Shinsekai

Osaka

Shinsekai showing a city as well as a small group of people
Shinsekai
Shinsekai
Shinsekai
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

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
3 out of 5
1-2-13 Minatomachi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P4,096 per night from Jun 29 to Jun 30
P4,096
P4,957 total
Jun 29 - Jun 30
Stay at this 3-star spa hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dotonbori and Tsutenkaku Tower are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,632 reviews)
"Buenísima ubicación aunque está muy reducido todo muy bien"

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Namba Ekimae Tower
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
3 out of 5
2-4-10, Minami-Senba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
The price is P2,842 per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
P2,842
P3,126 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Close to everything"

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025

Nest Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi
HOTEL UNIVERSAL PORT
HOTEL UNIVERSAL PORT
4 out of 5
1-1-111 Sakurajima, Konohana Ku, Osaka, Osaka-fu
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,181 reviews)
"Big rooms. 4 beds. Clean Though a bit of walk but it was ok."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

HOTEL UNIVERSAL PORT
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
3 out of 5
Nanba Chuou-ku 2-chome 3 -9, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P5,625 per night from Jun 12 to Jun 13
P5,625
P6,187 total
Jun 12 - Jun 13
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,044 reviews)
"Great place to stay in Osaka! Very close to everything and run a very practical operation. Free breakfast was an unexpected surprised. We had a late flight so after check out we were provided bag locker. It was raining and they gave us an umbrella for the day. Really greatful for the service. Highly ..."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Toyoko Inn Osaka Namba
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
4 out of 5
1-1 Ofukacho, Kita, Osaka, Osaka
The price is P6,862 per night from Jul 8 to Jul 9
P6,862
P8,303 total
Jul 8 - Jul 9
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! (4,450 reviews)
"We always enjoy our stay at Hankyu Respire hence our priority when booking our hotel in Osaka. Beside from its numerous restaurant outlets on the 8th floor, It is also central to all the places you wanted to go for shopping & the rail station as well."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA
HOTEL UNIVERSAL PORT VITA
HOTEL UNIVERSAL PORT VITA
4 out of 5
Konohana, Shimaya 6-1-16, Osaka, Osaka
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Osaka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,197 reviews)
"Love it."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

HOTEL UNIVERSAL PORT VITA
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
If you’re looking for Sushi then this is definitely the place to come, the freshness and taste of the fish were exquisite. The place is quite small only seating about 10 so you might have to wait but it’s definitely worth it, the tuna, eel, sea bream and mackerel were superb.
#Trovember

Sennichimae

If you're spending time in Sennichimae, you might enjoy attractions like Dotonbori and Namba Walk Shopping Mall. You might also enjoy the neighborhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Nippombashi Station to see more of the city.

Sennichimae
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 Dōtombori Arcade. 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

Shinsekai