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Umeda Sky Building in Osaka: Enjoy Panoramic Views of the City!
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Umeda Sky Building, an Osaka landmark, is known for the Kuchu Teien Observatory standing 170 meters above ground level. This article features the highlights of this facility along with lesser-known areas, such as the 39th-floor free admission zone, restaurants, and retro shopping streets.
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Umeda Sky Building: An Osaka Landmark!
Photo by Pixta
Located only ten minutes on foot from Osaka Station, Umeda Sky Building is a 40-story skyscraper rising 173 meters above ground level. The Kuchu Teien Observatory located on the rooftop offers breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka.
This article introduces the highlights of Umeda Sky Building along with other features, such as the admission-free 39th floor, a restaurant with a stunning view, and the Showa retro shopping street.
Book Tickets for Umeda Sky Building's Kuchu Teien Observatory
Table of Contents
1. The Architect Behind Umeda Sky Building
2. Kuchu Teien Observatory: Breathtaking Views of Osaka
3. Heart Lock: Sealing the Passion (Rooftop)
4. Souvenir Shop (39th Floor)
5. Restaurant and Bar (39th Floor)
6. Seasonal Events
7. Takimi Koji (Second-Floor Basement)
8. Time Required/ Business Hours
9. Admission/ Tickets
10. Nearby Hotels
11. In Conclusion
The Architect Behind Umeda Sky Building
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Umeda Sky Building has been designed by Hiroshi Hara, the architect of the Kyoto Station Building, and was completed in March 1993.
In 2008, The Times, a British newspaper, selected Umeda Sky Building among the "Top 20 Buildings around the World," recognizing it as an Osaka landmark. The list also included the Sagrada Familia in Spain.
Kuchu Teien Observatory: Breathtaking Views of Osaka
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The Kuchu Teien Observatory is the highlight of this building. It consists of the Sky Walk, an open-air lookout (rooftop), an indoor observation deck (40th floor), and a ticket counter (39th floor).
39th Floor: The Stylish Escalator (Admission-Free)
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The 35th floor is connected to the 39th floor (the observatory entrance) by escalators covered in a transparent tube. This is a popular spot to take photos, with visitors feeling like they are standing inside a spaceship.
The last stop of the escalator, the 39th floor, including the restaurant, bar, and shop mentioned below, is open to the public. Be sure to take a look!
40th Floor and Up: The Observatory Floors (Admission Required)
After purchasing a ticket on the 39th floor, visitors may enter the indoor observatory (40th floor) and Sky Walk (rooftop).
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The photo above displays the Sky Walk, an open-air lookout. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka and a refreshing breeze.
The skyscrapers in the Umeda area and the Yodo River, the symbol of the city, will appear in front of your eyes. When the weather is fine, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world, is also visible.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The scenery changes by the hour. Dusk to evening may be the best time to drop by since visitors can enjoy the sunset and night view.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Cafe SKY 40 on the 40th floor serves coffee, alcoholic beverages, and snacks.
Visitors can enjoy the menu with a stunning view from the glass counter, boasting a length of 35 meters.
The cafe is open from 10:00 to 22:00. It might be fun to enjoy the night scenery while having a drink 40 stories above the ground.
Heart Lock: Sealing the Passion (Rooftop)
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Heart Lock, a heart-shaped padlock, is especially popular with couples visiting the building. They can choose among ten colors and have their names and date engraved.
The one-and-only Heart Lock can be taken home as a souvenir. It can also be placed at Lumi Deck (rooftop) or the Chikai no Saku (fence of pledges) inside the shop. Once shut, the padlock cannot be opened, so it will be a unique memory with someone special.
Souvenir Shop (39th Floor)
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Umeda Skybuild Gallery Shop, located on the 39th floor, is open to the public.
They handle up to 1,000 items, including goods that can only be purchased at this shop. Even those who did not enter the observatory should take a look.
Restaurant and Bar (39th Floor)
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Sangu, an authentic Chinese restaurant, and Stardust, a bar with 300 types of cocktails, are also located on the 39th floor.
The former serves lunch and dinner, while the latter serves Italian course meals.
This is an ideal setting to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Seasonal Events
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Umeda Sky Building hosts various seasonal events.
