The Skyline of Shinseikai area Osaka

Tsutenkaku tower has long been the symbol of the Naniwa area and defines the skyline of the area.

The Shinsekai area of Osaka

Streets of Osaka, the Shinsekai area.  This is known as the most run-down and dangerous area of Japan as it was heavily occupied by the Yakuza and crime was rampant.  It started out in 1912 as an amusement park and soon after the war, it started a downhill slide. These days it is still in dispair almost as it has been forgotten by Osaka itself.  The area hosts gaming halls for Shogi, Gomoku, and Mahjong inhabited mostly by the elderly poor.  It also hosts a large active transvestite community that can be seen wandering the covered arcades of karaoke bars   However, despite the rough image the food here is at a very good price and is as tasty as anywhere else in Japan so check it out for the out of the norm experience in Japan.  (Note: Japan is known for its very low crime rate and almost eat off the cleanliness of the streets).