Osaka Tsutenkaku Experience: A Timeless Steel Poem

As Osaka's "spiritual symbol," Tsutenkaku Tower stands 103 meters tall in the Shinsekai district, blending the boldness of samurai warriors with the retro charm of the Showa era. Rebuilt in 1956, this second-generation steel tower not only carries the memory of Osaka's rebirth from the ashes of war but also serves as a gateway to Kansai culture with its "Tenbo Paradise" observation deck and thrilling "Tower Slider." From making wishes at the feet of the Billiken statue to the floating sensation of the glass floor at night, every detail tells the story of Osaka's enduring spirit across centuries. Historical Layers: Rebirth from War and a City Icon The fate of Tsutenkaku is closely intertwined with Osaka's century-long rise and fall. The original tower, completed in 1912, stood 75 meters tall, combining the framework of the Eiffel Tower with the arches of the Arc de Triomphe, making it the tallest tower in the East at the time. It was dismantled in 1943 for its steel to be used in the war effort, and it wasn't until 1956 that seven local merchants pooled resources to rebuild it. Designed by Naito Tachu, the architect of Tokyo Tower, the new Tsutenkaku features a unique three-layer spiral structure and a height of 103 meters, maintaining its irreplaceable status even amidst modern skyscrapers. Three Historical Landmarks 1. Hitachi Billboard: The "HITACHI" neon sign on the tower has been lit since 1956, making it Japan's longest-running commercial advertisement, beautifully complementing the observation deck's lights at night. 2. Seven Lucky Gods Mural: The first-floor lobby houses a replica of a masterpiece by Edo-period ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, depicting the Seven Lucky Gods riding a whale through a sea of clouds. 3. Clock Antenna: The 12-sided antenna at the top rotates hourly, with 1,440 LED chips displaying the time across 12 global time zones. Sensory Feast: From Heart-Pounding Thrills to Starry Serenity 1. Tower Slider: A 60-Meter Freefall Thrill Located on the third floor, the "TOWER SLIDER" is a 60-meter-long slide with a 22-meter drop, allowing riders to descend at a speed of 6 meters per second. Participants lie on an anti-slip mat, arms crossed over their chest, and complete the spiral descent in just 10 seconds, "landing" at the first-floor exit. A high-speed camera inside the slide captures the experience, and visitors can download a video with speed data, making it a hit among thrill-seeking young tourists. 2. Tenbo Paradise: A Cloud Walk at 94.5 Meters The open-air observation deck "Tenbo Paradise" on the top floor offers a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, you can see Abeno Harukas and Osaka Bay, while at night, it transforms into a starry sky bar. The glass floor area, "TIP THE TSUTENKAKU," is only 1.2 meters wide and 94 meters high, offering a thrilling "walking on clouds" experience for those who can overcome their fear of heights. 3. Light Observation Deck: A Retro Disco Night The fourth-floor "Light Observation Deck" features a mirrored sphere that changes lights to the rhythm of music, with lyrics from 1960s Japanese pop songs projected onto the floor. After 7:00 PM, a DJ plays classics like "2001: A Space Odyssey," and visitors can wave LED glow sticks to relive the golden age of Showa-era music. Cultural Codes: From Billiken Blessings to Tower Cuisine 1. Billiken Foot Legend The bronze statue of "Billiken" on the fifth floor is a symbol of good luck in Osaka. Touching its left foot is said to bring romantic fortune, while the right foot promises financial success. Nearby, a "Lucky Coin Toss Machine" allows visitors to throw a 100-yen coin; hitting the target wins a limited-edition brass bell. 2. Shinsekai Food Tour • Kushikatsu Daruma: The flagship store offers "lightly battered skewers" with a strict "no double-dipping" sauce rule. Pair with mentaiko sauce and yuzu pepper for a unique taste. • Glico Shop: A retro snack store selling limited-edition "Tsutenkaku-shaped chocolates" that include paper amusement park tickets redeemable for mini models. • Glico Specialty Store: Purchase the collaborative "Tsutenkaku-packaged fries," which come with a "climbing certificate" and AR photo features. Hidden Corners: Time Capsules Beneath the Tower • Luna Park Relics: The base of the tower displays a restored model of the 1912 theme park, including Egyptian pavilion tickets and circus posters, evoking the bustling dreams of Shinsekai's past. • War Memorial Wall: The second-floor corridor features photos of the original Tsutenkaku before its dismantling, alongside diary excerpts from visitors of that era. Touching the steel cracks offers a tangible connection to history. • Starry Camping: The summer-exclusive "Top Floor Starry Tent" provides sleeping bags and telescopes for an overnight stay 94 meters above ground, waking up to sunrise and birdsong. Practical Guide: Your Steel Adventure Handbook • Transportation: A 3-minute walk from Ebisucho Station or an 8-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station. Drivers can park at the "Tsutenkaku Underground Parking Lot" (600 yen for the first hour). • Ticket Highlights: Adult tickets are 900 yen (an additional 1,000 yen for the slide), with a 300-yen surcharge for nighttime observation deck access. • Recommended Itineraries: Half-Day: Slide Experience → Top Floor Blessing → Light Observation Deck → Kushikatsu Daruma In-Depth: Historical Exhibits → War Memorial Wall → Nighttime Sky Bar → Top Floor Camping Nearby Attractions: Parallel Worlds in a Retro District • Janjan Yokocho: An 800-meter-long alley of neon signs, featuring a 1960s arcade replica where you can play nostalgic games like "Space Invaders." • Hozenji Yokocho: An Edo-style izakaya cluster. Try the fried chicken at "Kushikatsu Daruma," paired with a draft beer to savor the Showa-era vibe. Conclusion: Finding the City's Heartbeat in Steel Tsutenkaku stands as a vertical chronicle, from the bloodlines of samurai-built moats to the screams and laughter of modern tourists. From the quiet prayers at Billiken to the adrenaline rush of the slide, every steel texture records Osaka's glory and revival. As night falls, the mirrored sphere at the top scatters city lights into a galaxy, transforming this "sleepless steel tower" into a personal time capsule for every traveler.