Tsutenkaku is a symbol of Osaka which was built in 1912 as a symbol of an entertainment area in the southern part of Osaka called Shin-Sekai, which means new world.

At that time, the concept of this tower was in the form of a tower similar to the Eiffel Tower, which was built on top of a building shaped like the Arc of Triumph.

In 1943, the tower was destroyed by fire, and the remaining steel from the tower was used to support Japan's war effort at that time. After the war ended, the people of Osaka, who felt they needed this tower again, asked the government to rebuild the tower.

In 1955, the wishes of the people of Osaka were granted by the city government, and the rebuilding of the tower was started by Tsutenkaku Kanko Co., Ltd., a company specifically created to take care of the rebuilding of the tower. The new Tsutenkaku was designed by Tachu Naito, and is 103 meters high. The new tower opened on 28 October 1956.

On the 5th floor observation deck, visitors to the tower can enjoy views of Osaka city, and see Biliken, a statue of a god who is believed to bring good luck to those who rub the soles of their feet. The round neon sign at the top of the tower displays colors that indicate the weather forecast, namely blue for sunny weather, yellow for cloudy weather, and blue for rainy weather. To enter this tower, adults are charged 600 yen. This tower is able to attract up to 700 thousand visitors per year.

To get to Tsutenkaku Tower from Umeda Station, board the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line and get off at Dobutsuen-Mae Station. Go out Exit 5 and head north along Sakai-suji Road. Take a right at the first light and walk about two blocks east. Look left, and you'll see Tsutenkaku Tower ahead of you.