Hello, I’mYoshi, and it’s been a while since I started guiding for foreign tourists in Osaka.
This time, I’d like to introduce a hidden gem that you must visit when you come to Osaka: Smart Ball in Shinsekai.
Shinsekai is a retro area known for famous Tsutenkaku Tower and delicious Kushikatsu (fried skewers), but hidden gem of this nostalgic district is Smart Ball Game Store「ニュースター New Star」 !!!
Whenever friends from abroad or other parts of Japan come to visit, I always take them on my signature tour, which includes Shinsekai’s Kushikatsu and Smart Ball.

What is Smart ball ?
It’s similar to pinball but simpler an analog and retro game.

The gameplay is simple. First, you insert a 100-yen coin into the slot, and clear balls, similar to “Bidama” (Japanese marbles), are coming out.
You pull back the stick to launch the ball, aiming for the holes on the table.
When a ball get in a hole, the same number of balls as the number written on that hole will come out.
It’s quite similar to pachinko.
You can exchange the collected balls to prizes.
It’s a simple yet exciting game. At just 100 yen per play, it’s incredibly affordable for this day.
Get so excited when a ball gets in a hole and a bunch of balls come out.

Different type of game tables
There are several different designs of tables to choose from.
Since the pins are hand-placed, each table has its own quirks, and the ball behaves differently, so the best spots to aim for vary from table to table.
For example, this type of game table opens up when the ball get in the center crown marked “15.”
It’s reminiscent of old hand-cranked pachinko machines.
I remember visiting with my grandfather when there was a hand-cranked pachinko shop just across the street from smart ball store. We used to play there often.
Although that shop closed down long ago, these retro games never lose their charm, they’re fun no matter how much time passes.

On this table, if the ball lands in either of the colored holes in the center, the corresponding colored plate at the top will open, giving you a chance to win a large number of balls.

This type of table also have good chance to win many balls.

Recommended Table
My best recommendation is this type, where the red “15” and green “5” plates open.
The mechanics vary slightly between tables, but in this design, every time ball get in the yellow “15” hole at the bottom, the color will change to either red, green, or yellow.
If you manage to ball get in the hole when the red plate, four red plates at the top will open.
The same applies for green.
If it’s yellow, however, you’ll just get only 15 balls instead of the plates opening.
When the red “15” plate opens, you’ll win 60 balls by simple math.

As with any from of gambling, knowing when is the good time to stop.
Whether you choose to stop while you’re winning or try to win more…
most of the time, attempting to increase your winnings can lead to losses.

hehehe you find it ! 1, 5, 6, 17, 25, and 72 tables are I’ve played and won many balls, so these are worth trying.
Prizes
Prizes can be exchanged starting from 20 balls, and you can choose items equivalent to the total number of balls you have.
Most prizes are snacks or sweets.
- QHow can I change to the prize ?
- A
You can change it on you table.
I remember there used to be cigarettes as prizes, but times have changed.
With a bit of luck, you can win around 100 balls for just 100 yen.

there are also large stuffed toys ! but you’ll need 280 balls to get one of those.
It’s not impossible, but it’s definitely a challenge!

On my visit, I was able to get Country Ma’am(Vanilla cookies), Cororo (gummy candies), and Apollo chocolates for 200 yen.
Country Ma’am is so bad but it is my favorite soft cookie. Vanilla one is the best.

On another occasion, I won a lot of snacks, including Onigiri yama(rice crackers), Tongari Corn (corn chips), Pie No Mi (Chocolate pie), and Country Ma’am.

Map & Hours

Please note that the hours listed might not always be accurate, as they don’t always match the posted hours.
However, I frequently pass by the area at random times, so use this information as a rough guide.
Recently, various new stalls (store-type) catering to tourlist have appeared, offering activities like shooting range, archery, and shuriken throwing.
On the way from Smart Ball to Jan-Jan Yokocho, there’s a shooting game stall at the corner where the price has been lowered to 500 yen per game.
It’s reasonable, and you can win prizes if you choose and aim carefully, so it’s highly recommended.
Also, at the entrance to Jan-Jan Yokocho, there’s a super cheap standing noodle shop that’s worth checking out.
When you visit Osaka, I highly recommend trying Smart Ball at least once for a unique and enjoyable experience.
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