OsakaTravel

Rub the feet of Billiken, the god of fortune, at the observation deck to make a wish

About this spot

An observation tower beloved as the symbol of Osaka's Shinsekai district. The current tower is the second generation, rebuilt in 1956 and designed by architect Tahu Naito, who also designed Tokyo Tower, standing 103 meters tall. On the fifth floor sits the golden observation deck where Billiken (ビリケン), the god of fortune, is enshrined—legend has it that rubbing his feet makes wishes come true. From the observation deck, you can see panoramic views of Shinsekai's streets, Abeno Harukas, and the entire Osaka cityscape. The outdoor observation point "TIP THE TSUTENKAKU" and the roughly 60-meter-long slide "TOWER SLIDER" (separate fee) descending from mid-tower to ground level offer amusement park-like fun despite its retro appearance.

Tips

Approximately 3 minutes' walk from Sakai-suji Line Ebisu-cho Station on Osaka Metro, and also within walking distance from Dōbutsuenmae Station. It's about a 10-minute walk from Tennoji Zoo via Shinsekai streets. On weekends and holidays, observation elevator queues tend to form in early afternoon, so ascending before noon is smoother. TOWER SLIDER has age and other usage restrictions, so check on-site first if riding with elementary school children.