Awesome place! It is a must-go if you happen to be in Osaka. It's one of a kind, a lively place that brings you back in time. It might get very crowded during peak hours. Make sure to choose wisely the time of your visit otherwise it will be difficult to take beautiful pictures. Enjoy it!
April 9th, 2023:
It's the afternoon. Food stalls scattered all around. Merchandise, retro stores, restaurants. We got some carnival games, archery and arcade games. I walked into a pachinko machine store and it was a full house. This whole area gives me a casino-like vibe. You can see Tsūtenkaku stand tall from this area too.
I can only imagine Shinsekai gets more alive at night with all the big bright lights and restaurant signs.
Will definitely venture out here again on future travels and pickup one of those designer track jackets.
Cheers
We stayed a few blocks away in Osaka and this was my favorite area to walk around. The best izakayas, street food, bars, karaoke bar (area) and lots of activities. Love all the shops owned by older folks, with cute trinkets, food and ice cream for sale. Can’t wait to return.
The traditional buildings and narrow alleyways are beautifully illuminated, creating a cozy atmosphere. The area is packed with food stalls and restaurants offering a variety of delicious local dishes. From savory skewers to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone. Highly recommended for a delightful evening of culinary exploration!
Wow. I'm not sure how to summarize this place. I had expected it to be similar to Dotonbori (filled with amazing restaurants and atmosphere), but it fell a little short in some ways and delivered in others.
It honestly reminds me of Osaka's version of a trashy 1980's American beach town. It's fantastic, so buckle in.
There's one modern neon-lit street. And then there's a gate that I can only assume is legit from the 80's and is about to become a historical artifact. There are run-down (but busy) arcades that have places to eat that look similarly old-school. They could be amazing dives from an older time.
There are archery and rifle shooting games clearly trying to target a certain demographic. It also has more homeless people than I've seen anywhere in Japan. The area has a rough history, but in the late afternoon, it felt perfectly safe. I mean, it's Japan.
And then, wait for it... there was a claw machine which contained items typically reserved for an over 18s shop.
Wow. It's a lot.
If your time is limited, head to Dotonbori instead. If you're looking for carnival games, this might be tour vibe. But it's not, in my opinion, as gamer-y and anime vibe-y as I had been hoping for.
