Last updated：
Tempozan Harbor Village, home to the famous Osaka Aquarium, boasts the magnificent Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which rises to an impressive height of 112.5 meters above the ground.
What sets it apart from ordinary ferris wheels is the fully transparent glass-floor cabins, offering a thrilling and unique experience that feels as though you’re floating in the sky.
Not just about the thrill, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel provides breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka city, the waterfront scenery, and the vast expanse of Osaka Bay.
Whether you’ve yet to experience this marvel or feel hesitant because it seems “scary,” this article will guide you through the charm of the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, helping you discover a new side of Osaka. Let’s dive into its highlights.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a massive attraction located in Osaka’s Bay Area, standing approximately 112.5 meters tall. It offers refreshing views during the day and romantic nighttime scenery enhanced by LED lighting. Conveniently situated next to the Osaka Aquarium, it’s a favorite destination for families and couples.
The highlight of any ferris wheel ride is the view, and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers unparalleled vistas, especially its breathtaking harbor view overlooking Osaka Bay.
Known as the “City of Water,” Osaka is dotted with rivers flowing into the sea at the Bay Area, creating a unique and harmonious urban-water landscape.
If you’re lucky, you might spot the Santa Maria, a sightseeing cruise ship departing from the nearby docks.
The Santa Maria offers cruises around Osaka Bay, with its sunset cruise being particularly popular for its romantic ambiance. Watching the sunset during the cruise is a truly magical experience.
Read more about Santa Maria
If you’d like to enjoy both the Santa Maria and the Ferris Wheel, consider purchasing the “Santa Maria Set Ticket” at the counter. This ticket includes admission to both attractions and saves 300 yen for adults.
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel operates 60 cabins (gondolas), including eight fully transparent glass-floor cabins, delivering a thrilling skywalk experience.
The glass-floor cabins are extraordinary. As you can see, every part of the cabin is transparent.
The absence of obstructions enhances the grandeur of the view, making the experience unforgettable. However, those with a fear of heights may find it challenging—after all, even the floor is transparent!
The queues for standard cabins and glass-floor cabins are separate, with the latter being more popular, so you may need to wait 15 to 30 minutes. Even so, for the best Tempozan experience, the glass-floor cabins are a must-try.
The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is recognized as a Japanese Night View Heritage site. While the nighttime view from the Ferris Wheel is breathtaking, the wheel itself, lit up with colorful illuminations, is a stunning sight from the outside.
At its base is the Tempozan Harbor Village, a vibrant commercial area that is lit up year-round, creating a lively atmosphere.
This is the famous Osaka Aquarium.
The Santa Maria, returning from its sunset cruise, is also adorned with illuminations.
Tempozan Harbor Village, including the Ferris Wheel, is a fantastic place to visit at night.
You can purchase tickets for the Ferris Wheel on the day at the ticket counter or in advance online.
Depending on the season, there may be busy or quiet times, but generally, buying tickets on the day works just fine.
The ticket counter is located directly beneath the Ferris Wheel.
The pricing is straightforward—900 yen per person, regardless of age.
When it was completed in 1997, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel was the tallest in the world. With a maximum height of 112.5 meters and a 15-minute ride, it offers a special experience with sweeping views of Osaka Bay and the city.
Osaka has many excellent observation spots, such as the Umeda Sky Building and Abeno Harukas, and ferris wheels like the HEP FIVE in Umeda. But the Tempozan Ferris Wheel uniquely allows you to enjoy the scenic beauty of “Water City Osaka.”
Surrounded by attractions like the Osaka Aquarium and the Santa Maria, this location is ideal for families, couples, and even solo travelers who enjoy photography.
Experience the feeling of “touching the sky” at Tempozan Ferris Wheel—don’t miss this extraordinary adventure.
