We had a day trip in Osaka and spent most of our time shopping so we wanted to see something else. This tower is very cute. It's fairly low tech and a little whimsical with the odd mascot and video they play in the elevator. Definitely recommend the outer terrace view to not get glare in your photos. There is also a slide that people were doing!

I came here more than 7 years ago when there were not as crowded as now. You need to pay extra 300 yen to go to the top of the tower to get a better view and get a feel of the breeze. Queue to reserve a time slot to enter though. Without the Amazing Pass, I don't think I will come here again. You can have a meal after the visit at the surrounding areas.

I popped the area for a visit after dinner one evening. I did not go up the tower but took pictures of it from the street. It didn't seem as tall as I imagined but it was certainly one of the more popular landmarks here. The tower had good lighting and can be seen from all points arounf the block.

Tsutenkaku Tower transforms completely at night—bathed in soft violet-pink illumination, it becomes a beacon that captures the very soul of Osaka. From the moment you step into Shinsekai and look up, the tower’s slender steel frame, retro signage, and the familiar HITACHI logo create a nostalgic charm that feels uniquely and unmistakably Osaka. The lively street leading toward the tower is lined with lanterns, colorful shop signs, and bustling kushikatsu stalls, weaving together a warm tapestry of sound, scent, and light. It’s a scene that feels both energetic and deeply comforting. Standing beneath the tower and gazing upward, the illuminated message “ようこそ おおさか 通天閣へ” greets visitors like an official welcome into the heart of the city. Light seeps gently through the lattice-like structure, casting warm reflections onto the surrounding streets, where convenience stores, small eateries, and rows of lanterns glow like scattered constellations. Whether it’s your first visit or a return after many years, Tsutenkaku has a quiet way of pulling you in with its mix of nostalgia and vitality. Tsutenkaku isn’t a landmark that overwhelms with grandeur; instead, it’s one that settles into your memory with sincerity. It carries the atmosphere of Showa-era Japan, the warmth of local life, and the relaxed, cheerful spirit that defines Osaka. At night, its charm is at its peak—gentle lights, lively streets, the aroma of freshly fried kushikatsu drifting in the air, and a comfortable rhythm to the people passing by. In that moment, you feel something unmistakably genuine: this is the true heart of Osaka.

The tower is really cool from the outside day or night. We paid to go up and the slide, however the queues were so long and we weren't really told about them, that we decided we didnt want to queue for the slide after having to queue fo so long to go to the observation tower. Also we paid to go out on the outside bit, but it was confusing and ended up in a lift back to the ground floor. All in all a bit of a fail, but its a great tower from the outside. Probably wouldn't recommend going up if you've already been up Tokyo Tower.

One of my favourite things in Osaka! The view is stunning and super cool! We mostly enjoyed the balcony with glass floor :)) It’s not crowded at all and it’s very affordable as well!

We had the amazing pass so it was included in that otherwise I don't think I'd pay to do this on its own. We did get to see the sunset which was great. But there are more impressive towers in Japan.

Great neighborhood to visit for food and shops and go to the zoo and Tower. I'm not a huge fan of towers or zoos so I'd skip those unless you just love towers or zoos. We did the slide in the tower too but that wasn't that great either. We had the amazing pass so those things were all included in the pass so it was worth it for me to do those things but I wouldn't pay for those on their own.

I loved visiting Shinsekai! There are many shops and eateries in the area. There is one long and wide street with smaller streets and lanes branching out from it. I really enjoyed exploring as many as I could. There were arcade like stores to play at as well. I ended up spending more time here than I planned. The area was busy with many tourists but I thought this added to the exciting atmosphere. I would highly recommend visiting!

Absolutely loved exploring the streets around Shinkesai and Tsutenkaku Tower. This area has such a unique Osaka energy — vibrant, a bit nostalgic, and full of charm. Wandering through the narrow streets, neon signs, old-school eateries, and quirky shops felt like stepping into a different era of the city. The atmosphere is lively but authentic, not overly touristy, which made the experience even more special. Definitely a must-visit when in Osaka if you want something real, fun, and full of character. I’d go back in a heartbeat!

