One-day tour in Shin-Imamiya: A secret carnival of Osaka's common souls

#OsakaItinerary The morning sun was a little shy, and I boarded the Nankai Electric Railway and headed towards Shin-Imamiya Station excitedly. As soon as I got off the bus, I was stunned by the scene in front of me - the crowds were bustling and the hustle and bustle was filled with a strong sense of city life! Shin-Imamiya, the most down-to-earth corner of Osaka, today I will spend a day feeling its common charm and warmth. 09:00 Arrived at Shin-Imamiya Station, breakfast awakened taste buds From the west exit of Nankai Electric Railway "Shin-Imamiya Station", less than 3 minutes walk, I was attracted by the direction of Tsutenkaku. On the way, I found a roadside stall and ordered some steaming Kansai-style takoyaki. The crust was crispy and the inside was soft. Paired with a glass of cold lemon soda, I instantly felt happy. Shin-Imamiya is located in southern Osaka, close to Tennoji. Historically, it was a settlement for the working class, and today it still retains a strong commoner culture. Although this place is not as glamorous as Namba, it has a simple and friendly feeling that makes people instantly integrate into local life. 10:30 Tsutenkaku, a nostalgic landmark overlooking Osaka After eating, I walked about 5 minutes to Tsutenkaku (business hours: 10:00-20:00, adult ticket 1,000 yen). This iron tower, built in 1912, was once a symbol of the Taisho era. Although it was later rebuilt, it still exudes a strong retro atmosphere. I took the elevator to the observation deck and looked down at the streets of Shin-Imamiya. The densely packed rooftops and high-rise buildings in the distance seemed to be telling the story of the city's changes over the past century. The New World area under the tower is full of nostalgic game arcades and skewers shops. It is as lively as a never-ending market, reminding me of my childhood at the amusement park. 12:30 Zoofront Shopping Street, a paradise for common people’s food After leaving Tsutenkaku, I strolled to the nearby Zoofront Shopping Street. This retro shopping street is a hidden gem in Shin-Imamiya, lined with inexpensive food stalls and second-hand shops. I ordered a steaming hot skewer, the beef tendon and chicken skin were fried crispy and delicious, only 200 yen! This was once a commercial district where workers gathered after the war, and it still retains its low-key bustle. There are not many pedestrians on the street, but every stall owner has a sincere smile, making people feel the purest Osaka style. 15:00 Tennoji Zoo, an encounter between childhood and nature After lunch, I walked about 10 minutes to Tennoji Zoo (business hours: 09:30-17:00, adult ticket 500 yen). Opened in 1915, this zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Japan. The park is lined with green trees. I watched the penguins walking unsteadily and the elephants swinging their trunks leisurely, and my mood instantly became relaxed. Although it’s small in scale, it’s full of warmth, especially when I saw the children pointing at the animals excitedly, I couldn’t help but recall my own childhood. 17:30 Afternoon tea, enjoy the warmth of the common people After visiting the zoo, I returned to the vicinity of Shin-Imamiya Station and found an old-fashioned tea shop. I ordered a cup of strong Japanese coffee and a piece of soft cream cake. Old songs from the Showa era were playing in the store. People were hurrying outside the window, but no one urged me to leave. At this moment, I felt the slow pace and human touch of Shin-Imamiya. Here, people seem to know how to enjoy the ordinary beauty of life better, and this sentiment is touching. 19:00 The journey ends with a lot of memories As night falls and the lights outside the car window gradually brighten, the bustle of Shin-Imamiya still lingers in my mind. On this day, from the nostalgia of Tsutenkaku to the common people's flavor of the shopping street, to the natural fun of the zoo, I felt the most authentic side of Osaka. The people here guard their daily lives with enthusiasm and smiles. This tenacity and warmth are the most beautiful scenery of Shin-Imamiya. #Shin-Imamiya #Osaka Travel #Tsutenkaku #Zoo Front Shopping Street #Tennoji Zoo #Common People's Culture #Japan Day Trip