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Tsutenkaku's Fun 'Tower Slider' Is The Thrilling Addition To Your Osaka Trip

Tsutenkaku's Fun 'Tower Slider' Is The Thrilling Addition To Your Osaka Trip

Last updated: 19 September 2023

The Tsutenkaku observation tower is the symbol of Osaka's iconic Shinsekai district. Right next door is the coiled snake-like TOWER SLIDER, which opened in May 2022.

The 60-meter slide runs from 22 meters above ground into a basement, and takes just 10 seconds to descend! We visited the TOWER SLIDER to discover just how thrilling it really is!

What Is Tsutenkaku?

A 3-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro.
A 3-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro.

Shinsekai is one of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Osaka. In 1912, a steel tower was erected in the style of the Eiffel Tower over an imitation of the Arc de Triomphe. Being 64 meters tall, it was the largest of its kind in Asia, and was thus named "Tsutenkaku," meaning "connecting to the heavens."

It was unfortunately destroyed in fire but was rebuilt after much demand from locals in 1956. To this day, it stands as a beloved symbol of Osaka. The second-generation Tsutenkaku is 103 meters, making it 39 meters taller than the original.

Tsutenkaku can be easily reached after a 3-minute walk from Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro. From the #3 Exit, it'll appear before your eyes, making it impossible to get lost.

Tsutenkaku has 5 floors and a basement (the springboard observation deck is outside). On the 5th floor, you can witness jaw-dropping panoramic views of Osaka, and see the statue of Billiken, which is said to bring luck when you touch the soles of its feet. The other floors hold a variety of shopping facilities.

Being one of Osaka's most famous attractions, the tower remains open at night and beautifully illuminated, allowing for views of the Osakan cityscape after dark. The round neon lights at the top also serve as a weather forecasting station, revealing tomorrow's weather through a combination of colors.

TOWER SLIDER - Tsutenkaku's Newest Attraction!

The slide is tubed-shaped, with one and a half turns around the elevator tower.
The slide is tubed-shaped, with one and a half turns around the elevator tower.

The 60-meter-long "TOWER SLIDER" runs down the east elevator tower in a spiral shape from the middle observation deck on the 3rd floor of Tsutenkaku into the first basement floor. It's designed to make Tsutenkaku into a more interactive and fun experience, rather than just a simple observation tower.

The ride entrance has support pillars, and can be used safely as an evacuation route in the event of an earthquake or other disaster. It is also seismically isolated with a spring-out structure, making it extraordinarily safe.

It costs 1,000 yen for high school students to those aged 65, and 500 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Only those between elementary school age and 65 can ride, and junior high school students and below will need the signature of a guardian.

Those shorter than 120cm or who weigh more than 100kg are also declined from riding. People under the influence of alcohol are also banned.

Experiencing the TOWER SLIDER For Ourselves!

Heading into the basement from the entrance.
Heading into the basement from the entrance.
Reception is at the Tsutenkaku ticket counter.
Reception is at the Tsutenkaku ticket counter.

First, buy a TOWER SLIDER ticket from the basement of Tsutenkaku. Here you can also find the free-to-enter Tsutenkaku WAKUWAKU Land, an outlet for a maker of food products related to Kansai.

After the ride, we recommend returning to look for a souvenir. In addition to cash, credit cards and the iD, PiTaPa, and WAON cashless payment systems can be used for both the ticket and at WAKUWAKU Land.

There are pamphlets available at the B1F reception and near the elevator on the 2F in languages such as English, Chinese, and more. Some staff can also speak English and Chinese, and each floor is equipped with the translation machine POCKETALK, making communication a breeze.

Signing the agreement form.
Signing the agreement form.
You can put your stuff in the lockers.
You can put your stuff in the lockers.

After signing the agreement form, which is available in English, put your belongings in the lockers. To be safe, we definitely recommend storing your camera and phone too. The lockers are free to use, so you don't have to worry about extra payments.

The sliding bag is made of recycled polyester.
The sliding bag is made of recycled polyester.

After taking care of your belongings, the staff will give you a helmet and a special "sliding bag." Bring these on the elevator up to the 2nd floor.

Walk up the spiral staircase to the 3rd floor.
Walk up the spiral staircase to the 3rd floor.
A poster showing the correct sliding pose.
A poster showing the correct sliding pose.

Once you've reached the 2nd floor via the elevator, head to the 3rd floor by taking the spiral staircase. To the side of the staircase is a poster showing the correct pose to take when sliding - cross your hands over your chest, widen your legs, and look at the tips of your toes. Needless to say, we were feeling pretty excited by this point!

The entrance to the slide.
The entrance to the slide.
Looking down from the 3rd floor, you'll surely start to feel nervous!
Looking down from the 3rd floor, you'll surely start to feel nervous!

We finally made it to the starting line! While waiting for my turn, I put on my helmet. As each person in front descended, their screams and cheers echoed from within. I was feeling a strange mix of anticipation and fear.

Follow the staff's guidance up to the starting point.
Follow the staff's guidance up to the starting point.
Seeing the steep drop was a true test of courage.
Seeing the steep drop was a true test of courage.

Finally, my turn had come! I lay down on the starting point, put my legs into the pocket of the sliding bag, straightened my body, and raised my head slightly. Wave to the camera at the top and say "I'm off!" and go!

The drop was steeper than I expected! I couldn't help but let out a scream!
The drop was steeper than I expected! I couldn't help but let out a scream!
The final section was like being zapped into the future.
The final section was like being zapped into the future.

As advertised, it took just 10 seconds to slide down the 22-meter drop to earth. With a 30° incline, around the same as a normal hill in ski jumping, you'll gain speed very quickly. Racing down the sleek, metallic tube, it perfectly reflects the name of the neighborhood around it – Shinsekai, which means "New World" in Japanese.

Seeing Tsutenkaku from virtually every angle, fresh surprises came as I entered the "Dark Zone," which is illuminated by flashy LEDs in pinks, yellows, and more. This flashiness perfectly captures the bright, fun character of Osaka!

At the bottom - what fun!
At the bottom - what fun!

Relishing the adrenaline rush of this rollercoaster-like ride, it felt like only a moment before I reached the goal. The colorful end point was designed to resemble a certain famous game by Nintendo - I think you can guess which!

Download your very own TOWER SLIDER Video!

Best of all, the TOWER SLIDER allows you to download a video of your own sliding experience onto your device! You can get the QR code next to the ticket booth, which you can then freely upload to social media. There's no doubt your friends will want to visit Osaka even more after seeing your video!

TOWER SLIDER, Osaka's newest attraction, lets you relish the excitement of pure speed! Along with the attraction itself, you'll also be able to see a new side to the iconic Tsutenkaku and feel like you've entered the Matrix! For those who are bored with simple views, TOWER SLIDER is the ultimate way to get both stunning scenery and unforgettable thrills!

Written by: Efeel

*This article was originally published in June 2022 and confirmed in September 2023. Check the latest information on official websites before making plans.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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