Shinsekai is a vibrant mix of retro charm and street food energy. Wandering past Tsutenkaku Tower and the neon signs feels like stepping into another era. I had one of the best okonomiyaki at Usagiya, tucked inside an indoor arcade in the Ebisu Higashi area. These covered arcades and narrow alleyways are have a nostalgic feel, and are full of character. The area’s a bit worn in places, but that’s part of the appeal. Perfect for a laid-back afternoon of exploring and eating.

Not my first choice for spending time in Osaka, although there are some good arcade games. The place is dirty, overcrowded and honestly even the food spots need decent cleaning. Otherwise, well, for entertainment, archery or panair games - yes, it's like a pseudo-lunapark.

Nice street in evening for walking, enjoy local food, drink, photos and 🗼 tower city view. You also can buy souvenir from here as well. Take walking around 700m to train station. Many different train line link to this street.

Osaka’s Shinsekai is the kind of place that overwhelms the senses in the best possible way. Once night falls, the entire district ignites with color—neon signs, oversized 3D shop fronts, glowing lanterns, and retro-style banners all fuse into a dazzling collage that feels unmistakably and wonderfully Osaka. Walking through these streets, you don’t just observe the energy—you’re swept into it, becoming part of a lively, ever-moving scene. Every corner bursts with personality. From the towering golden Billiken statue to the dramatic demon faces, giant skewers, pufferfish lanterns, and playful ukiyo-e murals, Shinsekai proudly displays its quirky charm. In your photos, the storefronts almost look alive, each one trying to outshine the next with brighter lights, bolder colors, and more eccentric designs. It’s theatrical, humorous, and completely unfiltered—a celebration of Osaka’s warm, boisterous spirit. The crowds contribute to the district’s irresistible atmosphere. Locals stroll casually, diners hop between kushikatsu shops, families explore with curiosity, and tourists pause constantly to capture the spectacle above them. Instead of feeling chaotic, the mix of people gives Shinsekai a genuine sense of life—busy but never cold, lively yet comfortingly familiar. Even the old-fashioned street lamps cast a soft glow that makes nighttime wandering feel safe and inviting. Restaurants, souvenir shops, snack stalls, and entertainment spots line the streets in dense clusters, many maintaining a retro Showa-era aesthetic while still feeling fresh. The 24-hour eateries, colorful facade murals, and glowing lantern tunnels that you photographed beautifully represent Shinsekai’s signature charm: bold, playful, and endlessly photogenic. And, of course, the golden Billiken—smiling quietly at the entrance of a shop—remains the unofficial guardian of the district, radiating good luck and cheeky character. As you walk toward the “OSAKA SHINSEKAI” gate at the end of the street, the bright red and blue signage frames the district like a closing chapter. People continue to gather, take photos, enjoy snacks, and wander without hurry. Beneath the noise and lights, there’s a steady rhythm—a heartbeat—that makes Shinsekai feel not like a tourist attraction, but a neighborhood that truly lives. Shinsekai is a visual feast and a vivid expression of Osaka’s identity. Here, you’ll find humor, warmth, boldness, and an authentic love for everyday life. And at night, when every light is glowing and every sign is shouting for attention, Shinsekai reveals its most captivating self—an unforgettable scene that reminds you: this is Osaka at its liveliest, its quirkiest, and its most endearing.

We visited in the summer (July) and it was extremely hot. There aren’t many shaded areas or air-conditioned spots throughout the zoo so be prepared for the heat. 😅☀️However if you’re looking for a place to cool down. I recommend visiting the Reptile House. It has air conditioning and is a nice break from the sun. Overall it’s a fun place to explore but just keep in mind that the weather can be tough during summer.

