Heading a bit further south from Osaka Namba, you’ll discover the area known as Shinsekai. While less famous than Dotonbori, a prominent tourist destination in central Osaka, Shinsekai gained its past reputation as a tourist spot, primarily due to the presence of the “Tsutenkaku” observatory.
- Osaka “Shinsekai”: Osaka’s Shinsekai: The New World
“Tsutenkaku Observatory in the Heart of Osaka’s Shinsekai”
At the heart of Osaka’s Shinsekai Street stands the “Tsutenkaku” observatory. This tower draws inspiration from the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Erected in 1912, it stood as the tallest structure in Asia at the time, soaring to a height of 64 meters. Furthermore, it was part of Shinsekai’s facilities, accompanying Luna Park, an amusement park covering an area of over 132,000 square meters.
However, in 1943, a fire broke out in the tower, leading to its dismantling during the war for the supply of iron. After the war ended, Tsutenkaku was rebuilt in 1956.
“The Path to Tsutenkaku Observatory”
To ascend to the Tsutenkaku Observatory, you first descend underground. In the underground area, you’ll find a small theater and souvenir shops. There, you can locate an elevator to take you up to Tsutenkaku. You can either purchase tickets to enter or use the Osaka Amazing Pass for admission after verification.
“A Panoramic View of Southern Osaka from Tsutenkaku Observatory”
Upon reaching Tsutenkaku, you won’t immediately ascend to the observatory. First, you’ll encounter a café and other places selling various foods and souvenirs. Here, you can even spot the iconic “Pocky,” Glico’s representative product.
After passing through the café and souvenir shops, you can ascend to the observatory on the 5th floor. From the observatory, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka city.
“The Billiken Statue at Tsutenkaku”
At Tsutenkaku, you’ll find the Billiken statue, commonly seen in Shinsekai. This deity, not of Japanese origin but brought over from the United States, is believed to bring good fortune when you rub its feet and make a wish.
After the installation of the Billiken statue at Tsutenkaku, it became easily visible in various places in Shinsekai.
“The 4th Floor Observatory Themed with Hatsune Miku”
Descending one floor from the 5th floor brings you to another observatory with a different atmosphere. This area is adorned with the songs of Hatsune Miku, offering a view of Osaka accompanied by her music.
Hatsune Miku is a Vocaloid character, essentially a character that combines animation and music. She is a character who sings.
“Free Admission with the Osaka Amazing Pass”
Tsutenkaku offers free admission with the Osaka Free Access Pass, a type of Osaka Free Travel Pass. Without the pass, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee. The regular observatory fee is 900 yen, while the special outdoor observatory requires a fee of 1,200 yen.
“Japan, Osaka Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku”
- Address: 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 556-0002, Japan
- Phone: +81 6-6641-9555
- Website: https://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/
- Operating Hours: 9:00 – 21:00 (Last entry at 20:30)