Umeda Sky Building
Experience breathtaking 360-degree city views from the floating observatory
The Umeda Sky Building was completed in March 1993, designed by renowned architect Hiroshi Hara. The 173-meter tall structure consists of two 40-story towers connected at the top by the 'Floating Garden Observatory,' a striking circular observation deck that appears to float in the sky. The innovative design required advanced engineering to lift the observatory's steel framework by crane and precisely position it atop the two towers - a complex construction feat that took nearly five years to complete.
The building was groundbreaking for its time, using innovative architectural concepts that challenged conventional skyscraper design. The open-air rooftop observatory was unusual in Japan, where most observation decks were enclosed due to safety regulations and weather concerns. The building's distinctive appearance, resembling a gate or arch with its connected twin towers, has become an iconic part of Osaka's skyline. In 2008, the building was selected as one of the world's top 20 buildings by UK's The Times, recognizing its architectural significance.
Today, the Umeda Sky Building serves multiple purposes including offices, restaurants, galleries, and the popular Floating Garden Observatory. The observation deck attracts over one million visitors annually, offering spectacular views of Osaka, especially during sunset and evening hours when the city lights create a glittering panorama. The building represents Osaka's modern urban development while incorporating traditional Japanese aesthetic concepts of connecting earth and sky. Its location in the Shin-Umeda City development has helped transform the area into a vibrant commercial and cultural district.
Key Highlights
- Designed by Hiroshi Hara and completed in 1993
- 173-meter tall twin towers connected by Floating Garden Observatory
- 360-degree panoramic views from both enclosed and open-air observation decks
- Recognized as one of world's top 20 buildings by The Times (2008)
- Illuminated Sky Walk escalator connecting 35th floor to observatory
- Underground Takimi-Koji alley recreates 1920s Osaka street atmosphere
- Romantic sunset and night views popular with couples (voted top date spot)
- Direct access from Osaka/Umeda Station (10-minute walk)
Access Information
Location
1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka 531-6023
Nearest Stations
- • Osaka Station / Umeda Station (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, Osaka Metro) - 10-minute walk
- • Nakatsu Station (Osaka Metro Midosuji Line) - 7-minute walk
Opening Hours
Floating Garden Observatory: 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM daily (last admission 10:00 PM). Open 365 days a year including holidays. Takimi-Koji restaurants: 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM (varies by shop).
Admission Fee
Observatory: Adults ¥1,500, Children (4-12) ¥700, Under 4 free. Advance online tickets available with small discount (¥1,200 adults). Takimi-Koji dining area: Free to enter.
How to Get There
From Osaka/Umeda Station
Exit west from JR Osaka Station, follow signs for Shin-Umeda City through underground walkway. Surface near Grand Front Osaka, then walk west 5 minutes to the building.
10 minutes
From Kyoto
Take JR Special Rapid to Osaka Station (30 minutes, ¥570), then walk 10 minutes west to Umeda Sky Building
45 minutes
From Kansai International Airport
Take JR Haruka Limited Express or Nankai Railway to Shin-Osaka or Namba, transfer to Osaka Metro to Umeda (50-60 minutes total), then walk 10 minutes
60 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Best Viewing Times
Visit 1 hour before sunset to enjoy daytime, sunset, and night views in one visit. Clear days offer views to Kobe and beyond. Evening views (7:00-9:00 PM) showcase Osaka's city lights beautifully. Avoid rainy or foggy days when visibility is poor.
Photography Tips
The open-air rooftop allows unobstructed 360-degree photos. Wide-angle lens recommended for city panoramas. The illuminated Sky Walk escalator makes dramatic shots from below. Evening blue hour (just after sunset) provides best color balance for city lights.
Romantic Atmosphere
Popular date spot with 'Vows of Love' area where couples attach heart-shaped locks. The observatory provides a romantic atmosphere, especially at sunset. Less crowded on weekday evenings compared to weekends. Couples benchs available on rooftop.
Dining Options
Sky Lounge Stardust on 39th floor offers dining with views (reservations recommended, ¥5,000-¥10,000). Takimi-Koji basement food alley recreates 1920s Osaka atmosphere with affordable restaurants serving okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, and Japanese comfort food (¥1,000-¥2,500).
Visit Duration
Plan 60-90 minutes for observatory visit including both enclosed and open-air sections. Add 30-60 minutes if dining at Takimi-Koji. The building rarely gets very crowded except major holidays. Re-entry not permitted once you leave observatory.
Finding the Building
From Osaka Station, follow underground signs for 'Shin-Umeda City' or surface and walk west through business district. The twin towers are visible from a distance. Don't confuse with other tall buildings in Umeda - look for the connected twin towers with circular top.
