Shinsekai

Overview

Shinsekai ('New World') is a wonderfully retro entertainment district built in 1912 — a gritty, atmospheric neighborhood of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewer) shops, game arcades, and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower.

Highlights

• Kushikatsu: Deep-fried skewers of every imaginable food — the strict rule: NEVER double-dip in the communal sauce.
• Retro Atmosphere: Neon-lit streets with a 1960s nostalgia feel, puffer fish lanterns, and Billiken statues.
• Game Arcades: Old-school game centers and pachinko parlors alongside modern arcades.

History

Designed with the northern half based on Paris (including a tower modeled on the Eiffel Tower) and the southern half on New York's Coney Island. Despite decades of decline, it retains its eccentric charm.

Visitor Tips

• Kushikatsu: Try Daruma — the most famous kushikatsu chain, founded here in 1929.
• Afternoon Visit: The area has the most character during the day and early evening.
• Duration: 1.5 hours.