Shinsekai Travel Guide

Osaka
Shinsekai which includes a city as well as a small group of people
Shinsekai
Shinsekai
Shinsekai
Shinsekai
This Osaka neighbourhood, with a name that translates to New World, is a historic entertainment district with cultural, shopping and gastronomic attractions. 

The Shinsekai district showcases the industrious, forward-thinking spirit of Osaka. Explore streets lined with curio shops, taste local specialty foods and experience the entertaining activities this downtown region has to offer.

Shinsekai, which means "New World," was first developed before World War II. Its northern half was modelled on Paris, as exemplified by the Eiffel-esque Tsutenkaku Tower. This industrial silver spire has become one of Osaka's iconic sights. Climb to its observation deck, 300 feet (90 metres) above the city streets, for a panoramic view of Osaka and beyond. 

Venture through Shinsekai's intimate lanes and admire the old-fashioned shopfronts, which are decorated with traditional lanterns. The shops and restaurants here sell typical Osakan goods and food at inexpensive prices.

Try an Osakan favourite, kushikatsu, which is a deep-fried dish composed of skewered and battered foods. Savour chicken, pumpkin, asparagus and even ice cream prepared in this way. Adventurous eaters can sample the dangerous Japanese delicacy fugu, which is pufferfish with the poisonous elements carefully removed. Many restaurants are open 24 hours.

At night, the streets come aglow with neon signs and Japanese lamps. Wander thoroughfares and backstreets to find your favourite sake bar. Play games of chance in a pachinko club, which contains hundreds of slot-like gambling machines. 

For a relaxing break, head to Shinsekai's local health resort, Spa World. This bath complex features a variety of themed rooms, each based on a different European and Asian culture. Rest in a wood-lined Finnish sauna and sink into a hot Japanese onsen.

Within walking distance of Shinsekai is Tennoji Park, a quiet garden precinct. Enjoy a moment’s peace among the trees or visit Tennoji Zoo, which exhibits wildlife from around the globe. 

Shinsekai is also known as one of Osaka's seedier suburbs. However, this reputation is more a reflection of Japan's astoundingly low levels of crime than it is of the neighbourhood’s safety. Nonetheless, be vigilant if travelling alone at night and avoid the red light district to the south of the JR railway loop. Shinsekai is a short walk from Shin-Imamiya Station. 


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Shinsekai

the b osaka-shinsekai
the b osaka-shinsekai
3 out of 5
2-1-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Osaka
The price is Rp825.266 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
Rp825.266
Rp907.772 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2025
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (291 reviews)
"The room was fine and there was a large extra space that we ended up using as a walk-in closet but the bathroom was very small with a tiny slippery tub and a big step that made the access very awkward. Regardless, after 3 days we wanted to stay one more week in Osaka and asked to keep the room but ..."

Reviewed on 11 Dec 2024

the b osaka-shinsekai
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
4 out of 5
1-1 Ofukacho, Kita, Osaka, Osaka
The price is Rp1.136.141 per night from 20 Jan to 21 Jan
Rp1.136.141
Rp1.420.176 total
includes taxes & fees
20 Jan - 21 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (3,745 reviews)
"Easy walking access to hotel from Osaka City Station. Access to lots of shopping, restaurants, transportation lines and entertainment. Would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2024

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower
3 out of 5
2-8-32 Sonezaki, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp889.093 per night from 8 Jan to 9 Jan
Rp889.093
Rp1.075.815 total
includes taxes & fees
8 Jan - 9 Jan 2025
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,034 reviews)
"Good hotel"

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2024

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
3.5 out of 5
1-1-13 Nipponbashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is Rp725.609 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
Rp725.609
Rp877.987 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2025
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,628 reviews)
"Service was top. People were super nice and friendly."

Reviewed on 20 Dec 2024

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
3.5 out of 5
1-1-35 Shibata 1, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is Rp1.135.778 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
Rp1.135.778
Rp1.400.794 total
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2025
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,337 reviews)
"Nice hotel at the most convenient location"

Reviewed on 19 Dec 2024

Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
4 out of 5
1-12-8 Sonezakishinchi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is Rp1.093.125 per night from 5 Jan to 6 Jan
Rp1.093.125
Rp1.382.777 total
includes taxes & fees
5 Jan - 6 Jan 2025
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,176 reviews)
Small tables
"The elevators usually take a while. The rooms are a good size but there too little table and counter space. There could be quite a bit of traffic noises audible from the room."

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2024

Hotel Monterey Le Frere Osaka
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Shinsekai

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Tennoji

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Shitennoji Temple while getting to know Tennoji, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka Station or Momodani Station to see more of the area.

Tennoji
Namba featuring a city

Namba

4.5/5(309 area reviews)

Visitors to Namba love its popular shops, and you can check out Dotonbori and Namba Parks. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai).

Namba
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Naniwa

4.5/5(82 area reviews)

Dotonbori and Osaka City Air Terminal are top sights in Naniwa, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ashiharabashi Station or Ashihara-cho Station to see more sights in the area.

Naniwa
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Minami

4.5/5(27 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Minami. Dotonbori is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station to see more of Osaka.

Minami
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Nishinari

5/5(3 area reviews)

Shopping and spas are just a few features Nishinari is known for, and you can get around the area by hopping on the metro at Tengachaya West Station or Kishinosato Station.

Nishinari
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Nishishinsaibashi

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Dotonbori to Amerikamura – discover Nishishinsaibashi, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Nishishinsaibashi

Shinsekai Travel Guide