Working in the Japan travel industry, I’ve come across the Umeda Sky Building more times than I can count — it’s a well-known name in Osaka’s skyline and a regular on “things to do in the city” lists. With spots like this, there’s always a chance it’s just tourist hype. But I finally went to see it for myself.
TL;DR: I’ve seen a lot of city viewpoints, but few are as well thought out — or as fun to move through — as this one. It’s not just about going up to catch the view. The whole experience is designed with intention, from how you enter the space, to how you ascend, to how the structure frames the city around you.
Here’s how my visit played out — from underground alleys to escalators in the sky, and everything in between.
Getting There: From Osaka Station to Takimi Koji Gourmet Street
The nearest station to Umeda Sky Building is Osaka Station, and it’s about a 10-minute walk. I didn’t walk outside for most of it though — the route takes you through a series of underground passages that connect different buildings in the Umeda area.
I started from the Sakurabashi Exit and followed signs for Grand Front Osaka and Yodobashi Camera, then just kept going north through the walkway. There are signs for the Sky Building along the way (in both Japanese and English), so it’s pretty easy to stay on track if you’re paying attention.
On the way there, I passed through Takimi Koji Gourmet Street, which is tucked away in the basement of the East Tower. It’s not right in your face, so if you’re just heading straight for the observatory, you could miss it — but I’d say it’s definitely worth slowing down for.
The entrance is marked with old-school wooden signage, and the lighting shifts to this moody, retro glow. Stepping inside feels like stepping into a different time. The whole area is made to look like a Showa-era Japanese street, with narrow alleyways, vintage lanterns, and shopfronts that look like they’ve been pulled straight out of a 1950s film.
There are about 20 restaurants packed into the space, all pretty tightly arranged but each with its own style. I spotted a mix of local favourites like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, soba, and ramen, plus a few curveballs like a French wine bar and an Indian curry spot. I didn’t stop for a full meal, but it’s the kind of place I’d come back to just for the atmosphere (and the smells — unreal).
After that, I headed up and walked through the open-air plaza between the two towers. That’s where the actual journey to the top begins.
First Look at the Building
When I stepped out into the plaza, I finally got a proper look at the Umeda Sky Building up close. I’d seen photos of it plenty of times — it’s a favourite among architecture lovers and pops up in travel posts all the time — but being right there in front of it was something else.
It’s a twin-tower structure, with two tall buildings connected at the top by a big circular section that holds the observatory. I already liked how unique it looked in pictures, especially the way the middle is open and the connection at the top seems to float, but seeing it in person made the design feel even more intentional.
The building was designed by Hiroshi Hara, who also did Kyoto Station, and was completed in 1993. What I’ve always found interesting is how different it looks compared to a lot of the other high-rises in Osaka. The exposed escalators, the open core, and that huge ring-shaped structure on top — it’s all very deliberate, but still practical. It doesn’t just look different for the sake of it.
I think that’s what makes it stand out. Even if you’re not into architecture, it catches your eye. But if you are, you’ll probably notice the way everything’s laid out with a purpose — not just how it looks, but how it moves people through the space.
The Ascent: From Ground to Sky
Your journey to the Kuchu Teien Observatory begins at the East Tower of the Umeda Sky Building. Enter through the ground-level entrance, where you’ll find clear signage directing you to the observatory.
Take the elevator up to the 35th floor. These elevators have glass walls, offering a sneak peek of the city as you ascend—it’s a brief but exciting preview of the views to come.
Upon reaching the 35th floor, you’ll transfer to the building’s iconic glass-enclosed escalator. This escalator spans the open space between the two towers, leading you up to the 39th floor. It’s a short ride, but the experience is surreal—you’re surrounded by glass, moving through the air with panoramic views of Osaka unfolding around you.
At the 39th floor, you’ll find the ticket counter for the Kuchu Teien Observatory. If you’ve pre-booked your ticket online, this is where you’ll present it. The staff will assist you with any additional options you’ve selected, such as the heart-shaped padlock (more on that below!).
Floating Garden Observatory (aka Sky Walk)
From the 39th floor, I went up a couple more levels and made it to the rooftop — the Floating Garden Observatory, officially called Kuchu Teien. It’s basically a big open-air ring that wraps around the top of the building, and the view is as good as you’d hope. You get the full 360° of Osaka — the Yodogawa River, all the high-rises, the mountains in the distance… it’s a proper wide-angle view of the city.
