Janjan Yokocho

In short

A long, narrow covered shopping arcade in the southeastern part of Shinsekai, lined with eateries, shogi clubs, and more. Its official name is "Nanyo-dori Shopping Street." It originated in 1921, and the nickname "Janjan" comes from the sound of the shamisen that could always be heard in the early Showa period.

• ​Kushikatsu and Osaka Flavors​​: In addition to kushikatsu shops known for signs warning "No double-dipping in the sauce," sushi restaurants, tachinomi (standing bars), udon shops, and more line the alley, and flavors unique to Osaka such as okonomiyaki are also available
• ​Go and Shogi Clubs​​: Several professional shogi players emerged from the shogi parlors in the alley, and even today, many people gather outside to peer through the windows at the matches
• ​Nostalgic Games and Traditional Cafes​​: There are a shop claiming to be "Japan's narrowest arcade," shooting galleries, and more, as well as the kissaten (coffee shop) that originally created "mixed juice," a beloved drink in Osaka

History and Highlights

​Janjan Yokocho​ is a narrow covered shopping arcade located in the southeastern part of Shinsekai, lined with eateries, shogi (Japanese chess) clubs, and more. Its official name is "Nanyo-dori Shopping Street," which is said to derive from "a street bathed in sunlight," though this name is rarely used.

The alley originated in 1921, when Shinsekai was a bustling entertainment district at the center of Osaka during the period known as "Dai-Osaka" (Great Osaka). "Janjan" refers to the strumming sound of the shamisen (a traditional three-stringed instrument). In the early Showa period, when there were many drinking quarters, itinerant shamisen players were a common sight, and because the sound of the shamisen could always be heard, it came to be known by this nickname.

During World War II, it was devastated by air raids along with the rest of Shinsekai, and difficult times continued into the 1950s. This atmosphere is depicted in the unfinished novel Meshi by Hayashi Fumiko. In the 1960s, it revived as a popular dining area for workers involved in constructing the facilities for the Osaka Expo. When the area was redeveloped in 1997, care was taken to preserve the unique atmosphere of the alley. Today, it feels like a time capsule retaining colorful signs, buildings, and designs from decades past. In 2017, it was registered as an Osaka City Urban Landscape Resource.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Kushikatsu and Osaka Flavors​​: A classic favorite is kushikatsu, skewers of meat and vegetables coated in breadcrumbs, deep-fried, and dipped in sauce. In addition to kushikatsu shops known for signs warning "No double-dipping in the sauce," the alley is packed with sushi restaurants, tachinomi (standing bars), and udon shops, offering flavors unique to Osaka such as okonomiyaki.
• ​Go and Shogi Clubs​​: The Shinsekai area is also known as the birthplace of the famed shogi player Sakata Sankichi. Several professional shogi players emerged from the shogi parlors in the alley, and even today, many people gather outside to peer through the windows and watch the matches.
• ​Nostalgic Games and Traditional Cafes​​: The alley features nostalgic amusements such as shooting galleries and a shop claiming to be "Japan's narrowest arcade." Among the traditional kissaten (coffee shops), there is also the shop that originally created "mixed juice," a beloved drink in Osaka.

Tips for Exploring

The street is narrow at about 2.5 meters wide, so walk slowly when it is crowded. It is about a 5-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line or Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Osaka Metro. Tsutenkaku Tower stands approximately 290 meters to the north. About 100 meters to the southwest is SPAWORLD HOTEL&RESORT, and approximately 220 meters to the east is Tennoji Zoo, allowing you to visit them all together.