In Osaka, there is the place called “Shin Sekai”.Shin Sekai means a ‘new world’ in Japanese.Tsutenkaku Tower, was built in 1912 as the symbol of Shin Sekai.Paris and Coney Island in NY is the model of Shin Sekai.You may find the similarities!Shin Sekai is one of the best places that you can find unique shops at.
View on FacebookThe Secret of “Tsutenkaku Tower”
©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
In Shin Sekai, there are a lot of characteristic buildings. For example, Tsutenkaku Tower was built as the symbol of Shin Sekai. Now, Tsutenkaku Tower is not the only the symbol of Shin Sekai, but also the symbol of Osaka.
The creator of Tsutenkaku Tower is Tachu Naito. He is the person who created the Tokyo Tower two years after. That is why Tsutenkaku Tower and Tokyo tower are considered brothers. From the ground to viewing platform of Tsutenkaku Tower, there are 503 steps. If you do not use elevator, it will be the super beneficial for your health.
When you arrive at the viewing platform of Tsutenkaku Tower the “Biriken” welcomes to you. Biriken is the Japanese god of happiness. People visit here pray for Passing the test, marriage and so on. What will you pray for? The Biriken will grant your request.
The Unique Market in Local Osaka
In Shin Sekai, there is the Shin Sekai Market named “Jan Jan Yokocho.” This market is a long arcade with lots of local shops. Each local shop is unique owned by the locals of Osaka.
Although the image Osaka itself is the place for food, Shin Sekai is also famous for eating. Originally, the national industrial fair was the trigger for developing Shin Sekai. That is why Shin Sekai has a unique atmosphere. When you start to learn about the unique history Shin Sekai, you’re going to want to learn about it more!
In these markets, there are many unique shops such as Takoyaki and castella shops. Osaka is famously represented by a local delicacy called Takoyaki. There is a large number of Takoyaki shops in Shin Sekai. You will find the appetizing smell of Japanese sauce. If you have the opportunity to visit Osaka, you should try Takoyaki. Moreover, “Biriken Castella” is another special local food that you can only eat here. The shape of the mini pancake is Biriken. Enjoy eating Biriken!
The Special Rule for Eating
As I wrote above, Shin Sekai is famous for food shops. In many shops, the number of “Kushi Katsu” shops is the largest. Kushi Katsu is deep fried skewers. There are countless number of Kushi Katsu shops in Shin Sekai.
There is a cup of sauce on each table for sharing. You will enjoy Kushi Katsu with this sauce. Can you guess the rule for Kushi Katsu? The answer is “Do not dip Kushi Katsu in the sauce more than once”. This is because the cup of sauce is for sharing.
This is the unsaid rule for Kushi Katsu shops. Shin Sekai is a popular tourist place for foreign tourists such that almost all Kushi Katsu shops have the guideline to eat Kushi Katsu that is translated in English and Chinese. However, some shops do not have it. Skip the awkward looks and be recognized as a respective tourist!
How to visit?
It is easy to visit Shin Sekai from Tokyo. It will take about 3 hours. You should take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen “Nozomi” which is bound for the Okayama station and you will be dropped off at the Shinosaka station. Then you will transfer to Osaka Metro Midosuji line which is bound for the Nakamozu station and dropped at the Dobutsuenmae station. From that station, you can walk to Shin Sekai.
Adress: Ebisu Higashi Kaiwai Naniwaku Osaka City, Osaka 556-0002
Tel: +81-6-6643-6322
Reference list
https://osaka-info.jp/page/shinsekai
http://shinsekai.net/
http://r.gnavi.co.jp/g-interview/entry/okura/4092
