Tsutenkaku Tower: Explore Osaka's Landmark and Best Places to Eat Nearby

Get to know Tsutenkaku Tower

Tsutenkaku Tower was originally built in 1912, standing at 75 meters as Japan’s tallest building at the time. However, it was dismantled in 1943 after a fire broke out in a nearby movie theater. The current structure was rebuilt in 1956, standing 108 meters tall and designated as a registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. It’s famous for its observation deck and souvenir shops of popular local snacks. 

Tsutenkaku Tower
Address: 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Access: 4-min walk from Ebisucho Station Exit 3 (Osaka Municipal Subway Sakaisuji Line;) 3-min walk from Ebisucho Station (Hankai Tramway Hankai Line;) 7-min walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station Exit 7 (Osaka Municipal Subway Midosuji Line;) 7-min walk from the East Exit of Shin-Imamiya Station (JR Osaka Loop Line;) 10-min walk from Shin-Imamiya Station West Exit (Nankai Electric Railway Nankai Line)
Official website: https://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/index.html

Enjoy the mesmerizing night view

The observation deck on the fourth floor of Tsutenkaku Tower offers stunning panoramic views of Osaka's night skyline from 84 meters above ground. At night, it lights up with dazzling lights and mirror balls, creating a lively atmosphere. Open until 8:00 p.m. (last entry 7:30 p.m.,) it’s a must-visit spot to take in Osaka’s cityscape after dark.

The story behind Billiken—Osaka's unofficial mascot

There are many interesting places around Tsutenkaku Tower, including the vibrant Shinsekai district, which is home to a quirky little mascot known as Billiken. This charming statue with its naughty smile and pointed ears has its origins in the United States, created by art teacher Florence Pretz in the early 20th century.

In 1912, statues were erected at Tsutenkaku Tower and in the adjoining Luna Park, a former amusement park. Billiken's relaxed pose, with legs stretched out, is often seen as amusing. It's said that stroking the soles of his feet brings good luck, and visitors still flock to do so for a bit of happiness.

Osaka's best local bites near Tsutenkaku Tower

After taking in the panoramic views from Tsutenkaku Tower, head to a nearby restaurant to enjoy some of Osaka’s famous dishes, like takoyaki (octopus dumplings,) okonomiyaki (savory pancakes,) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers.)

Yaekatsu

Yaekatsu, located in Janjan Yokocho Alley near Tsutenkaku Tower, specializes in kushikatsu—skewers of bite-sized pieces of meat, vegetables, seafood, and more, breaded and fried to perfection. Dip each skewer in the shared sauce, but remember: no double-dipping allowed!

Yaekatsu
Address: 3-4-13 Ebisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Access: 10-min walk from Tsutenkaku Tower; 2-min walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line)

Takohachi

At Takohachi, you can enjoy Osaka's famous okonomiyaki and akashiyaki octopus dumplings, a local specialty of Akashi City in Hyogo Prefecture. The okonomiyaki is a savory pancake made by mixing flour with broth and adding ingredients like meat and cabbage—hearty and filling! Akashiyaki, a softer type of takoyaki served with broth, has a fluffy texture with tender octopus inside, offering a light and gentle flavor.

Takohachi
Address: Abeno Center Bldg B2F, 1-2-36 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Access: 3-min walk from Tennoji Station (Osaka Metro Midosuji, Tanimachi lines)

Shinsekai Kankan

Shinsekai Kankan is a takoyaki specialty store located near Tsutenkaku Tower, where you can savor freshly-made octopus dumplings sold in packs of eight pieces. Watch as skilled chefs prepare the takoyaki right in front of you. For the best experience, enjoy the takoyaki covered in plenty of sauce and topped with bonito flakes.

Shinsekai Kankan
Address: 3-5-16 Ebisu-higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Prefecture
Access: 5-min walk from Shin-Imamiya Station (JR Osaka Loop Line)
Official website: https://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270206/27011377/ (in Japanese only)

Must-buy Tsutenkaku Tower souvenirs

When you visit the Tsutenkaku Tower, be sure to pick up some souvenirs. Here are three must-have recommendations.

Billiken Castella

Billiken Castella is a sponge cake shaped like Osaka’s unofficial Billiken mascot, created by a long-established confectionery shop. This delightful treat is known for its light, gentle flavor, made with plenty of eggs, milk, and honey.

Tsuzumi Fig Sauce

Tsuzumi Fig Sauce is a delicious fruity sauce made from figs. It’s perfect not just for drizzling over okonomiyaki and takoyaki but also adds a delightful touch to steak and French fries.

Eemonchi

Eemonchi is a bite-sized madeleine filled with black beans. Moist and easy to eat, it has become a popular souvenir for tourists.

Tsutenkaku Tower: Access information

Here are the most convenient ways to reach Tsutenkaku Tower.

Directions from JR Osaka Station & the Umeda Station Area

If you are coming from JR Osaka Station or Umeda Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Shin-Imamiya Station, or the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Dobutsuen-mae Station. It’s a ten-minute walk from either station.

Directions from the Namba-Shinsaibashi area

From the Namba-Shinsaibashi area, take the Midosuji Line on the Osaka Metro to Dobutsuen-mae Station.

Explore Osaka and surrounding areas with these budget-friendly travel tickets

With the Kansai Area Pass, you can enjoy unlimited rides on the Kansai-Airport Express Haruka, as well as local trains from Kansai International Airport to Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, and Nara, and on JR West buses. Additionally, the pass includes a one-day subway ticket for the Kyoto Municipal Subway, the Keihan Electric Railway, and Hankyu Railway.

The Kansai Wide Area Pass, on the other hand, allows unlimited rides for five consecutive days on the JR Sanyo Shinkansen, express, rapid, and local trains. If you're heading to other parts within the Kansai Region, including Kurashiki in Okayama, Kinosaki Onsen, and Amanohashidate, and as far as Takamatsu City in Shikoku, the Kansai Wide Area Pass offers excellent value for money.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.