Heading a bit south from Namba, considered the southern hub of Osaka, you’ll come across the Shinsekai and Den Den Town areas. In Shinsekai, you can find the Tsutenkaku Observatory, a tower modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
“Jyanjyan Yokocho in Shinsekai Shopping Street to the South”
The area with the Tsutenkaku Observatory is part of the Shinsekai Shopping Street, and if you venture a bit further down, you’ll discover Jyanjyan Yokocho, a small arcade shopping street. This street, nicknamed “Working-Class Shopping Street,” is densely packed with various restaurants.
“An Atmosphere Emitting a Working-Class Vibe, Jyanjyan Yokocho”
Jyanjyan Yokocho is an arcade shopping street formed in a narrow alley, known for housing numerous eateries, including those selling kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and more. It’s said that the name “Jyanjyan Yokocho” originated from the days when people, while heading towards Tsutenkaku, would lightly tap on the Samicen (money offering) and say “Jyanjyan,” leading to the naming of this alley.
“A Place Reflecting a Simple Atmosphere with Game Centers”
This location is known for its restaurants selling various foods, from kushikatsu to okonomiyaki. Moreover, it’s a spot where elderly people gather to enjoy games such as shogi and mahjong. While exploring Jyanjyan Yokocho, you may notice places resembling game centers, featuring typical arcade games and even slot machines tucked away inside.
“Early Morning Exploration and Simple Meals at Jyanjyan Yokocho”
During our early morning visit, despite many restaurants being closed, a few were open for business. We managed to have a quick breakfast at a restaurant selling takoyaki. For around 300 yen, you could get six pieces of takoyaki, equivalent to approximately 3,000 won. The prices were quite reasonable, in line with the nickname “Working-Class Shopping Street.”
However, keep in mind that this place seems more frequented by locals rather than tourists. If you want to experience the local atmosphere of Osaka, Jyanjyan Yokocho is an excellent place to visit.
“Japan, Osaka Shinsekai: Jyanjyan Yokocho”
- Address: 3 Chome-4-12 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 556-0002, Japan
- Operating Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (varies slightly among shops)