Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building, Osaka
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Constructed during the end of bubble economy (Japan's late-1980s to early-1990s boom, followed by a crash) in 1993, its curtain wall captures the sky, extending the vast circular ceiling in all directions, creating a mesmerizing illusion of an aerial garden suspended amidst the heavens.
As a highly popular attraction, it offers visitors awesome panoramic views of Osaka, making it an ideal spot for watching sunsets and enjoying the city's stunning nightscape.
Ticket Prices
- Free entry to Umeda Sky Building.- Kuchu Teien Observatory: 2000 yen.
Kuchu Teien Observatory Ticket Purchasing
- Book on the official website, or buy at the counter or machines on the 35th floor.- Free entry with Osaka Amazing Pass or Osaka e-Pass from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, 20% discount with the passes from 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Recommended Visiting Time
1-2 hours.
Top Things to Do
1. Visit Kuchu Teien Observatory
Kuchu Teien Observatory offers a 360-degree panorama of Osaka, spanning from 39th, 40th floors, to rooftop. On clear days, view sharp outlines of Osaka’s skyscrapers, rivers, and even the distant Mount Rokko in Kobe. As dusk descends, enjoy the sight when the sky transforms into a colorful palette, and then the city lights up like a galaxy at night.
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Kuchu Teien Observatory
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2. Wander through Lumi Sky Walk
Lumi Sky Walk is a rooftop terrace with a space-themed floor where LED lights illuminate the scene at night, casting an aurora-like glow that envelops the courtyard in a romantic and mysterious ambiance. Couples can sit in the center, holding hands while triggering a light display by simply touching the semicircular covers on either side.3. Take the Escalator from 35F to 39F
The transparent escalator is bathed in a soft blue glow, like a time-space tunnel that whisks visitors into a mystical world high above the ground, over 100 meters in the air, without evoking any sense of dread. This unique setting makes it a perfect spot for capturing photos that emanate a futuristic and technological charm.4. Explore Delicacies on B1 or 39F
On the B1 floor, visitors will find Takimikoji, a nostalgic food street in an early 20th-century Japan style, where they can savor authentic Japanese flavors like the traditional bracken cake in Bashoudo. Moving up to the 39th floor, gourmet diners will delight in a selection of exquisite dishes, including high-quality cheese and wine at Bonne Raclette.5. Relax at Sky 40 Café
At this café suspended on the 40th floor, treat yourself to a beverage of your choice – perhaps a freshly brewed coffee, a refreshing apple ice cream, a zesty matcha soda, or a crisp beer. Find a cozy window seat to watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the city in twilight, and feel the day's fatigue melt away.
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Overlook Osaka from Umeda Sky Building
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6. Attach a Heart Lock with Your Love
For a romantic touch, visit "Fence of Vows", a corner adorned with colorful heart-shaped locks on the rooftop, each symbolizing a love story etched in time. Pre-order your lock through the official website and engrave your names and a special date at the counter on the 40th floor. Then hang it on the fence as a timeless testament to your love.Tips
1. Visitors to the open observation deck on the 40th floor of the Umeda Sky Building should be prepared for potentially strong winds, especially during evening hours. For those in skirts, consider bringing a coat for warmth and to guard against wind exposure.2. The building boasts two ideal decks. Except for the paid Kuchu Teien Observatory on the rooftop, visitors can also overlook the city from a free, enclosed deck on the 40th floor, especially from the consumption area of Sky 40 Café for a better view.
3. Heart Locks cannot be purchased on-site. Instead, pre-book a combined ticket for Kuchu Teien Observatory and Heart Lock online, typically priced at around 3,200 yen.
Getting There
From Namba Station (25-30 minutes)
Take subway Midosuji Line to Umeda Station, then walk for 20 minutes. Alternatively, take the subway to Umeda and transfer to Bus No. 41 to 1 Chome Oyodonaka, then walk for 4 minutes.From Osaka Station (15 minutes)
Walk or take Bus No. 41, 42, or 43 directly to the destination.From Shin-Osaka Station (23-28 minutes)
Take Tokaido Sanyo Main Line to Osaka Station, then walk or take a bus for 15 minutes. Alternatively, take Bus No. 39 from Shin-Osaka North Exit to 3 Chome Oyodonaka, then walk for 5 minutes.From Kansai International Airport (65-80 minutes)
Take Airport Limousine Bus (bound for Osaka Herbis) to Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA, then walk for 19 minutes.
Alternatively, take the JR Haruka to Osaka Station, then walk or take a bus for 5 minutes.
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Umeda Street View at Night
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Nearby Attractions
Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the deity of learning, stands as the focal point of Tenjin Festival, a significant celebration in Osaka. Tenjinbashi Shopping Street boasts the title of Japan's longest shopping street, offering a diverse array of shopping options. Tsutenkaku Tower, a historical steel structure, showcases a narrative of Osaka’s past. Osaka City Central Public Hall, an impressive red-brick building, dates back to the transformative era of Japan (1868-1926) and exemplifies Western architectural influence.
National Museum of Art, Osaka houses over 8,000 contemporary artworks from around the world within its three underground floors.
See More:
Best Things to Do in Osaka at Night
6 Best Places to Go Shopping in Osaka
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