Weather Considerations
The open-air rooftop can be windy and cold in winter - bring jacket even if warm at ground level. Summer evenings are pleasant. Strong winds may close the outdoor section temporarily. Check weather forecast for best visibility before visiting.
Combination Visits
Easily combined with Osaka Station shopping (Grand Front Osaka, Lucua), nearby Osaka Castle (15 minutes by train), or Dotonbori/Namba area (20 minutes by subway). Consider visiting in evening before dinner in Namba district.
FAQ
What time is best for visiting the observatory?
Sunset timing offers the best experience, watching the city transition from day to night. Arrive 45-60 minutes before sunset to enjoy daylight views, sunset colors, and night illumination. Clear days provide the best visibility. Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends.
How long does the visit typically take?
Most visitors spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at the observatory. This allows time for indoor observation, outdoor sky walk, photos, and perhaps a drink at the cafe. If timing sunset, plan to stay through the transition into full darkness for complete experience.
Is the outdoor observation deck comfortable in winter?
The outdoor sky walk can be very cold and windy in winter (December-February). Dress warmly with wind-resistant outer layers. However, winter often offers the clearest views. Heated indoor observation areas provide warm alternatives while still offering excellent views through windows.
Can I take photos from the observation deck?
Photography is permitted both indoors and on the outdoor sky walk. Tripods may be restricted during crowded periods. The outdoor deck offers unobstructed 360-degree views ideal for cityscape photography. Evening and night shots require cameras with good low-light performance for best results.
Are there any restaurants or cafes in the building?
The Floating Garden Observatory has Sky Lounge Stardust cafe on the 40th floor. The basement features Takimi-koji Alley, a retro 1960s-style food court with various Japanese restaurants. Several other dining options exist on lower floors. Reservations recommended for the observatory cafe during peak times.
How do the floating escalators work?
The distinctive escalators connect the 39th floor to the observatory at the 40th floor, crossing the open-air gap between the two towers. They create a dramatic, slightly vertiginous experience as you ascend through the building's central void. Part of the building's unique architectural appeal.
Can I see Mt. Fuji from the observatory?
On exceptionally clear days, Mt. Fuji is theoretically visible to the east, but it's quite distant (about 300km away). More realistically, you can see Osaka Castle, Kobe, and on clear days, the mountains around Kyoto. The immediate Osaka cityscape and bay area are the main views.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Advance online tickets can save time during busy periods (weekends, holidays, sunset time) by allowing you to skip the main ticket line. However, you still need to queue for the elevators. On weekdays, walk-up tickets are usually fine with minimal wait.
Is it worth visiting if I'm also going to Abeno Harukas?
Yes, the two observatories offer different perspectives. Abeno Harukas is taller (300m vs 173m) with modern enclosed viewing, while Umeda Sky Building's outdoor sky walk and unique architecture provide a different experience. If time permits, visiting both offers comprehensive Osaka views.
Are there combination tickets with other Osaka attractions?
The Osaka Amazing Pass includes Umeda Sky Building along with many other attractions and transport. If visiting multiple sites, this pass offers good value. Check current pass coverage as included attractions can change. Individual tickets are better if only visiting a few sites.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Dotonbori
Osaka's most famous entertainment and dining district, known for its dazzling neon lights, enormous street food signs, and vibrant nightlife atmosphere.
Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Vast park built on the site of the 1970 World Exposition, featuring iconic Tower of the Sun, gardens, museums, and cultural facilities.
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Osaka's legendary 'Nation's Kitchen' covered market, offering an incredible array of fresh seafood, Kobe beef, street food, and local delicacies for over 190 years.
Nakanoshima Park
Osaka's first public park situated on a river island between the Dojima and Tosabori rivers, featuring rose gardens, historic Western-style buildings, and serving as downtown Osaka's green oasis.
Namba Parks
An innovative multi-level shopping complex featuring rooftop garden terraces cascading eight floors, combining retail, dining, entertainment, and green space in Osaka's entertainment district.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
One of the world's largest aquariums featuring a massive Pacific Ocean tank with whale sharks and marine life from the Pacific Rim.
Osaka Castle
One of Japan's most famous castles, a symbol of Osaka's power and resilience, featuring impressive architecture, beautiful gardens, and a museum spanning centuries of samurai history.
Osaka Tenmangu Shrine
Osaka's premier shrine dedicated to Tenjin (deity of learning), founded in 949 CE, featuring traditional architecture and hosting the spectacular Tenjin Matsuri, one of Japan's three greatest festivals.