Meaning "new world", Sinsekai was built in the 1910s to mimick other grand cities in the West. It became a labourer's neighbourhood with men crowding restaurants serving deep-fried skewers. The area fell into disrepair after World War II and although it has been spruced up in recent years, it still has kept its retro feel.
After the original tower was destroyed by fire in 1943, the second-generation Tsutenkaku Tower opened in 1956 and saw over 1 million visitors in 1957. As the district declined, so did its popularity, with less than 200,000 visitors by 1975. The 108m-tall tower is now dwarfed by many other buildings in the city, but its observation deck still commands decent views of the city from a different perspective.
With the district's revival well under way, the area is safe to enjoy at night thanks to its many restaurants.