2026年7月28日（火） 第153号

ニュースそのものより、ニュースを見た人のこと。

Travel / Osaka Prefecture

Tsutenkaku

The iconic tower of Osaka's Shinsekai district. From the golden observation deck at 87.5 m above ground and the open-air observation deck at the very top, visitors can take in sweeping views of the city. Rubbing the feet of the third-generation Billiken statue is said to grant wishes — a beloved Osaka tradition.

Exterior view of Tsutenkaku tower

Photo: Mc681 / CC BY-SA 4.0

Key Facts July 12, 2026 · confirmed on official site
Access
Approx. 3-min walk from Exit 3 of Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, or from Ebisucho Stop on the Hankai Tramway Hankai Line. Approx. 6-min walk from Exit 1 of Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. Approx. 6-min walk from the Tsutenkaku Exit (East Exit) of Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Loop Line.
Duration
Approx. 60–90 minutes (including a visit to each floor and the Billiken shrine; allow extra time if you plan to try optional experiences such as the Tower Slider)
Price
General observation deck: Adults (age 15+) ¥1,500 / Children (age 5–14) ¥800. The special open-air observation deck (Tenbo Paradise) requires a separate fee (check the official website for details).
Hours
9:00 AM–9:45 PM (last entry 9:15 PM)
Closed
No regular closing days listed on the official website (please confirm in advance)
Visit official site ↗

Prices and hours may change. Please check the official site before you go.

A Tower That Reaches the Sky — Osaka's Symbol Reborn as an Emblem of Postwar Recovery

Tsutenkaku is the iconic tower standing in the Shinsekai district of Naniwa Ward, Osaka. True to its name — meaning "a tall structure that reaches the heavens" — it rises proudly above the Osaka cityscape, instantly recognizable from afar, and has remained beloved by locals and visitors alike. The original Tsutenkaku was built in 1912 (Meiji 45), but was destroyed in a fire in 1943 (Showa 18), and its remains were dismantled for wartime scrap metal. The current second-generation tower was rebuilt in 1956 (Showa 31) through donations from local residents — a testament to the community's determination to reclaim their symbol in the wake of the war. Nearly 70 years on, it continues to stand in the skies above Shinsekai. The address is 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka City. The quickest access is a roughly 3-minute walk from Ebisucho Station (Exit 3) on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line, or from Ebisucho Stop on the Hankai Tramway Hankai Line. Shin-Imamiya Station (JR/Nankai) and Dobutsuen-mae Station (Midosuji Line) are also within a 10-minute walk.

Two Layers of Views: The Golden Observation Deck (87.5 m) and the Open-Air Deck at the Summit

Tsutenkaku offers two observation spaces with distinct characters. The "Golden Observation Deck" on the 5th floor is an indoor deck at 87.5 meters above ground, decorated in gleaming gold — said to rival Toyotomi Hideyoshi's legendary golden tearoom — offering a 360-degree view of Osaka. The third-generation Billiken statue is enshrined on this floor as well, so visitors can enjoy the view and pay their respects to Billiken in one go. Admission is ¥1,500 for adults (age 15+) and ¥800 for children (age 5–14); hours are 9:00 AM–9:45 PM (last entry 9:15 PM). The night views of the city from the deck are spectacular, giving the tower an entirely different face after dark. At the very top, the R5F (94.5 m above ground) features "Tenbo Paradise," an open-air deck where visitors can feel the breeze while taking in panoramic views (separate fee; check the official website). The 4th-floor "Light Observation Deck" puts on a disco-style lighting show at night, offering yet another experience distinct from the daytime visit. The 3rd floor houses a diorama and video exhibit recreating Shinsekai as it looked about 100 years ago, and each floor offers its own character. In the 1st-floor entrance, a restored replica of the original Tsutenkaku's grand ceiling painting is on display, welcoming visitors with colorful depictions of peacocks and seasonal flowers (confirmed via official floor guide; 2026-07-12).

Rub the Feet of the Third-Generation Billiken — Osaka's Unique Way to Make a Wish

Another star of the Golden Observation Deck (5th floor) is the third-generation Billiken. Billiken is an American-born "god of good luck" character, recognizable by his chubby body, pointed head, and wide smile — the golden figure is introduced on the official website as "the golden-haired third-generation Billiken." He first came to Osaka when the original Tsutenkaku was built, and has since been cherished as "Osaka's god." The ritual is wonderfully quirky: visitors reach through a fence built into the side of the pedestal and rub the soles of Billiken's feet, which is said to make wishes come true. Seeing tourists from all over the world queue up for this "sole-rubbing" ritual is a perfectly ordinary sight at Tsutenkaku. The official shops on the 1st and 2nd floors stock a wide range of Billiken merchandise, serving as the go-to corner for Osaka souvenirs.

Kushikatsu and Showa-Era Signboard Architecture — Exploring Shinsekai on the Ground

Spreading out around Tsutenkaku, "Shinsekai" is a celebrated Osaka neighborhood best enjoyed in combination with the tower. Originating as an entertainment district developed from the late Meiji through the Taisho era, it still features covered shopping arcades lined with Showa-era signboard architecture. The area's signature dish is kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and shops where the "no double-dipping in the sauce" rule is strictly observed are scattered throughout the streets. After coming down from the observation deck, walking through arcades like Janjan Yokocho (Nanyodori) lets you experience from street level the neighborhood you were just looking down on — a two-layered way to enjoy the area. Within walking distance you'll find Tennoji Zoo, the Abeno Harukas observation deck, and Tennoji Park's entrance area (Tenshiba), making it easy to plan a half-day or full-day itinerary centered on Shinsekai.

Kiyoshi Yamamoto

How this character would spend the day

Kiyoshi Yamamoto's Recommended Route (Showa Retro History Walk)

  1. 10:00Exit Ebisucho Station (Exit 3) on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line and spot Tsutenkaku in the distance through the arcade entrance. Walk slowly toward it, confirming that "it looks just like the Showa-era photos I've seen."
  2. 10:15Enter Tsutenkaku (¥1,500 for adults / general observation deck). Ride the observation elevator straight up to the 5th floor, the Golden Observation Deck (87.5 m above ground). The 5th floor is the highest floor included with general admission; from here, the route descends floor by floor: 5F → 4F → 3F → 2F → 1F. Note that the open-air Tenbo Paradise (R5F, 94.5 m) requires a separate combination ticket and is not included in this itinerary.
  3. 10:45Take in the panoramic view of Osaka from the 5th-floor Golden Observation Deck (87.5 m). Mentally overlay the Osaka you knew from your teaching days with the city spread out below, and identify the buildings you can see in the distance. Jot down any thoughts in your notebook.
  4. 11:05Rub the soles of the third-generation Billiken's feet and wish for the health of your family. Record the origin story — "an American god who became Osaka's god" — in your notebook.
  5. 11:20Ride the elevator down, stopping at the 3rd floor to absorb the diorama exhibit showing what Shinsekai looked like 100 years ago, then pause at the 1st-floor entrance to take in the restored grand ceiling painting from the original Tsutenkaku before heading out. Move on to Janjan Yokocho (Nanyodori) and enjoy a few kushikatsu skewers during the quieter pre-lunch hours. Follow the no-double-dipping rule to the letter, share a few words with the tourists seated nearby, and set off for the afternoon's exploration.