Shinsekai Market — Attraction in Osaka

This is what happens when a turn-of-the-century dream collides with reality and decides to just keep on existing out of sheer stubborn pride. Think Blade Runner without the budget—retro, a little gritty, nostalgic in a way you can’t quite place, like your grandma’s attic opened a yakitori stall.

The entrance sign promises a “New World,” and you know what? It kind of delivers. Not in the shiny, hyper-modern, AI-and-matcha-latte way—but in the form of red lanterns, shuttered shops, wild leopard print clothing, and a meat croquette stand that might just restore your faith in humanity.

It’s not polished. It’s not curated. It’s not pretending. There are closed shutters, aging fans, and signage that looks like it’s been hanging there since the Showa era. But there’s life here—resilient, unapologetic, and deeply Osaka. You’ll see locals chatting, bargain shoes stacked like a sale bin exploded, and signs offering cleaning services next to tiger heads on a clothes rack. There’s a store called “Dragon Coffee” and another that seems to sell only melon bread and nostalgia.

And that’s the charm. It’s weird. It’s raw. It smells like fried magic. You feel like you walked into a yakuza-owned thrift store run by Studio Ghibli characters in retirement.

I’m going back tonight. Because I need to know what happens here when the sun goes down. Does it light up like a lantern-lit fever dream? Do the tigers come alive? Is Dragon Coffee still...

I recently visited Shinsekai Market, and it was an enjoyable and vibrant experience. Conveniently located near the station, it’s also close to other popular attractions like Tennoji Zoo and Tsutenkaku, making it an ideal spot to include in your itinerary when exploring Osaka.

The market is full of life, with a great mix of shops, restaurants, and street vendors. It’s a lively area where you can feel the retro charm of Osaka while enjoying modern conveniences. The variety of food available is impressive—you can find everything from classic Japanese dishes like kushikatsu to international flavors, all freshly prepared and delicious.

One of the highlights for me was the clean and well-maintained streets, which made it a pleasant place to walk and explore. The market is well-organized, and the vibrant atmosphere adds to the overall experience. Whether you’re hunting for unique souvenirs, sampling street food, or just soaking in the local culture, there’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Shinsekai Market is quite happening, with a steady stream of locals and tourists creating a dynamic, energetic vibe. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal, take photos, and experience a slice of Osaka’s unique personality.

If you’re visiting nearby landmarks or just looking for a fun and flavorful outing, Shinsekai Market is definitely worth a visit. Come hungry, as you’ll want to try a bit...

The overall Shinsekai area was a lot quieter than I thought it would be, having come here in 2018 pre-Covid. Some food places/cafes still open so you will be fine food-wise here. Maybe busier at nighttime as we visited during the afternoon. (Edit: I think the street along the front-view of the tower is much busier! We came in through the back left walkway from Ebisucho Station so keep that in mind if you come!)

The tower itself is fun, a nice little tourist attraction going over some history of GLICO in between some floors and lovely views of Osaka from the higher floors. We came here with free entry with the Osaka Amazing Pass which gave free access to the Tower as well as the Slide.

The Slide was really fun, recommend it. Comes with free Coin Locker access to put your stuff into whilst you go up to the second floor to slide down from. Not much of a wait when we went...