Nightlife
Tsutenkaku by Night
Jeannie GanTsutenkaku is a well known landmark of Osaka. Remember to drop by the observation tower and enjoying the streets of Kushi-katsu shops in Shinsekai.
Tsutenkaku Tower, standing at 103 meters tall, is an unmistakable symbol of Osaka and located in the Shinsekai area. The towering 8-sided structure’s facade is characterized by its exposed steel beams and Eiffel Tower-esque appearance. Visitors and residents alike flock to its observation deck for stunning panoramic views of the area.
History
Tsutenkaku, originally built in 1912 at 63 meters tall, was renowned for its impressive height, making it one of the tallest structures in Asia at the time. The structure’s appearance was modeled after famous French architecture, with the tower portion matching the Eiffel Tower and the base reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe. The tower was erected as a centerpiece of the bustling area and was attached to the popular amusement park, Luna Park, via a cable car. Unfortunately, the tower was damaged in 1943 by a fire and later dismantled for its steel during WWII. Years later in 1956, after locals campaigned for a new tower, the current Tsutenkaku was constructed at a taller 103 meters tall and designed by famous architect Tachu Naito, who also designed Tokyo Tower. You can view photos, videos, and a diorama of the original tower and Luna Park on Tsutenkaku’s third floor.
Today
Presently, Tsutenkaku stands as a beacon of the lively area and is a must see spot if you are visiting the Shinsekai. During the day, the structure stands silver against the sky, while at night it shines bright neon thanks to its numerous LED lights that change color with the seasons. The tower is open year-round from 10:00 to 20:00 with admission until 19:30. General observatory tickets cost 900 JPY for adults (high school students and above) and 400 JPY for infants 5 years old and over and junior high and elementary school students. For an additional 300 JPY (adults) or 200 JPY (children and young adults), you can visit Tenbo Paradise and Tip The Tsutenkaku. Listed below are some highlights to help guide your adventures.
Explore the Surrounding Area
While in the area, be sure to check out the Shinsekai neighborhood for its local wares, delicious eats, and lively atmosphere. Stroll along JanJan Yokocho (JanJan Alley), a covered shopping street, and enjoy the clothes stores, arcade games, and kushikatsu restaurants, which are known for their fried skewers of breaded meat and vegetables. The street is also populated by multiple Shogi, Japanese chess, salons. For a break from the bustling Osaka streets, visit nearby Tennoji Park for a relaxing walk.
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<p>Given the tower’s height, Tsutenkaku’s observation deck is one of its most prominent offerings. After purchasing a ticket in the tower’s basement, travel up 88 meters above ground to the fourth floor. From the enclosed observation deck, witness mesmerizing views of the Osaka City skyline, including the impressive Abeno Harukas skyscraper, Tennoji Park, and Tennoji Zoo.</p> <p>For an additional fee, visit Tenbo Paradise on the fifth floor, an outdoor observation platform. Compare the sprawling daytime panorama to the sparkling sea of lights at night. Attached to Tenbo Paradise is a small platform called Tip The Tsutenkaku that extends out from the tower with a see-through floor. Test your wits, and experience the sensation of floating nearly 93 meters above ground as you stand on the clear floor. The observation deck is open from 10:00 to 19:30, with the last entry at 19:15.</p>
In addition to the observatory, the fifth floor also houses a statue of Osaka’s mascot, Billiken. Billiken is known for his wide smile, golden color, and seated posture with his legs pointed forward. The happy deity was created in 1908 by an American illustrator and first displayed in Osaka’s Luna Park in 1912. Today, visitors line up for a chance to touch his feet, which are said to bring good fortune. Be sure to stop by the cheeriful god for some good luck during your visit!
The five-story structure is overflowing with shops, perfect for picking up souvenirs. Not only does the second level include Osaka-inspired souvenirs, but it also has an exhibit of the manga and anime character, Kinnikuman. Here, you can purchase merchandise related to the muscular character!
For Japanese food-related souvenirs, visit Wakuwaku Land on the basement floor. Wakuwaku Land is the perfect spot to peruse if you have some downtime after purchasing your ticket for the observation deck. The area brings together famous food manufacturers, including Kyoro-chan’s LOL Lolly Shop, Glico-ya, and Chicken Ramen Hyoko-chan Shop. Observe the store’s cute mascots and pick up some delicious treats. On the same floor is STUDIO210, where you can enjoy performances to pass the time.