We went to the Zoo using our Osaka Amazing Pass. The entrance fee was very reasonable even without the pass. If I remember correctly it was 300 yen for an adult. Enjoyed our time looking at a lot of animals.

Extremely busy on a Sunday afternoon with a sizable queue to purchase an entrance ticket which was a very reasonable ¥500. The zoo has quite a few animals on display, but the sheer amount of people was overwhelming. Whenever an animal would come out of hiding, a huge crowd would quickly form to the point you could not even see it. As such, I ended up not seeing some of the animals at all. I would recommend coming earlier in the day, or on a weekday, if possible.

This is a medium size zoo. We went on Sunday, but not too crowded. There is no queue at the ticket area. Most of the area doesn’t have roof or cover so it is too hot to walk in outdoor area almost of the time. However, still have some zone in the building so we can take a rest there. They provide a lot of wedding machine around the zoo. They also have a restaurant, but we didn’t use it. Animals look healthy, but not much.

It was affordable, so we got to enter without spending too much, and without a line! We got to see a lot of animals, but I couldnt shake the sad feeling abt them being so sad, especially the monkeys. The tiger and wolves were also on the slimmer side. It was fun overall, but hopefully I can come back and see healthier and happier animals

Great zoo in the middle of the city. On a whim took a train and spent some time at the zoo and it was a great time. Lots of exhibits, lockers were great and the park was clean and well maintained. Was very affordable.

Much improved in the last few years. Has had some major renovations, with more to come. My kids had a great time! Also it’s quite cheap compared to many zoos around the world, 500 yen for an adult, 200 yuan for a child over 6. Under that age is free.

Buddhist temple here. This is difference with Shinto shrine. Buddhist temple let you offer incense and candle to Buddha and Bodhisattva. There’s a kiosk to buy both in temple area. There’s no amulet for sales but decorated candle and praying beads instead. Next to the temple, there’s a ten thousands Buddha hall that allow you to offer candle and incense as a path of making merit. You have to go outside the temple gate and walk in the alley next to temple (to the right hand side when you go out of temple). Candle offering is to float it in a glass. A box of incense is enough to put each in incense pot around the hall. You can’t bring your own candle/incense. Please buy at the hall. This is quite a peace of mind offering candle and incense while walking around the hall here.

Visited in July recently after Tennoji park as it was nearby. Interesting temple especially the figures guarding the main entrance and those embossed on the gate

This is known as the common people’s temple, because about 20k persons ashes are brought to the temple every year and a statue of Amitabha Buddha (Amituofo pure land) is made from these 200,000 persons’ ashes after 10 years. It gives death a different meaning to contribute for public good. The surrounding area has beautiful temples assembly hall, which you should visit to see the trinity of Avaloskitesvara, Vajrapani and Amitabha inside a dome surrounded by golden Buddhas.

Isshin-ji Temple is on a smaller site, not far from a main part of Osaka. I happened to come across the temple by chance. On the occasion I visited, the temple and surrounding grounds were busy but tranquil. It was impeccably clean and well looked after. I enjoyed coming to see the temple.

This temple is not in the tourist places, however, this one is one of the most beautiful modernist buildings temple. The stamp is also nice and only 300 yen.

This is a beautiful temple with a modern design. You will recognize something is different with this temple right away as you enter the initial doors. This temple has its guardians above the door in large statues. The doors are also carved with goddesses on the door panels. These are unlike traditional Japanese temples and shrines where the guardians are usually inside of a structure next to the doors. Once inside, you will find many of the usual structures but designed in new and modernized methods. Overall, a really nice experience.