The design is cool because it’s open to the sky but still feels secure. You’re not leaning over any scary edges or anything. It’s actually a really chill space to walk around — I ended up doing a couple of slow laps just taking it all in.
Now, fair warning: it gets windy up there. Like, I-knew-it-would-be-windy-but-not-like-this kind of windy. My hair was flying everywhere, and there was zero point in trying to fix it. Pretty sure I looked like I got caught in a typhoon. If you’re planning to take pics, you might want to come prepared — or just accept that “windswept chaos” is the look of the day.
That said, the wind kind of adds to the whole vibe. It’s quiet, no traffic noise, no people shouting — just the sound of the wind and the view all around you. It feels really removed from the city, even though you’re right on top of it.
The observatory actually has two levels — the open-air deck right at the top, which is where you’ll get the best views (and the strongest wind), and a lower, glass-covered path that wraps around just underneath. The lower level is a good option if you want to sit down or take a breather out of the elements.
Also, a quick heads-up: umbrellas aren’t allowed on the rooftop, even if it’s raining. The observatory stays open on rainy days, but because of safety concerns with the wind, you’ll need to leave your umbrella behind. So if the forecast looks a bit iffy, maybe bring a raincoat or something with a hood instead.
Love Locks and Viewing Spots
Along one side of the rooftop, there’s a designated area for heart-shaped love locks, where couples can leave a personalised padlock as a little memory of their visit. It’s a cute detail that adds a bit of charm to the observatory. When I was there, I saw plenty of people taking photos, pointing out spots in the distance, and just enjoying the view together.
If you want to join in, the locks aren’t sold on-site — instead, you’ll need to book a combo ticket online that includes both the observatory admission and a heart-shaped padlock. I got mine through Klook, and it was around ¥3,300 when I booked.
Once you get to the 39th-floor ticket counter, you can pick up your padlock and have it laser engraved with your names and a date — no extra fee for that. You can either clip it onto the fence up top, or take it home as a keepsake. I saw a few people doing both — locking one and pocketing another.
It’s a small feature in the grand scheme of the building, but it definitely adds a personal moment to an already memorable view.
Sky 40 Cafe – A Great Break Spot
Just below the observatory, on the 40th floor, is Sky 40 Cafe, and honestly, it was one of the nicest surprises of the visit.
The cafe is on the indoor level just beneath the Sky Walk, so you’re still really high up, but now you’re inside, seated, and looking out through a huge glass wall. The views are still incredible.
It was pretty quiet when I went. Some people were chatting softly, others were just relaxing on their own, scrolling through their phones or writing in notebooks. It had that kind of mellow atmosphere that makes you want to linger a bit longer.
If you enjoy just sitting with a view and taking it in without feeling rushed, this place is absolutely worth the stop. I stayed way longer than I thought I would. It’s not as crowded or as hyped as the rooftop, which makes it feel a bit like a hidden gem inside the building.
Umeda Sky Building Basics: What You Need to Know
Location:
1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan
Opening Hours:
Daily from 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM (last admission at 10:00 PM).
Heads up: They sometimes have special business days, so it’s good to check ahead if you’re planning a visit.
Entrance Fees:
- Adults: ¥2,000 (Heart Lock Combo: ¥3,300)
- Children (ages 4–12): ¥500
- Under 4s: Free
(Discounts are available if you have an Osaka Amazing Pass, and there’s special pricing for people with disabilities.)
Getting There:
- From JR Osaka Station: About a 10-minute walk. Exit via the Renrakubashi Exit and follow the signs — it’s mostly an indoor walk until the last stretch.
- From Umeda Subway Stations: About 10–15 minutes on foot from Umeda Station (Midosuji Line) or Nishi-Umeda Station (Yotsubashi Line).
- Pro Tip: Use the underground walkways as much as possible — especially handy on rainy or boiling hot days.
What Makes Umeda Sky Building Worth It
Umeda Sky Building isn’t the tallest in Osaka, and it’s not the most famous landmark in Japan. But it’s designed to be experienced. The escalators, the multi-level journey, the separation from the busy Umeda centre — it all adds up to something memorable.
For anyone who likes to travel not just to see things, but to understand how a place was built and why — this building delivers.
