A Food-Lover’s Guide to Shinsekai: What to Eat, See...

If Dotonbori is Osaka’s neon-soaked, tourist-heavy showstopper, then Shinsekai is its nostalgic, deep-fried soul.

Welcome to Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s quirkiest and most flavorful neighborhoods—where time stands still, skewers sizzle, and the smell of deep-fried kushikatsu fills the air. Often overshadowed by Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, Shinsekai is a must-visit for food lovers and culture seekers alike.

In this expanded guide—designed to pair perfectly with our Dotonbori Food Crawl—we’ll show you how to spend a delicious, fun-filled day in Shinsekai, including must-try eats, retro charm, and nearby attractions you can access using the Osaka Amazing Pass.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links through our partnership with Klook. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Tales of a Tasty Twosome!

Colorful neon-lit street in bustling Osaka, showcasing vibrant urban nightlife.

Where Is Shinsekai?

hinsekai (新世界) means “New World,” but the name is ironic now—this district was built in 1912 and hasn’t changed much since. Anchored by Tsutenkaku Tower, it’s an eccentric mix of Showa-era nostalgia, low-cost eateries, game parlors, and bathhouses.

Nearest station: Dobutsuen-Mae or Ebisucho Station

Best time to go: Around 10:00 AM for early tower visits and food strolls

Suggested Itinerary: One Day in Shinsekai

Time Activity

10:00 AM	Start at Tsutenkaku Tower
11:00 AM	Explore Shinsekai Retro Streets
12:00 PM	Kushikatsu lunch at Daruma
1:30 PM	Spa World or Janjan Yokocho
3:00 PM	Osaka Tennoji Park
5:00 PM	Sunset drinks at Tsutenkaku Sky Bar
6:00 PM	Street food crawl and dinner

Attractions with the Osaka Amazing Pass

The Osaka Amazing Pass is one of the best-value city passes in Japan. For one flat fee you get:

Unlimited rides on Osaka Metro, Osaka city buses, and some private railways
Free entry into 40 sightseeing attractions in the Osaka area.
Discount/benefits to 30 facilities in the Osaka area.

Book the Osaka Amazing Pass on Klook here

Shinsekai + Nearby Attractions Included:

Tsutenkaku Tower (Free entry with pass)
Spa World (Discounted entry)
Tennoji Zoo (Free with pass)
Osaka Tennoji Park
Osaka Museum of History (Free)
Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden (Optional post-Shinsekai bonus!)

Discover the bustling streets of Osaka with a clear view of the iconic Tsūtenkaku Tower, showcasing vibrant urban culture.

Shinsekai in 1 Day

This Eiffel Tower-inspired structure is the icon of Shinsekai. Ride the elevator to the observation deck, meet Billiken (the god of happiness), and take in views of Osaka’s skyline.

🎫 Included with the Osaka Amazing Pass

📸 Photo tip: Look for retro signs and neon-lit restaurants below—perfect flat-lay street shots.

Shinsekai is a vintage dream. Walk down Janjan Yokocho, a narrow alley filled with lantern-lit izakayas, old-school pachinko parlors, and takoyaki stands.

Don’t miss:

🎮 Game centers with classic arcade games (great for TikTok content)
🎯 Shooting galleries and capsule toy machines
📸 Wall murals and quirky restaurant mascots

If there’s one thing you eat in Shinsekai, let it be kushikatsu—deep-fried skewers of meat, veggies, and cheese. Daruma is the OG shop, famous for its “no double dipping” rule and iconic angry chef mascot.

Must-Try Skewers:

Cheese-stuffed lotus root
Pork belly
Shrimp
Mochi + nori
Quail egg

💳 Expect to spend: ¥1,500–2,500 per person

📍 Location: 2 Chome-3-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward

You’ve got two great options:

Option 1: Spa World Osaka

Multi-level themed bathhouse with onsens from around the world (Greece, Bali, Finland, Japan)
Includes water slides and a rooftop pool
Discounted with the Osaka Amazing Pass

💡 Insider Tip: Tattoos are allowed only in the rooftop pool—not the public onsen.

📍 Location: 3-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward

🕒 Allow 1.5–2 hours for full relaxation

Option 2: Keep Wandering Janjan Yokocho

Grab some afternoon street food:

Takoyaki with yuzu mayo
Mitarashi dango (sweet soy-glazed rice balls)
Gyoza at a stand-up bar

Just a 5-minute walk from Shinsekai, Tennoji Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Japan and great for kids or relaxed strolling.

🎫 Free with Osaka Amazing Pass

🌿 Bonus: Visit the adjacent Tennoji Park and Keitakuen Garden, a quiet Japanese garden perfect for photo ops.

Alternative Stop:

Abeno Harukas Observation Deck – Japan’s tallest skyscraper with a panoramic view (Osaka Amazing Pass required for full access)

Circle back to Shinsekai and ascend Tsutenkaku Tower again to enjoy a sunset drink at the Tower Sky Bar (entry free with pass).

Or head to a no-frills izakaya in Janjan Yokocho for early drinks and snacks.

Local Picks:

Zuboraya (pufferfish specialty—iconic fugu lantern outside)
Torikizoku – affordable yakitori chain with great drink deals
Osaka Osho – casual gyoza and beer pairing

🍻 Drink Tip: Try a chuhai (shochu highball) or ume sour (plum wine + soda) for something refreshing.

As the neon lights come on, Shinsekai transforms into a buzzing, retro playground. Here’s how to end your night:

Mini Food Crawl Plan:

Kushikatsu snacks (again!) at Yaekatsu or Yokozuna
Takoyaki from a stand with gooey centers and bonito flakes
Matcha soft serve or melon soda float from a dessert shop
Taiyaki – crispy fish-shaped pancake filled with custard or red bean

Before heading out, browse quirky souvenir shops for:

Vintage Osaka posters
Billiken charms (the god of luck!)
Retro vending machine magnets
Pocky & Japanese snacks for the road

👜 Tip: Bring a reusable tote bag—you’ll definitely leave with goodies.

Nearby Attractions to Add (Using Osaka Amazing Pass)

If you want to extend your day into other neighborhoods after Shinsekai:

Osaka Museum of Housing and Living – walk through Edo-period Osaka
Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden – panoramic sunset city views
Osaka Castle Museum – an iconic landmark worth visiting for history buffs

Final Thoughts: Why Shinsekai Should Be on Your Osaka Itinerary

A Japanese street food vendor skillfully prepares takoyaki at an outdoor market.

While Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi steal the spotlight, Shinsekai is where you’ll truly feel the heart of Osaka. It’s gritty, flavorful, quirky, and deliciously authentic. Whether you’re deep-frying your lunch, soaking in a Roman-style bathhouse, or hunting for the best matcha soft serve in a neon-lit alley—Shinsekai is an experience like no other.

Pair it with the Osaka Amazing Pass via Klook, and you’ve got yourself a full day of food and fun for a fraction of the price.

If you’re planning a full day of exploring and eating your way through Osaka, don’t miss our Dotonbori Foodie Guide for all the must-try street eats, and be sure to check out our Osaka Amazing Pass guide to see how you can access top attractions like Tsutenkaku Tower and Tennoji Zoo for free. Together, they’re the perfect combo for maximizing flavor and value in one unforgettable day.

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