Umeda Sky Building

The Basics

It’s hard to miss Osaka’s towering Umeda Sky Building. While most visitors come to take in the views from the open air observation platform (officially called the Floating Garden Observatory), the basement of the building is also worth a look: The area recreates a Showa-era street from the 1920s lined with restaurants serving typical Japanese fare. A four-screen cinema occupies the third and fourth floors. Many Osaka city sightseeing tours stop at the landmark skyscraper.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Umeda Sky Building offers some of the best views in Osaka.

• Buy your observation deck tickets online to skip the queue at the ticket office.

• Bring a jacket, as it can get very windy on the outdoor deck.

• The Umeda Sky Building is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

How to Get There

The Umeda Sky Building is connected underground to both the Osaka and Umeda train stations; expect to walk 10 to 15 minutes to reach the building’s entrance.

When to Get There

The observatory is open daily, from mid-morning until late at night, every day of the year. Since the views are the star attraction, plan to visit on a clear day when you’ll be able to see as far as Awaji Island. The observation deck is an excellent place to watch the sunset, but it gets crowded, so arrive early to stake out a spot.

Sky Lounge Stardust

The 39th floor of the Umeda Sky Building is home to one of the city’s most spectacular bars: the Sky Lounge Stardust. Visitors can take in city views while sipping a libation from a menu of more than 300 cocktails and Japanese whiskies. There is also a Cantonese restaurant serving lunch and dinner on the same floor.