On January 1, 2023, a New Year's Day event (*1) where participants view the sunrise from the rooftop at 5:30 in the morning was held. This is an event based on the Japanese tradition of praying for happiness while watching the first sunrise of the new year.
Kuchu Teien Valentine 2023, a romantic event with the rooftop decorated by LED candles, was recently held. The Koinobori Between Buildings, with 80 koinobori carp streamers (*2) flying, is the next scheduled event. Please enjoy these occasions if you have the chance!
*1: An online ticket must be purchased in advance to participate.
*2: Carp streamers: Since the carp fish are said to swim upstream, parents fly the koinobori streamers in hopes that their children will grow up healthy and strong.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Takimi Koji (Second-Floor Basement)
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Takimi Koji, a shopping street on the second-floor basement, is designed in the image of the Showa Period (1926 to 1989).
There are about 20 eateries offering mostly Japanese dishes such as okonomiyaki (savory pancake), tempura, teppanyaki grill, and katsudon (pork cutlets on rice).
Admission is not required, so feel free to browse the street to experience the Showa atmosphere.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Time Required/ Business Hours
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Time Required
It will take about an hour to enjoy the Kuchu Teien Observatory.
It should take about two to three hours if you add dining, purchasing souvenirs, and visiting Takimi Koji.
Business Hours
The observatory is open from 9:30 to 22:30, and the ticket counter closes at 22:00. Time is subject to change on special occasions.
The shops mentioned above (cafe SKY 40, Umeda Skybuild Gallery Shop, Sangu, Stardust, and Takimi Koji) operate during separate business hours. For details, please check the official website.
Admission/ Tickets
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Admission
The admission for the observatory (40th floor/rooftop) is 1,500 yen for adults, and 700 yen for children (4 years old to Elementary School).
Tickets
There are two types of tickets: those purchased at the counter and online tickets.
As of April 6, 2023, those who wish to purchase a Heart Lock must obtain an online ticket with a padlock option.
Click Here for Online Tickets at Kuchu Teien Observatory!
Osaka Amazing Pass
Osaka Amazing Pass, available for purchase on the travel website Klook, is a cost-effective ticket allowing entry into famous sightseeing spots.
The pass includes admission to nearly 40 spots, including Osaka Castle, the Tonbori River Cruise at Dotonbori, and the HEP Five Ferris wheel. The Osaka Amazing Pass also includes all-you-can-ride fares for trains and buses. It is perfect for those interested in visiting as many places in one day.
Kuchu Teien Observatory is included in this pass, so it can be used as an admission ticket.
Click Here to Purchase the Osaka Amazing Pass on Klook
Nearby Hotels
If you want to enjoy the night view, look for a hotel offering a stunning vista!
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The Westin Osaka, next to Umeda Sky Building, is a first-class hotel managed by the Marriott Group.
The hotel has Western-style rooms with elegant designs and Japanese-style tatami rooms as well. Guests can enjoy excellent night scenery from both room types.
There were reviews from overseas guests such as "the room was spacious and quiet," "what a great view," and "located away from the station." Those staying at the hotel should use the free bus service from Osaka Station.
Click Here to Reserve the Westin Osaka on Booking.com
Click Here to Reserve the Westin Osaka on Agoda
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
If you're looking for a budget-friendly hotel with a night view, please check out the Hotel Granvia Osaka.
This hotel is built on top of JR Osaka Station. In addition to the night scenery, Universal Studios Japan is only a ten-minute train ride from here.
Overseas guests have reviewed this hotel as having "a great location and view" while "the room was a little small." Those looking for a spacious room should check the deluxe types.
Click Here to Reserve the Hotel Granvia Osaka on Booking.com
Click Here to Reserve the Hotel Granvia Osaka on Agoda
Closing Words
Picture courtesy of PIXTA
Those visiting the Kuchu Teien Observatory in Umeda Sky Building can enjoy the changing scenery alongside the night view, from sunrise to sunset.
Moreover, the 39th floor is open to the public, so be sure to drop by during your trip to Osaka!
Read also
Main image courtesy of PR Times
This is a 2023 version of an original article published in April 2016.
Written by
Hello, I'm Keisuke. living Asakusa Tokyo Japan. Love triathlon(Ironman), traveling, reading, eating and my job. I really really like Japan but I think Japan should be more kindly to traveler. https://www.facebook.com/keisukeyamada84
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