visited Isshin-ji Temple in September 2024 during my trip to Osaka. It was an unplanned stop as I happened to pass by this place and decided to take a look. I’m so glad I did because the visit turned out to be a meaningful and memorable experience. Isshin-ji Temple is not your typical tourist destination but rather a place of deep cultural and spiritual significance. It is known for housing the ashes of faithful individuals, and the atmosphere reflects that—peaceful, calm, and full of reverence. Walking through the temple grounds, I felt a strong sense of tranquility, making it a refreshing escape from the bustling streets of the city. The architecture of the temple is truly impressive. The unique structure stands out with its modern yet traditional design elements. It’s a beautiful blend of history and contemporary aesthetics, which makes it different from other temples I’ve visited in Japan. While the temple may not be as crowded or famous as some other landmarks in Osaka, it holds its charm in the serenity it offers. It’s a wonderful place to pause, reflect, and take in the spiritual ambiance. If you’re in the area and have the time, I highly recommend stopping by Isshin-ji Temple. It’s a peaceful spot that offers a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and traditions. Whether it’s for the architecture, the spiritual vibe, or simply to take a quiet moment for yourself, this temple is worth the visit.

Kushikatsu is nicely fried and goes well with the other drinks at this casual place. Most complain about the appetizer fee, but it's common in some shops. Some negative reviews also show a completely different place that should be addressed. For what it is, it's a place to have kushikatsu and highball.

Very blah..I went to Ikinari steak after. I'll give 2 stars for good atmosphere. When I entered I wanted to read about the 330 service charge but the girl immediately jumped in between me and the board and led me to a table. When I got the bill, the server presented the bill hoping I didn't see the 330 service charge but I didn't care because I was already aware of it. The food here has no taste. I can't believe how many people were here which I thought indicated it must be really good. Unfortunately I didn't read the reviews first. I ate only some of it before I left. I hate wasting food and money but I still needed real food so thankfully there was a steak house nearby.

Amazing deep fried food. Don't be afraid to try the cream puff and the cake items, they are surprisingly good! Some staffs are able to speak and understand English so that's pretty helpful. They warned us about the table service charge which is kind of a tradition in Japan and they will offer a small plate of vegetables to sort of account for the table charge. The seafood were good too as well as vegetables like onion and eggplant. The okonomiyaki was decent, took awhile to come though. The omelette pork was nice and flowy on the inside. The beef and pork not that great though that's why 4 stars.

Foreigners stay out. Had to follow up many times for my food. When others who sat after us received their meals, we were still waiting for drinks. Food was just ok and the table charge and service charge are added at the end. Definitely expensive for its location and value.

Got in at 9pm to dine here. Our local friends were walking with us and my son said let’s try this place. Mind you this alley is a tourist trap. Every single establishment requires you to pay a service fee and to order a drink per person and spend a certain amount. So try another street for food. There are tons of cool spots to dine in without a 366 yen service fee. Just for appetizers that don’t look appealing. Not worth it. The service was okay. The girl that works here is very nice and the cashier. The server sat us and then dropped 2 appetizers that we didn’t want to eat. He was cleaning the counter next to us, and I felt the cleaning spray go on the top of my hand annd wrist, and watched it go into the appetizers. Another server came by and I told him with my translator from English to Japanese. There was cleaning spray in our food. So he took it away and gave us new ones. It didn’t look appetizing so we didn’t eat it. We ordered Kushi Katsu and it is way better than most of the restaurants in this alley. I ordered the pickled cucumber and that was refreshing too! This is definitely a spot to drink alcohol after 9:30pm. Kids are not allowed past 9:30pm here so we had to order fast at 9pm. The calpico that my son ordered was good and my iced oolong tea was good too! Only come to this establishment for drinking alcohol. Not kid friendly at all.

I came in thinking I like the spaciousness and ambiance and ok if priced high but didn’t expect food not to be good. Our main dish was Kobe beef hot pot and it tasted bad. The soup was so sweet and the meat was too low grade. They also messed up the order claiming we punched in wrongly. But truth matter we didn’t order items and when they modified our order, the back end must have gotten messed up. When we told server we didn’t order, he said we had to take the order.

Food was awful. We ordered stir fired beef oval with no beef at all, but plenty of beef intestines that were tasteless. The waitress carying our rice was holding the bowl with her fingers in the bowl. Hygiene was questionable as well. Tables were not wiped and even the floors were all sticky. And as a cherry on top, there was a huge cockroach running around. Not recommend!

