Tsutenkaku Tower, Symbol of Naniwa
Tsutenkaku tower is a symbol of Osaka that has appeared in many movies. It was built in 1912 as the symbol of Shin-Sekai (a new world). Its concept was very typical of Osaka: build a steel tower that looks like Eifel Tower on a building designed in the image of the Arch of Triumph.
With a height of 64 m, it was the tallest structure in the East Asia at the time and named Tsutenkaku, meaning “Building leading to heaven,” by Fujisawa Nangaku, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. Later it was dismantled after a fire but reconstructed at the request of citizens. At 103 m, the new Tsutenkaku is 39 m higher than the original. In 2007, it was registered as a tangible cultural property of Japan.
Using Osaka Amazing Pass for Free Entrance to go up to the top of Tsutenkaku Tower but if you want to go to the deck, you must pay for extra charge which 200 yen. We got amazed that the service provided by them, from lift to escort us to the top.
The whole place is filled with shops that sell souvenirs. There are many Gods and Deities that are supposed to bring you luck. One of the deities Billiken is believed to be originated from America. It brings good luck if you rub his feet.
There is also a Glico Pocky section where all kinds of Glico Pocky flavors are for sale here. There is also a cafe, a stage, lots of pokcy decorations around, it’s a great place for Glico Pocky fans.
The tower doesn’t look that tall or high from the ground. But when you went up you realized that it is quiet high with a nice view of Osaka.
The view from the observatory is also very nice, with a good view of Tennoji zoo and the Abeno Harukas tower (the tallest building in Japan).
Hours and Fees
- 9:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:30)
- Open-air deck from 10:00 to 18:00 (entry until 17:30)
Admission
- 700 yen (additional 500 yen for the open-air deck)
- Osaka Amazing Pass (Free Entry)
Access
Tsutenkaku Tower and Shinsekai is a short walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Loop Line, Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji and Sakaisuji Subway Lines, and Ebisucho Station on the Sakaisuji Subway Line.
