2020-01-29

Shinpoincho: A Guide to Osaka’s Most Expensive Neighbourhood

  • Advice

Shinpoincho is one of the most prestigious places to live in Kansai. Though it is not as well-known as places such as Ashiya, Tezukayama or Gakuenmae, this area contains the most highly coveted real estate in Osaka. 

Buildings in Tennōji-ku, Shinpoincho

"Buildings in Tennōji-ku" by Wing1990hk is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

The Best of Both Worlds     

Shinpoincho is a well-kept secret of the Osaka elite, who have been living here since the Edo period. Recently the area has become even more valuable thanks to the urban development of Tennoji ward, which Shinpoincho sits snuggly inside. There are new developments all the time, such as Japan’s tallest building, Abeno Harukas. The skyscraper stands at 300m tall, towering over the city. Inside you’ll find fascinating art exhibitions, Japan’s largest department store, and you can look out across the city from the Harukas 300 observation deck. 

Just outside of Shinpoincho, you can experience Osaka’s marvelously urban side, with thousands of brilliant buildings across the metropolis. Still, the neighborhood of Shinpoincho itself is quite peaceful and not too built up. These serene streets transport you away from the hustle and bustle of the city to a quiet, calm, and safe Japan. Many of the large houses here were built in the Showa era, and have been well looked after, preserving Shinpoincho’s image. 


Things to Do in Shinpoincho

Shitenno-ji

"Shitenno-ji" by jpellgen (@1179_jp) is licensed under CC BY 2.0 

Residents are just ten minutes from Tanimachi Line’s Shintennojimae-Yuhigaoka station and JR Kanjo Line’s (Osaka Loop Line) Momodani Station so that you can get around the area easily. There are a lot of things to see and do just around the corner. Shitenno-ji is Osaka’s oldest temple. The grounds are over 1,400 years old with a five-story pagoda and a grand temple where locals regularly pray. The area also has Tennoji Zoo, and nearby is the Osaka International House, which often hosts events to encourage foreigners to be part of Japanese society. Everyone is welcome, both residents and tourists.

Tennoji Park is a beautiful pocket of green with wide-open spaces to contrast built up Osaka. Inside the child-friendly park, you’ll find a Museum of Fine Arts and the illustrious Keitakuen Garden. The newer areas of the park are full of beautiful shops and cafés, so you can spend a whole day here, eating out, relaxing in the grass and perusing the quaint stores. 

On the other end of the spectrum, Tennoji also has Shinsekai, the ‘New World’ of Osaka, jam-packed with neon lights, bustling restaurants, and bars. The area is a favorite with tourists who want to eat local Osaka cuisine, such as Kushikatsu, or Okonomiyaki. 


Cost of Living in Shinpoincho

The average land value around Shinpoincho is approximately ¥519,000 ($4,758) per square meter. Despite land value in many other parts of Osaka fluctuating, Shinpoincho seems to be a solid investment. It is also in a good school zone with several prestigious schools for those looking to raise a family.


Conclusion

Shinpoincho is a gorgeous neighborhood. It has a welcoming and tolerant atmosphere, with plenty of luxurious homes, as well as a fantastic surrounding area. It is close to other popular regions in Osaka yet has remained an island of tranquillity. This safe area, with its proximity to the business hub of Osaka, would be a fantastic place to live for those who can afford it. 


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