A landmark tower of the shopping district Shinsekai (New World), and most definitely one of Osaka’s most famous tourist destinations.
The current construction, completed in 1956, is in fact the second tower, and was designed by the preeminent architect Naito Tachu–who also designed Tokyo Tower. It soars 100m high (103m including the lightning rod) and features an observation gallery at about 90m from the ground, with a sweeping view of Osaka city.
The original tower had been built in 1912 and become famous for its height and unique shape, a cross between the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. An interesting tidbit is that Matsushita Konosuke, the founder of the electric company Panasonic Corporation, was working on the construction site as a wireman.
AloJapan.com