What other travelers are saying about Tsutenkaku Tower, Osaka
DON'T GO - it's absolutely nor worth it.
After queuing for more than half an hour in dense crowds, you finally reach the top of the tower, where looking around at the city views takes less than 10 minutes. Then you have to queue again to take the elevator down.
Inside the tower, it's nothing but commercial space selling all kinds of merchandise; the only slightly interesting part is the limited photos and descriptions about the tower's history on the wall, which you can easily find on the internet.
Overall, this experience is simply not worth the expensive ticket price, and your time. After coming out, I suspect many people feel disappointed like me.
A RETRO ROCKET SHIP IN THE HEART OF OLD OSAKA
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VIBE CHECK
this iconic tower is the beacon of osaka's historic shinsekai district. the vibe is pure, unapologetic nostalgia, a time capsule from the postwar era when this was the city's futuristic dream.
THE TOWER LOWDOWN
tsutenkaku literally means "tower reaching heaven." it's the symbol of this old part of osaka city, a playful structure that feels like a retro-futuristic lighthouse watching over the bustling, old-school streets below.
FINAL VERDICT
come for the vintage views and the unique atmosphere, not for sleek modernity. riding to the top offers a cool perspective on osaka's layered history. it's a charming, kitschy must-see that embodies the city's resilient and playful spirit. lowkey iconic.
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peep the images for your ref; they’re worth a thou.
make sure to ❤️!
Tsutenkaku is one of Osaka’s most nostalgic landmarks and really captures the old-school Shinsekai vibe. The area feels lively and a bit retro, with lots of street food and local shops around. The tower itself isn’t very tall compared to modern observation decks, but the view is still nice and gives you a different perspective of the city. It can get a little crowded, especially during peak hours, but the experience is fun and very Osaka-like. Worth visiting at least once, especially if you want to see a more local and classic side of the city. I didnt go up the tower but just walked around to get the a view of the tower.
Visiting Tsutenkaku 通天閣 was a good and interesting experience. One of the most memorable moments is when you enter the elevator—the lights suddenly turn off and a special animation begins, making you feel like a rocket is launching. It’s a fun and unexpected touch that makes the ride up more exciting than a normal elevator.
At the top, the view is nice and it’s a good place to take photos of Osaka from above. However, there isn’t a coffee shop or a place to sit and relax, so most of the time you’ll be standing while looking around and taking pictures. Even so, the atmosphere is lively and enjoyable.
Overall, Tsutenkaku offers a unique experience, especially with the “rocket” elevator, and it’s an interesting spot to visit when exploring Osaka. 🚀📸✨
TLDR: definitely visit at night. Fun street market vibes. Small area, great for a half-day visit.
I only had half a day to visit and since it was in the day, it was a bit quiet. They still had a lot of food and game stalls open though.
The vibe is very reminiscent of fun fairs, if you’re into that.
The name "Tsutenkaku" literally translates to "tower reaching to the heavens," reflecting its ambitious design and the aspirations of its creators.
Yes, visitors can explore the interior of Tsutenkaku Tower. The tower features an observatory, offering panoramic views of Osaka, as well as souvenir shops where guests can purchase memorabilia.
One of the unique attractions within Tsutenkaku Tower is the 60m Tower Slider slide, adding a fun and adventurous element to the visit. The tower's observatory and the remodeled interior sections also offer unique experiences.
The Shinsekai district surrounding Tsutenkaku Tower is a vibrant area known for its lively atmosphere, delicious street food, and traditional spas. It's a great place for foodies and those looking to experience the local culture.
The current incarnation of Tsutenkaku Tower stands at 103 meters tall. It was once considered the tallest building in the East during its initial construction phase.
