What other travelers are saying about Umeda Sky Building
Came here during a visit of Osaka, great views, there is a restaurant and souvenir shop, a must see if you're visiting Osaka, Japan.
A striking 173-meter-tall landmark in Osaka's Kita district, famous for its futuristic design featuring two towers connected by a bridge at the top. Completed in 1993, it has gained international recognition for its "Floating Garden Observatory" and innovative construction.
Original Vision: Architect Hiroshi Hara initially planned for a complex of four interconnected towers.
Economic Impact: Due to the burst of the Japanese economic bubble in the early 1990s, the ambitious project was scaled down to the current two-tower structure.
Global Recognition: In 2008, it was named one of the "Top 20 Buildings Around the World" by The Times, alongside landmarks like the Parthenon and the Taj Mahal.
Kuchu Teien Observatory: An open-air rooftop circular deck providing 360-degree views of Osaka, the Yodo River, and as far as Awaji Island on clear days.
Takimi-koji Gourmet Street: Located in the basement, this food court replicates the nostalgic atmosphere of an early Showa-era (early 20th-century) Japanese town.
Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum: Found on the 27th floor of the West Tower, this museum showcases vibrant works by the eponymous artist through 3D and VR experiences.
Lush Surroundings: The base of the tower includes the "Island Garden," a micro-forest with walking trails, waterfalls, and seasonal flora like cherry blossoms.
Umeda Sky Building is famous for its unique architecture and the spectacular Floating Garden Observatory on its rooftop. The building features two 40-story towers connected at their uppermost floors by a circular platform, offering panoramic views of Osaka. Its distinctive design and the breathtaking views it offers make it a popular attraction for both tourists and locals, especially for those looking to enjoy a skyline view of the city.
To reach the Umeda Sky Building escalator, which leads to the Floating Garden Observatory, first, make your way to the Umeda district in Osaka. The building is within walking distance from Osaka and Umeda Stations. Once you're at the Umeda Sky Building, you'll find the escalators inside that connect the two towers. These escalators are enclosed in a glass tube, offering a unique experience as you ascend between the towers.
The Umeda Sky Building itself is not open air, but the Floating Garden Observatory at the top offers an open-air viewing platform. This allows visitors to step outside and enjoy the fresh air along with a 360-degree view of Osaka from 173 meters above the ground. It's an ideal spot for photography and to take in the urban landscape.
Umeda Sky Building stands at 173 meters (568 feet) tall. It's one of the most recognizable landmarks in Osaka's skyline, known for its futuristic design and impressive height that offers sweeping views of the city from its observatory.
Umeda Sky Building consists of two 40-story towers that are connected at the top by the Floating Garden Observatory. In addition to the office and commercial spaces within the towers, the building's uppermost floors are dedicated to the observatory and related amenities, providing visitors with a unique and memorable experience above the city.
Umeda Sky Building is one of my favorite observation spots in Osaka. The architecture is unique, and the experience of taking the escalator up between the two towers already feels special. The Kuchu Teien Observatory offers a wide, open-air view of the city that’s especially beautiful at sunset and at night. It does get crowded during peak times, but the space is large enough to move around comfortably. The walk on the rooftop deck can be a little windy, but the views make it completely worth it. A great place for photos and for seeing Osaka from above. I bought a ticket online from Klook and just scan the QR at the entrance, the process was fast and seamless. The only queue time would probably when taking the elevator going up or down.
This is a must do in Osaka for the views alone. I pre booked my tickets on the Klook app, which I highly recommend. It was almost instant, and I just showed the QR code at the entrance. Even though it's a super famous tourist spot, the line was flowing and the staff were really efficient at moving everyone along. I timed my visit to arrive just before sunset, which was the perfect move. Just be prepared, it got packed very quickly around that time as everyone wants to see that golden hour glow.
The view from the open air deck is absolutely stunning. You get an amazing 360 degree look at all of Osaka as the sun goes down and the city lights start to sparkle. It was awesome that you can stay up there as long as you want and just soak it all in. A quick tip: there's a cafe on the floor just below the top deck if you get hungry or want a drink. Also, just know that once you decide to leave and go down to the bottom floor, you can't go back up.
When I visited, I also caught the German Christmas Market happening on the ground floor right below the building. It was such a nice surprise and a perfect way to end the evening, grabbing some festive treats after seeing the incredible city view. It made the whole experience even more magical.
Spectacular views! I came both during the day and at night. Being able to see the distance during the day is awesome. While seeing the city all lit up at night is also amazing. Definitely recommend. It does have a nice cafe to get some hot or cold drinks, sundaes and other little snacks.
Traveling here alone and left with more than one friends and a lot of memories. Anyway, it is highly recommended to buy the Osaka Amazing Pass as it will save you a lot. The view is amazing and the waiting time is not too long. However, the scene on the top is not a total 360 degree view as it is blocked by 4 concrete pilars. Still love it, love Osaka, love Japan so much.
