- How to Purchase Tickets for the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
- Learn how to purchase tickets for the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory.
Among the many tourist attractions in Osaka, the “Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory” stands out as a must-visit spot. The Umeda Sky Building offers a 360-degree panoramic view from a height of 173 meters, providing visitors with stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences. This article delves into the allure of the Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory.
The World’s First Connected Skyscraper: Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building, located north of Osaka Station, is a 40-story skyscraper with a height of 173 meters. It consists of two towers, East and West, connected by a unique structure—a 180-meter-long bridge on the 39th floor. The building, which opened in 1993, houses offices, shops, restaurants, an event hall, and a theater.
Designed by architect Hiroshi Hara, the building’s distinctive structure has captivated visitors and is highly regarded as a masterpiece of modern architecture. The highlight of the Umeda Sky Building is the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th-floor bridge, offering a panoramic view of Osaka from a height of about 170 meters.
- Business hours
- 9:30 am - 10:30 pm (Last entry 10:00 pm)
- Regular holiday
- Open year - round
- Fee
- Adults: 1500 yen Children: 700 yen
- Telephone number
- +081-6-6440-3855
- Official site
- https://www.skybldg.co.jp/observatory/
- Parking
- Umeda Sky Building Parking (Basement 2nd floor)
- Capacity: 460 cars
- 1 hour: 500 yen, thereafter 250 yen per 30 minutes
- How to visit
- 7 - minute walk from JR Osaka Station
- 9 - minute walk from Hankyu Umeda Station
- Address
- 1 - 1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita - ku, Osaka 531 - 6039, Japan
Breathtaking Panoramas: 360-Degree Spectacular Views
The Floating Garden Observatory spans three floors, from the 39th to the top floor. The 39th floor is a free area featuring souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants, with an impressive view. The paid area on the upper floors offers even more spectacular views. From the top of the Umeda Sky Building, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Osaka.
On clear days, the Osaka Bay and distant mountains can be seen, providing a breathtaking scene. At sunset, the city turns orange, transitioning into a mesmerizing night view that captivates all who visit.
Illuminating Osaka’s Night: A Jewel Box of Lights
As night falls and darkness envelops the area, the Floating Garden Observatory reveals a different charm.
Below, Osaka’s cityscape is adorned with dazzling illuminations, resembling a spilled jewel box. The lights of skyscrapers twinkle like stars, and car tail lights streak across like shooting stars. In all directions, the view offers a beautiful light show against the dark night. The overwhelming scale of the night view makes the Floating Garden Observatory an ideal spot for night view enthusiasts.
The term “jewel box” is no mere metaphor. The colorful lights create a scene that truly resembles scattered jewels on the ground. Under the clear night sky, the orange glow covering the city, the vibrant white lights in the bustling western area, and the mysterious blue lights in the coastal eastern area combine to create a captivating atmosphere.
The gently swaying illuminations in the wind resemble the aurora. The enchanting light art in the city’s night sky leaves a lasting impression on viewers.
This stunning night view can be exclusively enjoyed at the Floating Garden Observatory.
Into a Different World: Transparent Escalators for an Aerial Walk
The aerial escalator from the 37th to the 39th floor is a highlight in itself. Enjoy a slow ride up to the observatory while taking in the views of Osaka through transparent walls. Early in the morning, you can witness the sunrise over the Osaka Plain, and in the evening, enjoy the romantic sight of the sky turning red.
At night, the atmosphere turns magical. With Osaka’s night view in the background, riding the illuminated escalator feels like floating in space, offering an extraordinary experience.
The sensation of slowly ascending through the glass space with the city’s lights below is akin to a night view cruise. Enjoy a special time gazing romantically at Osaka’s nightscape as you head to the observatory.
Create Special Memories: Enjoying the Observatory
The observatory offers cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. A popular spot is the 40th-floor cafe “cafe SKY 40.”
Located on the observation floor, it allows visitors to enjoy tea time with a stunning view. The cafe also sells beers from around the world, each priced at 700 yen.
Three Areas to Explore: Highlights of the Floating Garden Observatory
The Floating Garden Observatory is divided into three areas: the 39th floor, the 40th floor, and the rooftop “Sky Walk.” Let’s explore the attractions of each area.
39th Floor: Access and Facilities
The 39th floor has ticket counters for the observatory, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. This floor is free to enter and serves as the access point to the observatory.
40th Floor: Observation Floor
The 40th floor is a paid area offering a stunning view of Osaka city.
Particularly popular in the evening and at night, the “jewel box” night view attracts couples and tourists. During the day, enjoy the scenery of Osaka, and at night, revel in the glittering night view. No matter when you visit, the view is sure to impress.
Rooftop: Sky Walk
The rooftop “Sky Walk” offers a 360-degree view from a height of 173 meters. This outdoor area allows visitors to directly experience the wind and weather while enjoying the scenery.
The outdoor night view, unobstructed by glass, is ten times more beautiful.
Looking inside from the Sky Walk, you can see the transparent escalator. The geometric beauty of the structure, combined with its circular design, is also a treat to observe.
Easy Access! Getting to the Observatory
The Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory is about a 7-8 minute walk from JR Osaka Station.
First, take the escalator to the 3rd floor.
Proceed to the entrance of the Floating Garden on the 3rd floor.
Continue to the dedicated elevator, which will take you to the 37th floor.
From the 37th floor, take the transparent escalator to the 39th-floor ticket counter.
The illuminated transparent escalator offers a futuristic atmosphere, providing a sense of entering another world.
At the top of the escalator is the 39th-floor ticket counter.
Read more about How to purchase tickets and enjoy without waiting
World-Recognized Architectural Beauty: The Charm of Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is globally recognized for its unique and beautiful architecture. Its original design was selected as the “Building of the Year” in 1994 by the British architectural magazine “The Architectural Review.”
Additionally, it was chosen as one of the “14 Most Beautiful Stations in the World” by the American magazine “Travel + Leisure.” The Umeda Sky Building is truly a symbol of Osaka, boasting world-renowned architectural beauty.
Besides the stunning views from the observatory, take note of the building’s beauty itself. The night illumination is especially a must-see.
Enjoy Spectacular Views from 173 Meters Above Osaka: An Unforgettable Experience at Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory
The Umeda Sky Building, a new symbol of Osaka, offers a breathtaking experience at its “Floating Garden Observatory.” It’s like a paradise on earth, providing extraordinary views and experiences.
The 360-degree panoramic view, breathtaking Osaka nightscape, and views from the transparent escalator all create an extraordinary, luxurious time.
During the day, the view of Osaka’s cityscape spreading across the Osaka Plain, with distant mountains and Osaka Bay in sight, is breathtaking. Take a stroll and look down on the city of Osaka.
At night, the illumination resembling a jewel box floating in the dark is a romantic scene. The Floating Garden Observatory is the perfect spot to enjoy this view. The lights spreading below your feet look like scattered stardust, offering a different charm from daytime.
Why not create special memories at this popular dating spot? Both day and night views are captivating, waiting to be enjoyed.
Be sure to visit and take in the beautiful scenery of Osaka. The stunning views will surely leave you in awe.
