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Experience the unique charm of Osaka’s “Shinsekai,” a district known for its traditional atmosphere. From classic Osaka delicacies like kushikatsu and doteyaki to its distinctive scenery, Shinsekai is a must-visit spot for any Osaka tour.
If you’re visiting Shinsekai for the first time, here are some recommended spots you shouldn’t miss!
When you think of Osaka, you think of “Shinsekai!”
Let me introduce some
recommendations around Shinsekai!
Contents
What is Shinsekai?
Shinsekai has been a beloved part of Osaka for over 100 years. The name “Shinsekai” (New World) originated from the construction of Luna Park, an amusement park centered around the Tsutenkaku Tower. It was intended to create a modern area with new culture and technology that did not exist in the old world of the Tokugawa era.
Today’s Shinsekai retains its nostalgic charm while showcasing eye-catching signs and vibrant scenes that reflect Osaka’s unique atmosphere.
For more information on Tsutenkaku, please refer to another article.
Tsutenkaku is a must-see when visiting Osaka. Situated in the hea...
A Town Full of Vibrant Signs and Osaka Gourmet
Shinsekai is known for its impactful, flashy signs that you won’t find elsewhere, offering a unique atmosphere. You can see large Billiken statues, giant cranes and turtles, and even large boats incorporated into signs. Walking around and seeing these is an experience in itself.
Of course, you can also enjoy delicious Osaka cuisine. Here are some recommended eateries where you can savor local flavors.
Yaekatsu
Located in Jan Jan Yokocho, “Yaekatsu” is a popular kushikatsu restaurant with long lines at any time. The ingredients are large and satisfying, and the batter is uniquely fluffy and crispy, which is part of its enduring appeal. The light, non-sweet sauce makes it easy to enjoy multiple skewers. Besides kushikatsu, the doteyaki, a dish of beef tendon stewed in white miso, is also a favorite.
| address | 3-4-13 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka |
| business hours | 10:30〜21:00 |
| Closed Day | Thursday |
| Official Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/shinnsekai_yaekatsu/ ※For more details, please see the URL above. |
Nadai Tsurukameya
“Tsuru Kameya,” with its crane and turtle statues, is close to Tsutenkaku. It offers a variety of dishes including kushikatsu, doteyaki, hot pot, teppanyaki, and salads. The skewers start at 99 yen each, providing affordable and tasty options. This popular spot also caters to international tourists with menus in English, Chinese, and Korean. Despite the long lines, the restaurant has plenty of seating, so the wait is usually short.
| address | Osaka Prefecture, Osaka City, Naniwa Ward, Ebisu Higashi 2-5-2 |
| business hours | 11:00〜23:00 |
| Closed Day | Open all year round |
| Tabelog site | https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270206/27009455/ ※For more details, please see the URL above. |
Osaka Shinsekai Original Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Store
Famous for its “No Double-Dipping” rule, “Osaka Shinsekai Original Kushikatsu Daruma” is often what people think of when they hear kushikatsu. The restaurant offers easy-to-eat, crispy kushikatsu in over 40 varieties. If you’re unsure what to try, the set menus are a great option. They also have exclusive items available only in Shinsekai, so be sure to sample them.
| address | 2-3-9 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka City |
| business hours | 11:00-22:30 (last orders 30 minutes before closing) ※Opens 10:30 on December 31st and January 1st, 2nd and 3rd |
| Closed Day | Open all year round |
| Official site | http://kushikatu-daruma.com/tenpo_sinsekai_honten.html ※For more details, please see the URL above. |
Jumbo Fishing Boat Tsurikichi
At “Jumbo Fishing Boat Tsurikichi,” you can enjoy fishing as well as dining. With a large fishing pond holding 120 tons of water, you can catch tai (sea bream) and fugu (pufferfish). You can then choose how you’d like your catch prepared—tempura, sashimi, or sushi. You can also enjoy kushikatsu, a local specialty.
| address | 2-3-14 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka City |
| business hours | 11:00～23:00 （L.O. 22:00） |
| Closed Day | Open all year round |
| Official site | https://tsuri-kichi.com/ ※For more details, please see the URL above. |
Popular Cafés for Younger Visitors
Shinsekai is not just about kushikatsu; its cafés are also popular, especially among the younger crowd. Retro and charming, these cafés are great spots for enjoying sweets and exploring the local café culture.
Here are some recommended cafés around Shinsekai.
