Gate Tower Building in Osaka

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Facts & Figures

The TKP Gate Tower Building in Fukushima Ward, Osaka, also known as the Beehive, has a very unique feature and therefore is a must-see destination during your stay in the city. The 4-lane Hanshin Expressway cuts through the 16-floor and 71,9 meter high office building on its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors. Best Places to Stay in Osaka > Through vibration and noise cancellation techniques, you can not recognise the heavy traffic in the direction of the Umeda exit inside the high-rise. The highway structure is not even touching the building. It is held up by supports next to the Gate Tower Building. For earthquake reasons, they had to be separated. Glass elevators on both sides of the building provide great views over this scene. Fun fact: the highway owners have to pay rent for the 5-7 floor space :)

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating metropolis Osaka with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 3 - 4 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

There was no plan that a highway would run through the Gate Tower Building. What is visible today was a compromise between the Japanese Government and the landowners. The owners, a wood and charcoal manufacturing business, had the property rights since the beginning of the Meiji period (1868 - 1912). For five years there was a court battle about redeveloping this area in 1983, and neither side begged down. Finally, the laws were changed in 1989, and it became the first building (construction ended in 1992) in Japan with a highway passing through its core.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Observation Deck - Enjoy the view from the top floor. It is normally an office building, but tourists can go up there without problems.

Festival & Events in Osaka (dates can change without notice)

July

Namba Yasaka Shrine Summer Festival Funatogyo (13th)
Funatogyo (Boat Procession) is a Water Metropolis festival where you can see many beautiful decorated boats (Shinto-style) sailing up and down the Dotonbori River. More than 20 boats with some of them carrying musicians, and drummers provide the visitors with a great show.

Tenjin Matsuri Festival (24th till 25th)
Osaka’s greatest traditional festival (over 1000 years old) is 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.

August

Summer Sonic Festival (17th or 18th)
It is an annual music festival held at the Maishima Sonic Park in Osaka. It is very popular and you have to get your tickets early.

Osaka Lantern Festival / Osaka Jo Lanterns (25th and 26th)
Osaka Castle (Osaka-jo) is once a year decorated with thousands of lanterns lit at its doorstep. Buy your lantern and be part of this great event.

September

Osaka World Performance Festival (mid-September)
Great performances are displayed at the Tempozan Marketplace which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

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:)