At the top of Tsutenkaku is a large light that shines differently depending on the weather forecast for the next day. Best seen at night, the round light consists of two sections that light up with a combination of white, orange, or blue to match the forecast. Learn about the different meanings to fully appreciate the sight. For instance, if the top of the light is white and the bottom is blue, then the next day will be sunny with rain later in the day.
4-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line.
7-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station from the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.
Tsutenkaku is a well known landmark of Osaka. Remember to drop by the observation tower and enjoying the streets of Kushi-katsu shops in Shinsekai.
Hailed as one of the symbol of Osaka, Tsutenkaku provides an alternative observation viewing experience with eight deities of good fortune fronting each direction that you look. Completed in 1956, one of its special features lies in the round neon sign atop the tower that shows the following day’s weather forecast!
Tsūtenkaku Tower is one of Osaka's landmarks. The view from the tower is impressive and a quick stop to a Kushikatsu restaurant is essential to complete a visit of this area
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Tenshiba is the entrance area to Tennoji Park, which was converted into a free recreation area for the people of Osaka in October 2015. It is laid out around an extensive lawn and surrounded by a variety of recreational facilities for the local population. In the shopping area there is Cafes, restaurants and a farmers market, and there is also a children's playground and a futsal court. There is also an animal park nearby, the Tennoji Zoo. In 2016, the redesigned park won one of Japan's annual Good Design Awards. Entrance is completely free and a free WiFi network is also offered to visitors.
The Abenobashi Terminal Building is located in Abenosuji Itchome, Osaka City. The building is a commercially used multifunctional building and not only houses numerous shops, but also a hotel and the Sharp Cooporation's sales office. The name of the skyscraper is Abeno Harukas, which is derived from the old Japanese word Harukatsu and means to brighten or clear. Construction of the building began in 2010 and it opened on March 7, 2014. With a height of 300 meters and 62 floors, the Abenobashi Terminal building is the tallest skyscraper in Japan and when all floors are taken together it has a walkable area of approximately 100,000 square meters.
Shitennoji Temple in Osaka is regarded as one of Japan’s oldest official temples and the first to be financially supported and constructed by the country. The Buddhist temple was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku and dedicated to the Shitenno, the four heavenly kings of Buddhism. The temple’s structures burned down multiple times throughout history, but were always accurately rebuilt, staying true to the original design. Today, you can enter the outer temple grounds for free and admire the sacred buildings. To visit the Chushin Garan or inner-temple complex, Treasure House, and Gokurakujodo Garden, you will have to pay a small fee. The Chushin Garan is home to Shitennoji’s most iconic buildings—the Kondo (Main Hall) and five-story pagoda. Both structures are truly mesmerizing with traditional vermillion coloring against white and green accents. Climb up the pagoda for a unique perspective of the temple grounds. Entrance to the Chushin Garan is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school and college students, and free for children. The Treasure House is an intriguing place for history lovers as it displays Buddhist scriptures, statues, paintings, and artifacts. Admission is 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school and college students, and free for children. One of Shitennoji’s most tranquil areas is the Gokurakujodo Garden, which was modeled off the mythical Western Paradise of the Amida Buddha. The garden is characterized by ponds, rock waterfalls, cherry blossoms, and stone lanterns, creating a wonderful zen oasis in bustling Osaka. Unwind with a stroll along the water and enjoy the seasonal foliage. The area is also known for its abundance of basking turtles! The garden’s admission fee is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school and college students, 200 yen for elementary and middle school students, and free for kindergarten students. On January 14, Shitennoji celebrates the Doya Doya Festival. During this lively event, young men dressed in traditional undergarments run into the Rokujireisando prayer hall as they are doused with cold water and compete to grab the most paper charms, which are dropped from the ceiling. If you are in the area on the 21st or 22nd of the month, be sure to stop by the temple for the Shitennoji Flea Market between 8:00 and 16:00. Peruse the roughly 300 stalls and enjoy delicious street foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki!