The Present-Day Tsutenkaku Tower
The current Tsutenkaku was completed on October 28, 1956. Including its lightning rod, the tower stands 108 meters tall, while the tower itself measures 100 meters.
The tower was designed by Naito Tachu, a prominent Japanese structural engineer also known for designing Nagoya TV Tower and Tokyo Tower.
Structure and Design
The lower floors, from the first to second floors, are used for entrances, exhibitions, and related facilities. The upper floors, from the third to fifth floors, contain observation areas where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka.
The building has two elevators, with visitors required to transfer between elevators on the second floor.
Earthquake-resistant improvement work was carried out from 2014 to 2015, further strengthening the tower against earthquakes and strong winds. The structure was designed to withstand a major inland earthquake comparable to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and winds of up to approximately 80 meters per second.
The Meaning Behind the Name “Tsutenkaku”
The name “Tsutenkaku” means “a tall building reaching to heaven.” It was named by Fujisawa Nankaku, a Confucian scholar of the Meiji period.
True to its name, the tower rises prominently above the Osaka skyline, creating a distinctive presence in the heart of Shinsekai.
Highlights Inside Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku extends from underground to the upper observation levels and offers a variety of attractions, exhibitions, and entertainment experiences throughout the building.
5th Floor: Golden Observation Deck — 87.5 m Above Ground
The Golden Observation Deck, located 87.5 meters above ground level, offers sweeping views over Osaka.
Looking toward the northwest, visitors can see Imamiya Ebisu Shrine. Miniature wooden statues of the Seven Lucky Gods are also placed around the observation deck in different directions.
Billiken Statue
At the center of the observation deck is the famous Billiken statue, a beloved figure traditionally associated with good fortune.
Commemorative Photo Service
A commemorative photography service is available around the Billiken statue. The first photograph is provided free of charge.
4th Floor: Light Observation Deck — 84.0 m Above Ground
The Light Observation Deck comes alive after sunset with colorful lighting and mirror balls inspired by Osaka’s lively “bright and flashy” culture.
The floor also features a talking Billiken statue made using wood from Nara Prefecture, as well as a stamp station for visitors taking part in a stamp rally.
3rd-Floor Rooftop: Tsutenkaku Garden — 26.0 m Above Ground
Tsutenkaku Garden is a Japanese garden designed to recreate the “sky garden” that existed on the original Tsutenkaku.
The garden was produced by Takasho, a company based in Wakayama Prefecture. Illumination is also provided, creating a particularly atmospheric setting after dark.
3rd Floor: Top Floor and TOWER SLIDER Entrance — 22.0 m Above Ground
The Top Floor features a diorama of Luna Park, along with historical photographs showing the area during the era of the original amusement park.
The floor also includes a Glico official shop and Cafe de Luna Park, a restaurant produced by Mother Farm, making it a popular area for families.
Pocky Photo Spot
A heart-shaped display made from empty Pocky boxes has become a popular photo spot for visitors.
Bell of Happiness
A Bell of Happiness hangs at the photo spot, and many visitors ring it as a souvenir of their visit.
2nd Floor: Under Floor — 18.0 m Above Ground
The Under Floor serves as a transfer area for visitors heading to the observation decks.
It includes a shop called Janjan Machi and a museum dedicated to the popular manga Kinnikuman. The area offers visitors a chance to experience aspects of Shinsekai’s distinctive culture and entertainment.
1st Floor and Basement: Entrances and Related Facilities
The first floor serves as the exit from the observation areas, while the basement contains the end point of the TOWER SLIDER and ticket facilities.
STUDIO210 also offers souvenirs from various parts of Japan.
Illuminations and Neon Advertising
The nighttime illumination of Tsutenkaku is one of the tower’s most recognizable attractions. Modern LED technology allows the tower to display seasonal designs, event themes, and a wide variety of colors.
Illumination began in 1957, and the system has been upgraded several times since then. Today, approximately 32,579 LED lights are used, allowing the tower to create elaborate displays while reducing electricity consumption compared with older lighting systems.
Hitachi Advertising Sign
On July 22, 1957, one year after the reconstruction of Tsutenkaku, Hitachi, a major Japanese electronics company, installed a large advertising sign on the side of the tower.
The Hitachi sign has since become one of the most recognizable visual symbols associated with Tsutenkaku.
At the time, Matsushita Electric Industrial, now known as Panasonic, was also approached about placing an advertisement on the tower. Its president, Konosuke Matsushita, reportedly decided not to proceed. Later, as the tower’s advertising became widely recognized as a local landmark, Matsushita was said to have regretted that decision.
The Tower’s Structure and Advertising Areas
Tsutenkaku has an eight-sided structure whose shape changes above and below the projecting sections known as the tower’s “arms.”
Below the arms, four sides are triangular and four are rectangular. Above the arms, four sides are inverted triangles and four are rectangles, arranged alternately.
Advertising is displayed only on the rectangular surfaces. The triangular and inverted-triangular surfaces do not carry advertisements.
The western face is also kept free of commercial advertising for public-interest reasons. Instead, it may display messages and slogans intended to contribute to the local community.
Neon Advertising Renewal and Special Illuminations
Tsutenkaku participates in special illumination campaigns throughout the year. On October 1, the tower is illuminated in pink as part of the Pink Ribbon campaign promoting breast cancer screening.
The tower has also been illuminated in yellow to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Hanshin Tigers, incorporating the team’s representative color into the lighting display.
Neon advertising is renewed approximately every five to six years. There are also occasions when some or all of the lights are switched off as part of electricity-saving or “Light Down” campaigns.
History of Tsutenkaku
The First Tsutenkaku
The original Tsutenkaku was built on the former site of the Fifth National Industrial Exposition, held in Osaka in 1903.
Michio Doi, who was then chairman of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, envisioned the site as an ideal entertainment destination. The tower was designed with the Eiffel Tower as one of its inspirations.
The original tower stood approximately 75 meters tall and was regarded as one of Japan’s three great observation towers of the period.
However, the tower was severely damaged by fire in 1943. During the war, it was dismantled so that its steel could be supplied for military purposes.
Following the dismantling, strong requests from local residents eventually led to plans for rebuilding the tower.
Reconstruction of the Second Tsutenkaku
The reconstruction project became more concrete in 1953, and construction began in 1955.
After overcoming funding challenges and difficulties during construction, the new tower was completed in 1956.
Designer Naito Tachu placed particular emphasis on the durability of the steel structure. Its structural integrity was also confirmed during later improvement work following the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
Japan’s First Seismic Isolation Retrofit for an Observation Tower
A structural assessment conducted in 2012 found that the steel structure could potentially deform during an earthquake comparable to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
In response, Tsutenkaku Kanko decided to undertake major earthquake protection work and considered several engineering methods.
A seismic isolation system was ultimately selected. Construction took place from October 2014 through June 2015, with a total project cost of approximately 600 million yen.
Because the tower needed to remain open to visitors during the work, construction materials were transported mainly at night outside normal operating hours, allowing the attraction to continue operating.
Seismic Isolation Retrofit System
The seismic isolation retrofit system installed at Tsutenkaku is designed to significantly reduce the movement transmitted to the tower during an earthquake.
Seismic isolation devices and oil dampers were installed within the base of the tower while taking care not to compromise the appearance of its upper structure.
The work made it possible to reduce earthquake vibrations to approximately one-third of those expected with conventional earthquake-resistant construction methods, improving safety for visitors.
Things to See and Experience
Fifth-Floor Observation Deck
The fifth-floor observation deck provides panoramic views across Osaka. It is also home to the famous Billiken statue, known as the “God of Good Fortune.”
According to popular belief, rubbing the soles of Billiken’s feet brings good luck. The statue has become one of the most popular photo and sightseeing spots inside Tsutenkaku.
The Billiken Statue
The Billiken statue stands on a pedestal inscribed with the English phrase “THE GOD OF THINGS AS THEY OUGHT TO BE.”
With its charming expression and distinctive appearance, Billiken has become a beloved official character associated with Tsutenkaku.
Illuminated Weather Forecast
A circular neon display at the top of Tsutenkaku also serves as a unique illuminated weather forecast.
White indicates clear weather, orange indicates cloudy weather, and blue indicates rain, providing visitors with a simple visual forecast for the following day.
TOWER SLIDER
In 2022, Tsutenkaku introduced a new attraction called the TOWER SLIDER.
This approximately 60-meter-long slide begins at the intermediate observation level, about 22 meters above the ground, and ends at the basement level.
With a slope of approximately 30 degrees, the thrilling descent takes around 10 seconds. Riders can even look upward through the structure as they slide down through the interior of Tsutenkaku.
Views from the Observation Deck
The observation decks of Tsutenkaku offer an excellent vantage point for viewing the Osaka cityscape.
The nighttime scenery is particularly attractive, making the tower a popular destination for couples, families, and visitors looking to experience Osaka after dark.
Access to Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest stations include Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji and Sakaisuji Lines and Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line.
From either station, the tower can be reached within a short walk.
Explore the Shinsekai Neighborhood
Tsutenkaku stands at the heart of Shinsekai, one of Osaka’s most distinctive downtown neighborhoods. The area is known for its local food, nostalgic atmosphere, and colorful streets.
Visitors can explore restaurants specializing in kushikatsu, Osaka’s famous deep-fried skewers, as well as retro shopping streets and entertainment venues.
For many travelers, experiencing Shinsekai together with Tsutenkaku provides an opportunity to discover a different side of Osaka—one where historic landmarks, local food culture, retro entertainment, and modern attractions come together.
Experience an Osaka Icon
Tsutenkaku combines a rich historical background with modern attractions and entertainment. From the panoramic views of Osaka and the beloved Billiken statue to the illuminated weather forecast, colorful nighttime displays, and the thrilling TOWER SLIDER, there are many ways to enjoy this landmark.
A visit to Tsutenkaku also provides an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding Shinsekai district, making it a memorable destination for experiencing the history, culture, food, and atmosphere of Osaka.