Umeda Sky Building in Osaka

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Facts & Figures

The Umeda Sky Building in Osaka is famous for its unique shape and is a huge tourist attraction. The 173m high landmark building of Osaka's Kita Ward consists of two 40-story towers (Tower East and Tower West), which are connected by a circular observation platform at their two top floors. The KUCHU TEIEN OBSERVATORY (Floating Garden Observatory) offers you an amazing 360-degree view of Osaka City and Awaji Island. Come here after sunset and enjoy an ocean of lights to the horizon from the open-air deck.

 Explore Ryokans in Osaka >
Ryokans are the perfect way to discover old Japanese culture and traditions.

• Umeda Sky Building - KUCHU TEIEN OBSERVATORY:
• Opening Hours - daily, 10:00 am to 10:30 pm (last entry 10:00 pm)
• Admission Fee - 1500 yen (Adults), 700 yen (Age 4 - 12)

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating metropolis Osaka with a local guide? For more details check out this page >

History

The Umeda Sky Building, part of the Shin Umeda City project, was designed by famous architect Hiroshi Hara (born in 1936), who also created the Kyoto Station. The construction was completed in 1993 at the end of Japan´s bubble economy times by the Takenaka Corporation. The original plan was even grander with 4 towers connected at the top. The Toshiba Corporation and the Nomura Real Estate Co. are the current owners of the building.

Sightseeing spots of the Umeda Sky Building

Top:

KUCHU TEIEN OBSERVATORY - Enjoy the spectacular view from the top of the Floating Garden Observatory. It is my must-see recommendation for you in Osaka.

Lumi Deck - A place for lovers on a romantic date at the KUCHU TEIEN OBSERVATORY.

Takimi-Koji Gourmet Street - It is located in the basement of the building. The place offers 20 different gourmet restaurants in an Osaka old days setting from the Showa era (1926 – 1989).

Chushizen-no-mori (The Island Garden Forest) - This little oasis with waterfalls and greenery at the base of the building is perfect for a relaxing moment.

New Satoyama - The 8000 square meter garden with rice plants, flowers, and trees on the north side of the Umeda Sky Building brings back the feeling of Japan´s countryside to downtown Osaka.

Wall of Hope (Kibou no Kabe) - Architect Tadao Ando (born in 1941) came up with the idea of a green plant wall. The wall has a length of 78m and a height of 9m.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

July

Tenjin Matsuri Festival (24th till 25th)
Osaka’s greatest traditional festival (over 1000 years old) and ranked as one of the top 3 festivals in Japan. Enjoy spectacular processions on land and in the water, great fireworks, and a unique atmosphere created by the traditional costumes and music. My must-see recommendation for you.

November/December

Osaka German Christmas Market (18th Nov. till 25th Dec.)
Enjoy this unique event at the Umeda Sky Building. It offers specialties from Germany and you have to try out one Glühwein:)