Tsutenkaku Tower is a 108-meter-high observation tower soaring over downtown Osaka's Naniwa Ward. It has a long history, dating back to 1912, more than 100 years ago.

From the observatory, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Osaka.

Tsutenkaku Tower was designed after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Its distinctive shape, which incorporates the image of the Eiffel Tower, gives it a unique presence as a landmark.

Tsutenkaku is famous for its statue of Billiken. Billiken-san is popular for his smiling face and cute figure with his legs thrown out in front of him, and is known as the god of good luck.

Visitors can meet Mr. Billiken at the "Golden Observatory" on the 5th floor. It is said that "stroking the soles of his feet brings good luck," so be sure to touch them.

Here are some of attractions and things to do in Tsutenkaku Tower.

The "Golden Observatory" on the fifth floor, where visitors can meet the "Billiken Statue," offers a panoramic view of the city of Osaka. Located 87.5 meters above the ground and overlooking Osaka Bay, the Yodo River, and other bodies of water, it is well received as an "aerial oasis in the big city.

Visitors can also enjoy the view from the "Special Outdoor Observatory" and "Springboard Observatory" located outdoors at the top of the stairs by registering at the information counter on the 5th floor (additional fee: 300 yen for adults/ 200 yen for children). The height is 94.5 meters! It is a thrilling experience, but the night view is especially beautiful.

Inside Tsutenkaku, you can purchase souvenirs and commemorative goods that can only be found here. The first basement floor is lined with antenna stores of food manufacturers associated with the Kansai region. You can get shop-exclusive products and goods at Morinaga Seika's "Kyoro-chan no Okashi Okashiya-san", Ezaki Glico's "Glico-ya", and Nissin Foods' "Chicken Ramen Hiyoko-chan SHOP".

Then, let's take a look at the sightseeing spots around Tsutenkaku.

Shinsekai, the neighborhood where Tsutenkaku Tower stands, has a deep, old-fashioned downtown atmosphere and is bustling with restaurants and souvenir stores where you can taste Osaka's gourmet food.

The "Jyanjyan Yokocho" near the entrance to the Shinsekai area and the "Shinsekai Hondori Shotengai," which is reputed to have the best view of Tsutenkaku Tower, are crowded with kushikatsu restaurants and standing taverns, and are full of the energy of the Showa-era retro atmosphere.

Tennoji Zoo, located within walking distance from Tsutenkaku Tower, is the third oldest zoo in Japan. About 180 species and 1,000 animals are kept here.

When visiting Tsutenkaku with children, you can take a leisurely stroll or picnic in the adjacent Tennoji Park.

Around Tsutenkaku Tower, historical buildings such as Hozenji Yokocho and Shitennoji Temple remain. The history of Shitennoji Temple is particularly long, and its name even appears in "Nihon Shoki," the oldest book in Japan.

It is one of the advantages of sightseeing in Tsutenkaku that you can take your time to visit the famous places and cultural assets of Naniwa.

This time, we introduced Tsutenkaku Tower's highlights and how to access it. Tsutenkaku Tower itself has many attractions, such as the spectacular view from the observatory and the Billiken statue, but another major attraction of sightseeing at Tsutenkaku Tower is the many sightseeing spots scattered in the surrounding area. Please climb up to Tsutenkaku Tower, the symbol of Osaka, and enjoy the deep downtown area that surrounds it.