The good ambiance and some dishes were delicious but felt some of the staff were not hospitable despite being in a restaurant in the hotel. Thought the dishes were good but overall did not match the price.

Good ambience , excellent view , delicious dishes and impeccable service with reasonable price!

Great foods with nice service. Feeling hospitality based on long history of the hotel. We will come back.

most favorite food at this shop

(Translated by Google) This is a high-end Chinese restaurant located in the Rihga Royal Osaka. I stayed here while attending an event, and I rarely eat high-end Chinese food, so I was a little nervous when it felt so formal. I've been here a few times in the past, and had the 13,000 yen course. The appetizers were delicately seasoned. But then the main course had a strong, punchy flavor that is truly Chinese. Personally, I'm not a big fan of this formal atmosphere, but the food and atmosphere were impeccable. However, it just doesn't suit my taste (lol) (Original) リーガロイヤル大阪にある高級中華です。 某イベントを兼ねて宿泊しましたが、普段、高級路線の中華はほぼ食べないので、こうかしこまった感じだと少し緊張しますね。 過去に何度か利用していますが、13,000円のコースをいただきました。 前菜からと手と繊細な味付け。 かと思いきや、メインではガツンと強い味を持ってくるあたりはさすがに中華という感じですね。 個人的には、やはりちょっとこのかしこまった雰囲気は苦手ですが、味や雰囲気については文句無しですね。 たた、やはり肌には合いません（笑）

(Translated by Google) I visited for a light lunch. I ordered the simplest course and added my favorite soup soba. I love the jellyfish, so I always order it as an extra. The food is not too expensive and yet is elaborate, so I love all of the dishes. The soup soba was thick and rich in flavor. The view is still the same, with the annex building of the Rihga Royal with its old exterior, so I wish they'd renovated the exterior as well. 🥺 This hotel has been a favorite since my grandmother was a child, so you can really feel the history, but the building is a bit worn... (Original) 軽いランチで訪れました。 一番シンプルなコースを頼みつつ、大好きな汁そばをつけました。 クラゲがお気に入りでいつも追加で頼んでしまいます。 そこまで高額でない割に手が込んでいるので全料理大好きです。 汁そばはとろとろで濃厚に味わえました。 景色は相変わらず、古びた外装のリーガロイヤルの別棟が見えてしまうので、外壁も改装して欲しかったです🥺 祖母の小さい頃からお世話になっているホテルなので、歴史を感じるといえば感じますが建物がくたびれていますね、、、

(Translated by Google) I had the 20,000 yen dinner course at Ryuki. The whole braised shark fin was very rich and by far the most delicious of the courses. It was carefully prepared and the texture and flavor were both satisfying. The dishes were served one by one with ample space between each, about 15 minutes. This may suit those who want to enjoy their meal at a leisurely pace. The photo shows the "braised pork rice with thickened sauce" that came at the end of the course. It had a homey atmosphere and seemed an unexpected choice for the end of the course. The restaurant itself has a quiet and calm atmosphere, but considering the balance between the content and the price, you may be more satisfied with lunch than dinner. (Original) 龍貴の約20,000円のディナーのコースをいただきました。 フカヒレの姿煮込みはとても濃厚で、今回のコースの中で群を抜いて美味しかったです。丁寧に仕上げられていて、食感・風味ともに満足感がありました。 料理は一皿ずつ、間をしっかり取って提供されていて、だいたい15分前後の間隔がありました。ゆったりとしたペースで食事を楽しみたい方には合うかもしれません。 写真はコースの最後に出てきた「豚肉の煮込みあんかけご飯」。家庭的な雰囲気でコースのラストとしては意外な構成に感じました。 お店自体は静かで落ち着いた雰囲気ですが、内容と価格のバランスを考えると、ディナーよりもランチ利用の方が満足度は高いかもしれません。