaka was after back then. You could say it was modeled a little after Paris and also Coney Island in New York; the north represented Paris, you see, with Tsutenkaku Tower inspired, actually, by the Eiffel Tower, while the southern part aimed to capture that amusement park spirit from Coney Island. In that case, that dream was kinda cut short by economic difficulties, as well as also by just time rolling onward, but Shinsekai pretty much held onto its very own distinct flavor.

What to Do: Tsutenkaku Tower and Its Views

As I was saying, Tsutenkaku Tower isn’t just, well, very cool to look at; it actually gives some fantastic city views, too it’s almost like, providing a lookout over Osaka from up high. Obviously, the observation deck means panoramic shots are pretty easy, also you can kinda check out the vibrant streets down below. Now, something you may want to see: Billiken, so he is the god of things as they ought to be (happiness and all). Billiken is enshrined at Tsutenkaku Tower. Just so you know, people often rub the soles of his feet, in hopes of some good fortune. Just a little touch of local belief to go along with the trip, eh?

Deep Dive: Shinsekai’s Delicious Street Food Adventures

First, when you are walking around Shinsekai, is that you absolutely have to jump straight into all of the different street food the vendors have to offer; it’s honestly kind of essential. More or less, the star of the show would have to be Kushikatsu—that’s deep-fried skewers. Like your, the whole experience goes, kinda, something like this: You get different types of skewered food like, chicken, veggies, or even cheese dipped in batter and then deep-fried until all brown and delicious. Usually, you get this served alongside a pot of dipping sauce. Here is a helpful thing to remember – absolutely, definitely no double-dipping! Very seriously, everyone shares the same sauce, alright?

Other Eats: Blowfish and More in Shinsekai

So, other than just kushikatsu, Shinsekai does have several more different yummy goodies for, you know, people who are thinking of paying the district a visit. To be honest, trying out fugu is definitely something that ought to be done. In other words, it’s a Japanese delicacy—blowfish—and yes, literally, prepared with serious consideration, so there aren’t any serious problems with the customer, in fact, it’s definitely seen as, perhaps, a really unique kind of foodie adventure, in a way. Apparently, several eateries in the area serve this kinda unique food, presenting a less than commonplace dining experience.

Arcades and Retro Activities Around Shinsekai

For those folks interested in a little something beyond just munching around and eating some great street foods, you can usually stumble upon quite a few different classic game places near the Shinsekai area. The place tends to come alive with the old pachinko places along with very small, cozy arcades providing some sort of blast straight out of the past. And, alright, some go as far as claiming, in that case, it’s not always just regarding playing; it’s, well, more about basking within all of that authentic setting around and in this kind of iconic slice from Japanese cultural background, it would be fair to say.