Osaka Tsutenkaku

The following day we went to the the Shinsekai district of Osaka, to what is commonly known as Tsutenkaku, named for the prominent tower that was once the centerpiece of a pre-world war I amusement park. The area is now a entertainment district, with a zoo to the east and “Spa World” to the south, and the focus of the streets surrounding the tower, primarily on local eats.

The restaurants here have giant bold storefronts with exaggerated signage.

The place was packed, but luckily there were so many options, one didn’t have to wait to eat.

 

 

 

Seiko introduced me to a favorite of hers, Kushikatsu, breaded and deep fried meats and veggies.

 

The red stuff is a variety of ginger.

The Billiken is an American creation, representing a “No Worries” charm, and became popular in the early 1900s. The Luna City amusement park what once existed in this district adopted the charm as “The God of Things As They Ought to Be.” It has since become a symbol of the district and many statues, advertisements, and merchandise featuring it can be found.

A shrine tucked in-between some restaurants…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

She waits for her favorite food: Takoyaki (breaded octopus balls)

 

 

 

This place has several flavors of soft serve, so we had to try something unusual. We got some sort of melon fruit.

 

 

 

 

Sake vending machines

 

I wonder if they know…

“Adult” capsule toy machines.

 

 

 

Ordering machine at a fast food place…

 

Bucket of fries – actually very good!

 

 

 

 

America Town

America-mura is a neighborhood dominated by American-culture, or at least what the Japanese see it as. With street art, hip hop clothing and music, and western food all over the place, it’s a popular hangout place for Japanese youth.

 

Spicy snacks in a novelty shop.

 

Of course I would find Simpsons merch in America Town

 

 

 

You stray far enough, you’ll find Japanese style places.

 

 

 

A lot of good food around here, but we just weren’t hungry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We passed through Dontonburi on the way back.

 

This building is outside the train station in Churo. That’s a climbing wall elevator in the middle.