Shinsekai District: Enjoy the Night Lights

Shinsekaiis a cool nightlife district that serves as another important landmark of Osaka. The name Shinsekai literally means “New World.” Best of all, there's more to do here than just shopping, because Tsutenkaku Tower, a symbol of this district, also stands right in the middle. This area is at its liveliest at night — there are plenty of shops, and crowds of people eating and drinking at every turn. There's also Jan Jan Yokocho, a narrow street of eateries popular with locals, where brightly lit shopfronts serve food, sweets, and snacks. Nearby you'll also find several souvenir shops for shopping. Many visitors here spot a smiling monkey-like figure in various corners — that's Billiken, the god of good fortune, another symbol of this district.

This district first came about when the National Industrial Exposition was held here in 1903, an event that drew over 5 million visitors in just 5 months. After the exposition ended, the area continued to develop with a tower, a park, a cinema, and an amusement park, much as we see today. Even though this "New World" received a great deal of government development in the early 1900s, the growth of other commercial districts in the city such as Namba) which came to outpace it caused this area to gradually grow quieter — but only when compared during the daytime. At night, this district wins hands down.

Speaking of city planning, the northern part of Shinsekai is said to be mostly influenced by the architecture of Paris, while the southern part was built in the style of Coney Island in New York. Since this is a famous spot for eating and drinking at night, the area is full of local-style shops. The area's must-try food is kushikatsu, deep-fried skewers that include chicken, beef, pumpkin, and bamboo shoots, as well as desserts like fried banana and fried ice cream. Most shops stay open 24 hours and are especially lively in the early evening. If a full day of sightseeing isn't enough and you want to experience the real nightlife of Osaka locals, head to Shinsekai without delay.

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