Shinsekai, the New World of a century ago

Rivaling in extravagance the more famous Dotonbori, the Shinsekai district of Osaka has the advantage of being less crowded than the popular Namba area. And if you want to taste kushikatsu, one of Osaka's best known specialties, Shinsekai is a very good place.

Shinsekai means "New World", and it was established as an entertainment district in 1912, with elements copying Paris and New York. It became a popular tourist attraction, but during the middle of the 20th century it was largely forgotten. However, in recent years the area flourished again, and with its century-old atmosphere it is one of Osaka's most colorful places.