Osaka June 2016 5 days 4 nights Itinerary - Day 4 Pt 1 (Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower)

Day 4:

Today turned out to be a pleasant day for exploring — no rain at all! I decided to walk from my hotel all the way to Shinsekai Osaka.

To be honest, I hesitated about visiting this district. I had read mixed reviews online, with some saying it’s not the safest part of the city. Since I came in the morning, the streets were almost empty, giving it a “ghost town” vibe. I can’t speak for how it is at night, but if you plan to visit after dark, it’s probably best to come in a group.

Shinsekai (新世界), which means “New World,” was developed before World War II but later neglected for decades. This explains why the area feels older compared to bustling districts like Namba or Umeda. At its heart stands the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, a nostalgic symbol of Shinsekai and one of the more unique Osaka attractions. Truthfully, aside from the tower, there isn’t much else to see here.

The entrance to the tower is bright and colorful, and even the elevator features changing artwork. From the top, you get a panoramic view of Osaka — though I was too late for sunrise! Around the tower, you’ll spot quirky sights like a Takoyaki Hello Kitty, a mini Glico Man sign, and retro posters. I even noticed a K-pop throwback — KARA once visited here, which made me feel a wave of nostalgia.

Inside the tower, there’s a small café serving light meals and desserts. I ordered a plate of Neapolitan pasta for breakfast — surprisingly tasty, even though I saw it was reheated from a pre-packaged. Still, it hit the spot and made for a nice end to my Shinsekai visit.

If you’re planning your Osaka travel itinerary, Shinsekai is worth a quick stop for its retro charm, but the real highlight here is Tsutenkaku Tower.