Shinsekai

Osaka
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. 


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Top hotels in Shinsekai

the b osaka-shinsekai
the b osaka-shinsekai
3 out of 5
2-1-24, Osaka, Osaka
The price is S$73 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
S$73
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 Tsutenkaku Tower and Nipponbashi 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 25 Mar,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 S$87 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
S$87
per night
29 Apr - 30 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! (1,055 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 25 Mar,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 S$162 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
S$162
per night
29 Apr - 30 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! (2,369 reviews)
"Nice hotel, close to Osaka station. Just take the glass bridge on the right once you exit the station so you don’t get lost. Didn’t try any other extra service, but everything was good"

Reviewed on 28 Mar,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
Fully refundable
The price is S$123 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
S$123
per night
24 Apr - 25 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! (1,374 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 24 Mar,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 S$179 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
S$179
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! (1,292 reviews)
"Great hotel. They just need to add vegetarian and vegan option in their menu."

Reviewed on 27 Mar,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 S$178 per night from 29 Apr to 30 Apr
S$178
per night
29 Apr - 30 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! (2,826 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 26 Mar,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

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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 Nipponbashi 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
Satsumasendai showing shopping as well as a large group of people

Nishishinsaibashi

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

Nishishinsaibashi

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