Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka

This post can contain affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links.

Facts & Figures

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka is with a height of 112.5 meters (diameter 100 meters) one of the largest in the world. It is a very popular tourist destination on the waterfront of Osaka. Attached to the wheel are 60 air-conditioned passenger cars with a total capacity of 480 people (8 per cabin). 3 of the cabins are accessible by wheelchair and 4 of them have see-through floors. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Osaka Ryokan.
 Find Your Perfect Ryokan Now > The announcements made within the cabin are in English and Japanese. The approx. 15-minute ride gives you great 360-degree views of Osaka, Osaka Bay, Mount Ikoma, Osaka Castle, Abeno Harukas, Universal Studios Japan, KAIYUKAN Aquarium, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kansai International Airport, Mt. Rokko and Kobe. The illumination at night with its over 100000 LED lights is really beautiful and makes this place a very popular dating spot. Interesting to know that the illumination of the wheel is also used as a weather forecast. The blue color stands for rain, green for a cloudy sky, and orange for a sunny day. My tip: Buy your tickets in advance to avoid long lines on a crowded day.

• Tempozan Ferris Wheel:
• Opening Hours - 10:00 am to 9:00 - 10:00 pm (Ticket sales until 30min before closing time)
• Admission Fee - 900 yen (from age 3), groups of more than 20 people can get an discount, people with disabilities get a discount of 450 yen

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

Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka opened for the public in 1997. It was the tallest in the world from 1997 until 1999. The Tempozan Ferris Wheel was constructed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the port of Osaka. In 2015 over 100000 LED lights were added to the structure.

Sightseeing spots

nearby:

KAIYUKAN Aquarium - The KAIYUKAN Aquarium offers 15 tanks full of marine life from the Pacific Rim. Read more >

Tempozan Marketplace - It is a huge commercial complex with nearly 80 shops and restaurants. It contains also the first food theme park in Japan full of Kansai cuisine (okonomiyaki, takoyaki, kushikatsu). The place is called Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho. The entrance is for free and the whole interior design replicates the look and feel of a 1965 Osaka street scene.

Cruise Ship Santa Maria - Jump on board and enjoy a nice cruise around Osaka Bay or even better book a dinner cruise at night.

LEGOLAND - The LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka is the perfect family trip destination.

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:)