Shinsekai

Osaka
Shinsekai
This Osaka neighborhood, 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 modeled 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 meters) 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 favorite, kushikatsu, which is a deep-fried dish composed of skewered and battered foods. Savor 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 favorite 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 neighborhood’s safety. Nonetheless, be vigilant if traveling 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, Osaka, Osaka
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P2,765 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
P2,765
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Kyocera Dome Osaka are located nearby. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (96 reviews)
"Very good to me, there are very kindly instruction and a lot of store nearby."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

the b osaka-shinsekai
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 P3,355 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
P3,355
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,054 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Staff was friendly & made an effort to try to help us when we had questions. The free breakfast was good. Room is small as expected (note that you cannot open your luggage all the way unless it’s in the bed) you make it work though and it’s not too bad. Location is great close to ..."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Sotetsu Grand Fresa Osaka - Namba
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
4 out of 5
1-1 Ofukacho, Kita, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P5,594 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
P5,594
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,363 reviews)
Hankyu Respire - it can't get any better than this
"This was our third stay at this Hotel. The location works well for our family bec it's easy for my husband to return to our room when he gets tired of following me around while I shop. Lululemon is just around the corner together with a lot of the Boutiques which sell Made in Japan clothing at Lucua. ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
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 P4,008 per night from 26 Apr to 27 Apr
P4,008
per night
26 Apr - 27 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,373 reviews)
"Conveniently located near train and bus station. Multiple people at reception to help so no wait time to check in. Great view from my room."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2024

Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
4 out of 5
6-2-52 Shimaya Konohana-ku, Osaka
The price is P5,699 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
P5,699
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,289 reviews)
"Very a nice Hotel in front to the park (100 Yards) next time for sure I will stay there. Thank you"

Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
Hotel Nikko Osaka
Hotel Nikko Osaka
4 out of 5
1-3-3 Nishi-shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is P6,343 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
P6,343
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,828 reviews)
"The hotel was easily accessible to Kyoto station and within a short walk, which made it easy to arrive via train and see the city. The hotel is nice, but I would say slightly on the dated side, but is well maintained and the staff very attentive. The hotel had a lot of guests that were part of tour ..."

Reviewed on Mar 26, 2024

Hotel Nikko 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

Tennoji featuring street scenes and a city as well as a large group of people

Tennoji

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Tennoji. Spend some time visiting top spots like Shitennoji Temple, and catch 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(62 area reviews)

Namba is popular for its popular shops. Explore top sights like Dotonbori and Namba Parks, and you can get around town on the metro at Namba Station (Nankai).

Namba
Naniwa

Naniwa

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Enjoy the popular shops in Naniwa. Dotonbori is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at Ashiharabashi Station or Ashihara-cho Station to see more of Osaka.

Naniwa
Tsutenkaku Tower which includes night scenes, signage and a city

Minami

5/5(4 area reviews)

Minami is highly notable for its popular shops, and you might want to visit top sights like Dotonbori and Nipponbashi. See more of Osaka by jumping on the metro at Nippombashi Station or Namba Station.

Minami
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Nishinari

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
Satsumasendai which includes shopping as well as a large group of people

Nishishinsaibashi

Nishishinsaibashi is known for its popular shops, and with sights like Dotonbori and Amerikamura, you won't get bored spending a day wandering around this part of Osaka.

Nishishinsaibashi

Shinsekai