The Shinsekai district is unique — there is nothing really like it anywhere else in Japan. The neighborhood dates back to the early 1900s and grew in popularity through the post-war “Showa” era until the 1960s. An exploration in this colorful neighborhood really is very “Local-Osaka.” It’s always so much fun, at any time of day!
Though people visit from across Japan and around the world, this area is still very much a locals’ spot- with many shops, restaurants, and gaming parlors catering to the everyday laborers who live nearby. This retro district is full of inexpensive local dining and entertainment options. Take a stroll with our local expert and we will show you the hidden gems and explain the colorful past history of Shinsekai through the years. You will get to try different local dishes at 4 different shops. Each item has a long history in the Osaka area.
Shinsekai evokes the SHOWA era in Japan which was full of optimism, growth, and a communal sense of building a better future together. There is a lot of romance and nostalgia about this period in modern Japanese history. This vintage neighborhood brings back all the charm of the 1910s through the 1960s a boom period for Osaka City.
Single travelers: please email us directly and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Family-friendly pricing: If you are traveling with children and need a price adjustment- please email our team at Bookings@ArigatoJapan.co.jp.
Strict start time policy: We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, we will need to start the tour regardless and no refund can be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests and also to respect our relationships with restaurants.
5-minute grace period: We can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins.
Tour Schedule:
Monday – Saturday | |
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Meeting Time Frame | 10:15 – 10:30 am |
Start Time | 10:30 am |
End Time | 1:30 pm |
Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
For Vegetarians:
Some food that we serve may have dashi, a soup stock made from kelp (seaweed) and bonito (skipjack tuna) as well as other ingredients. Dashi is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is used in many/most Japanese dishes. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs if you cannot consume dashi. Additionally, please inform us if you can eat eggs and dairy products.
If you cannot consume Dashi, we recommend booking a private tour with us and we can offer some alternatives. Again, be aware, it will still be a challenge to 100% avoid fish stock.
Private Tours: For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500+ TAX. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.
THIS TOUR IS UNAVAILABLE ON PUBLIC NATIONAL HOLIDAYS.
Please keep in mind, however, that we cannot make an allergy-free or dietary restriction food guarantee since food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to Arigato Travel. Also, some stops may not have a viable substitution but we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
Jon of Here Be Barr loved our Shinsekai Street Food Tour and captured his experience on video for all to see. Watch it here to see if Shinsekai will be the place for you!
“what3words has given every 3 meter square in the world a unique combination of three words. We use what3words to specify the exact location of our tour meeting points to ensure you don’t get lost and enjoy your tour with us. Simply click on the what3words address below to see the exact 3 meter square of our meeting spot”
We will meet at the base of Tsutenkaku Tower in front of Coin Locker Place.
1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Ōsaka-shi, Ōsaka-fu 556-0002
There are two train stations nearby:
Ebisucho Station
Hankai Terminal
Our guide will be there holding an “Arigato Travel” sign.
We suggest wearing comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.
WEATHER REMINDER:
On rainy days, we recommend bringing an umbrella. They can be easily purchased at any convenience store.
I loved the local vibe on this tour. So MUCH good food and stuff we would have never found on our own.