Tsutenkaku Tower, standing at 103 meters tall, is an unmistakable symbol of Osaka and located in the Shinsekai area. The towering 8-sided structure’s facade is characterized by its exposed steel beams and Eiffel Tower-esque appearance. Visitors and residents alike flock to its observation deck for stunning panoramic views of the area.
History
Tsutenkaku, originally built in 1912 at 63 meters tall, was renowned for its impressive height, making it one of the tallest structures in Asia at the time. The structure’s appearance was modeled after famous French architecture, with the tower portion matching the Eiffel Tower and the base reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe. The tower was erected as a centerpiece of the bustling area and was attached to the popular amusement park, Luna Park, via a cable car. Unfortunately, the tower was damaged in 1943 by a fire and later dismantled for its steel during WWII. Years later in 1956, after locals campaigned for a new tower, the current Tsutenkaku was constructed at a taller 103 meters tall and designed by famous architect Tachu Naito, who also designed Tokyo Tower. You can view photos, videos, and a diorama of the original tower and Luna Park on Tsutenkaku’s third floor.
Today
Presently, Tsutenkaku stands as a beacon of the lively area and is a must see spot if you are visiting the Shinsekai. During the day, the structure stands silver against the sky, while at night it shines bright neon thanks to its numerous LED lights that change color with the seasons. The tower is open year-round from 10:00 to 20:00 with admission until 19:30. General observatory tickets cost 900 JPY for adults (high school students and above) and 400 JPY for infants 5 years old and over and junior high and elementary school students. For an additional 300 JPY (adults) or 200 JPY (children and young adults), you can visit Tenbo Paradise and Tip The Tsutenkaku. Listed below are some highlights to help guide your adventures.
Explore the Surrounding Area
While in the area, be sure to check out the Shinsekai neighborhood for its local wares, delicious eats, and lively atmosphere. Stroll along JanJan Yokocho (JanJan Alley), a covered shopping street, and enjoy the clothes stores, arcade games, and kushikatsu restaurants, which are known for their fried skewers of breaded meat and vegetables. The street is also populated by multiple Shogi, Japanese chess, salons. For a break from the bustling Osaka streets, visit nearby Tennoji Park for a relaxing walk.
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4-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line.
7-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station from the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.
De prime abord, l'hôtel Sheraton Miyako à Osaka ne paie pas de mine, mais le service qui y est proposé est de très haute qualité. Très bien situé, à deux pas de Namba et de Tsuruhashi, des navettes au départ de l'hôtel vous permettent de rejoindre facilement l'aéroport d'Itami ou l'aéroport du Kansai.
Le Maidreamin Maid Café est un salon de thé situé dans le quartier de DenDen Town, près de la gare de Namba à Osaka.
Parmi les spécialités culinaires du Kansai, la région où se trouve Osaka, on retrouve l'okonomiyaki, une délicieuse crêpe épaisse salée. A l'occasion, goûtez donc à un okonomiyaki préparé par un des cuisiniers des restaurants Fukutarō, et vous m'en direz des nouvelles!
Wooden House : un café charmant et convivial situé dans un quartier calme d'Osaka.
Ten-Shiba est la zone d'entrée du parc Tennoji, qui a été converti en zone de loisirs pour les habitants d'Osaka en octobre 2015. La zone est aménagée autour d'une grande pelouse et entourée d'un grand nombre d'installations pour la population locale. Vous pourrez y faire bien plus qu'une promenade dans le parc - Ten-Shiba abrite pas moins de trois terrains de football en salle où tout le monde peut jouer, de nombreux cafés et restaurants, un magasin de fleurs, un parc pour animaux de compagnie et une aire de jeux pour les plus petits. Il y a aussi un Conbini au cas où vous auriez besoin d'un rafraîchissement tout en profitant au maximum de votre temps dans le parc. En 2016, le parc repensé a remporté l'un des Good Design Awards annuels du Japon. L'entrée est entièrement gratuite et le wifi gratuit est disponible pour les visiteurs.
L'Abenobashi Terminal Building est une installation commerciale polyvalente située dans l'arrondissement Abeno-ku, à Osaka. Le bâtiment abrite non seulement de nombreux magasins, mais aussi un hôtel et le bureau de vente du fabricant japonais d'électronique Sharp Corporation. Le nom de ce gratte-ciel est Abeno Harukas, dérivé du vieux japonais Harukasu qui signifie «éclairer» ou «illuminer». La construction du bâtiment a commencé en 2010 et il a été inauguré le 7 mars 2014. Avec une hauteur de 300 mètres et 62 étages, Abenobashi Terminal Building est le plus haut gratte-ciel du Japon.
Shitennoji Temple in Osaka is regarded as one of Japan’s oldest official temples and the first to be financially supported and constructed by the country. The Buddhist temple was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku and dedicated to the Shitenno, the four heavenly kings of Buddhism. The temple’s structures burned down multiple times throughout history, but were always accurately rebuilt, staying true to the original design. Today, you can enter the outer temple grounds for free and admire the sacred buildings. To visit the Chushin Garan or inner-temple complex, Treasure House, and Gokurakujodo Garden, you will have to pay a small fee. The Chushin Garan is home to Shitennoji’s most iconic buildings—the Kondo (Main Hall) and five-story pagoda. Both structures are truly mesmerizing with traditional vermillion coloring against white and green accents. Climb up the pagoda for a unique perspective of the temple grounds. Entrance to the Chushin Garan is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school and college students, and free for children. The Treasure House is an intriguing place for history lovers as it displays Buddhist scriptures, statues, paintings, and artifacts. Admission is 500 yen for adults, 300 yen for high school and college students, and free for children. One of Shitennoji’s most tranquil areas is the Gokurakujodo Garden, which was modeled off the mythical Western Paradise of the Amida Buddha. The garden is characterized by ponds, rock waterfalls, cherry blossoms, and stone lanterns, creating a wonderful zen oasis in bustling Osaka. Unwind with a stroll along the water and enjoy the seasonal foliage. The area is also known for its abundance of basking turtles! The garden’s admission fee is 300 yen for adults, 200 yen for high school and college students, 200 yen for elementary and middle school students, and free for kindergarten students. On January 14, Shitennoji celebrates the Doya Doya Festival. During this lively event, young men dressed in traditional undergarments run into the Rokujireisando prayer hall as they are doused with cold water and compete to grab the most paper charms, which are dropped from the ceiling. If you are in the area on the 21st or 22nd of the month, be sure to stop by the temple for the Shitennoji Flea Market between 8:00 and 16:00. Peruse the roughly 300 stalls and enjoy delicious street foods such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki!
