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


Shinsekai Hotel Deals

the b osaka-shinsekai
the b osaka-shinsekai
3 out of 5
2-1-24, Osaka, Osaka
The price is CA $62 per night from May 20 to May 21
CA $62
CA $68 total
includes taxes & fees
May 20 - May 21
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Tsutenkaku Tower and Nipponbashi are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (150 reviews)
"Convenient location. Had free breakfast"

Reviewed on May 8, 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 CA $63 per night from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10
CA $63
CA $79 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,129 reviews)
"Bathroom sucks but that’s pretty much the only flaw otherwise good hotel right near everything"

Reviewed on May 6, 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 CA $115 per night from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11
CA $115
CA $145 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 10 - Jun 11
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,573 reviews)
Great hotel with view
"Quick check in and out. A bit tricky to find initially as hotel starts on 7th floor of links shopping centre. But once found is a great hotel handy to transport. Would stay again"

Reviewed on May 9, 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
The price is CA $81 per night from May 12 to May 13
CA $81
CA $97 total
includes taxes & fees
May 12 - May 13
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,049 reviews)
"Huge hotel, perfect location, great customer service"

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

APA HOTEL&RESORT〈OSAKA UMEDA EKI TOWER〉
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 CA $96 per night from May 26 to May 27
CA $96
CA $121 total
includes taxes & fees
May 26 - May 27
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,007 reviews)
"We had a nice stay at Hotel Monterey Le Frerw Osaka. Great location, and parking available where we can just drop off our car and access public transport around the city. The hotel is like new, clean and full of amenities. Staffs are friendly and helpful too. Will definitely come back next time we’re ..."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Hotel Monterey Le Frere 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 CA $134 per night from Jun. 10 to Jun. 11
CA $134
CA $165 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 10 - Jun 11
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,393 reviews)
Great location, value, and staff
"Fantastic location for Universal goers. Super easy access and hotel staff is very friendly. Easy to get cab to city or train right there. Room was large, 3 beds, great view of the park."

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
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(17 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(251 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(74 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

4/5(20 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

2/5(1 area review)

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

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