What is Tsutenkaku Tower?
About history and architecture
Standing at a towering 103 meters, Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka’s Naniwa ward is a must-see tourist attraction. Initially built in 1912, it was the tallest building in Western Japan and was hailed as a symbol of Osaka, serving as a commercial facility, observation deck, and entertainment venue.
However, the tower’s fate was altered during World War II when it was requisitioned by the military as a barracks, leaving it caught in the crossfire. Thankfully, after the war, the tower was reconstructed and is now a top tourist destination that has come to symbolize Osaka’s rich history and culture.
From the outside, the building is a stunning blend of steel and reinforced concrete, with a modern design that stands out. Inside, visitors can explore commercial facilities, restaurants, and entertainment venues. But the highlight is the observation deck, which provides breathtaking views of Osaka’s bustling cityscape. So Tsutenkaku Tower will leave an indelible mark on your memory whether you’re a local or a tourist,
About features and attractions
Rising high at 103 meters, the magnificent Tsutenkaku Tower is a towering icon of Osaka. The observation deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the bustling city of Osaka, while on clear days, the distant Wakayama and Hyogo mountain ranges add to the enchanting scenery.
Though the tower’s modern design is impressive, there’s a special section known as “Old Tsutenkaku,” preserving the building’s vintage era that emits an alluring retro aura. It was built with a traditional Japanese architectural style, carrying an invaluable historical legacy.
The area around Tsutenkaku Tower is abundant with famous tourist attractions such as Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, and the Tsutenkaku Market, offering endless culinary delights, shopping, and entertainment.
Tsutenkaku Tower hosts an array of exciting events all year round, including the renowned Tenjin Festival’s firework display in summer and the fascinating “Tsutenkaku Illuminate” in winter.
Even at night, visitors can soak in the mesmerizing city views from the observation deck of Tsutenkaku Tower. The charm of the nocturnal skyline adds an extra dimension to this iconic tower, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone.
The view from the observatory of Tsutenkaku
Ticket type and price
The fee for the public observatory is as follows:
Individual fee:
Adults (high school students and older): 900 yen
Children (5 years old to junior high school students): 400 yen
Group rate (10 people or more):
Adults: 800 yen
Children: 300 yen
Disability fee:
Adults: 700 yen
Children: 300 yen
We recommend purchasing advance tickets from our website, as great deals exist.
https://www.tsutenkaku.co.jp/annai/
Transportation
[When going to Tsutenkaku by train]
・Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line Ebisucho Station Exit 3 [3-minute walk]
・Hankai Railway Hankai Line Ebisucho Station Exit [3-minute walk]
・Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Dobutsuen-mae Station Exit 1 [6-minute walk]
・JR Loop Line Shin-Imamiya Station Tsutenkaku Exit (East Exit) [6 minutes on foot]
・Nankai Railway Nankai Main Line Shin-Imamiya Station West Exit [10 minutes on foot]
[When going to Tsutenkaku via expressway]
・Outbound line: Hanshin Expressway No. 1 loop line, Yuhigaoka exit [5 minutes by car]
・Inbound line: Hanshin Expressway No. 1 loop line, Namba exit [6 minutes by car]
Hotel information around Tsutenkaku
HOTEL THE FLAG Shinsaibashi
1 Chome-18-30 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0083
DOYANEN HOTELS BAKURO
2 Chome-8-12 Haginochaya, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0004
Hostel Mitsuwaya Osaka
2 Chome-5-15 Kawarayamachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0066
The Pax Hostel
1 Chome−20−5 THEPAX新世界,Ebisuhigashi,Naniwa Ward,Osaka
Hotel Wan Osaka Ebisu
1 Chome-4-4 Ebisunishi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0003