Sen’nariya Coffee
Famous for its mix juice, “Sen’nariya Coffee” helped popularize this Osaka specialty. Besides mix juice, their coffee is also a highlight. Desserts include Showa-era retro-style pudding à la mode and gentle-tasting milkshakes. The nostalgic atmosphere enhances the experience of their menu items.
| address | 3-4-15 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka |
| business hours | Weekdays: 11:30-19:00 Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 9:00-19:00 |
| Closed Day | Please check the official website. |
| Official site | https://www.sennariya-coffee.jp/index_en.html ※For more details, please see the URL above. |
Café Doremi
“Café Doremi,” with its Showa-era retro charm, is located almost directly below Tsutenkaku. It features a cute cat character on its sign and offers a variety of classic café menu items. Particularly popular is their handmade pudding, simple yet delicious. The Royal Pudding, topped with ice cream, fruit, and whipped cream, is a photo-worthy treat. Their cream soda is also a hit and pairs beautifully with the Royal Pudding.
| address | 1-18-8 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture |
| business hours | 10:00～18:00（L.O.17:30） |
| Closed Day | Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday) |
Café Brother
“Brother,” a café that has been around for over 70 years, offers a nostalgic ambiance with warm lamp lighting and a brown color scheme. The mix juice, rich and comforting, is a must-try, and the menu includes classic items like hotcakes, mixed sandwiches, and toast. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy a nostalgic café experience.
| address | 1-14-6 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka |
| business hours | 7:00～17:00 |
| Closed Day | Tuesday |
Unique Souvenirs Galore!
After enjoying Shinsekai, be sure to pick up some unique souvenirs! From locally themed items to those featuring Billiken, the symbol of Tsutenkaku, there are plenty of interesting souvenirs. The souvenir shops themselves are uniquely designed, adding to the fun of selecting your gifts.
Here are some particularly recommended souvenirs.
Billiken Doll Castella
Available at the stall “Detatokoya” in front of “Cafe TONARI no TONARI,” the “Billiken Doll Castella” is a delicious cake shaped like the cute Billiken figure. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so eat it soon after purchasing.
Tsutenkaku Crispy Chocolate
“Tsutenkaku Crispy Chocolate,” sized for easy transport, is a collaboration with the luxury Japanese confectioner Morozoff. This treat features crispy cereal coated in white chocolate and is a popular souvenir.
Fortune cookies with Billiken-themed fortunes inside! Each cookie contains a fortune with Billiken illustrations and encouraging messages. The individually wrapped cookies are great for sharing as souvenirs.
Experience True Osaka in Shinsekai!
We’ve introduced some of the fantastic spots you can enjoy in Shinsekai, from delicious food and retro cafés to unique souvenirs.
Of course, there are many more charming spots in Shinsekai. It’s a place that’s enjoyable every time you visit, so be sure to explore other areas we didn’t cover this time.
Convenient Access from It’ ta de!
It’ ta de offers convenient access to Shinsekai. After thoroughly enjoying the area, relax and unwind in your room at It’ ta de!
Close to USJ! Convenient for Osaka Sightseeing♪ Only about 14 minutes to Shinsekai!It’ta de JPN
Just one station away from Universal Studios Japan (or a 25-minute walk) and an 8-minute walk from the nearest station. It’s the closest vacation rental to Universal Studios! Of course, access to downtown Osaka is also convenient. Enjoy your stay in Osaka with a comfortable and unique interior.
8-minute walk from JR Yumesaki Line “Anjigawa” Station / Maximum occupancy: 8 guests
Enjoy the Downtown Vibe! Just about 5 minutes from the Hankai Tramway Hankai Line “Imabune” Station to “Ebisucho” Station in Shinsekai!
It’ ta de MORRIS/It’ ta de RETRO
It’ ta de MORRIS features stylish Morris colors, while It’ ta de RETRO offers a nostalgic Showa-era retro charm. Both are in excellent locations for exploring Osaka’s attractions, ensuring you’ll enjoy your stay!
5-minute walk from Osaka Metro “Hanazono” Station, 10-minute walk from Nankai “Tengachaya” Station, 11-minute walk from Hankai Tramway Hankai Line “Imabune” Station / Maximum occupancy: 8 guests
Enjoy the charm of old-town Osaka! With the Hankai Tram, you can reach the “Ebisucho” station in about 6 minutes!
LYCKA, which means “happiness” in Swedish, offers a simple and modern atmosphere to refresh you after your travels. Conveniently located for exploring Osaka, it’s a great choice for your stay in the city!
9 minutes on foot from Nankai “Tengachaya” Station, 1 minute on foot from Hankai Tramway Hankai Line “Matsudacho” Station / Maximum capacity: 13 guests
