Absolutely! The Umeda Sky Building is worth visiting for anyone coming to Osaka, at least once. Located in the heart of Umeda, Osaka, the Umeda Sky Building stands as the city’s most popular and visible landmark.
It’s all about the incredible 360-degree views of Osaka city and its surroundings. You will definitely be amazed by the Umeda Sky Building during your first visit.
If you are interested in learning more about a visit to the Umeda Sky Building, keep reading, as I share all the information you need to have a great visit.
Table of Contents:
- What is Special About the Umeda Sky Building?
- The Night View from the Umeda Sky Building
- Things to Do at the Umeda Sky Building
- Elevator Suspended in Mid-Air
- Main Observation Deck
- Snacks and Refreshments
- Umeda Sky Building Gift Shop
- The Umeda Sky Building and the Surrounding Restaurants
- Buying Tickets to the Umeda Sky Building
- Is the Umeda Sky Building Worth the Money?
- A Day of Exploring Osaka and Enjoying the Umeda Sky Building: The Perfect Itinerary
What is Special About the Umeda Sky Building?
The Umeda Sky Building is a uniquely shaped structure that was featured in Time Magazine in 2008 as one of the “20 World’s Top Buildings.” It is an iconic symbol of the city. This architectural marvel with its futuristic design and floating garden observatory offers a unique experience for visitors.
Visitors can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of Osaka city and its surroundings, making it a must-see attraction.
The Night View from the Umeda Sky Building
Personally, the time I highly recommend is from evening to night. The night view from the Umeda Sky Building is just… breathtaking!
After a day spent exploring the city’s many attractions, there’s no better way to conclude your adventure than by witnessing the breathtaking sunset from the Umeda Sky Building. Watch as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, and then enjoy the stunning night views of Osaka’s illuminated skyline. To top off your perfect day, indulge in a delicious meal at one of the nearby restaurants.
Things to Do at the Umeda Sky Building
A visit to the Umeda Sky Building is truly all about the view from the top. Taking a glass-enclosed elevator up to the main observation deck at 173 meters, the scenery outside becomes smaller and smaller, and the buildings and people on the ground look like tiny dots. It feels like you’re a bird looking down on the entire city.
Including a visit to the Umeda Sky Building in your Osaka travel itinerary ensures you’ll experience some of the city’s most breathtaking views and unique attractions.
The Heart Lock at the Umeda Sky Building Observatory
The “Heart Lock” at the Umeda Sky Building Observatory is a heart-shaped padlock that comes with a free engraving of your name and the date upon purchase. Once locked, the “Heart Lock” cannot be removed, making it perfect for pledging eternal love with a special someone or strengthening bonds with friends. You can choose your favorite color to create your own unique Heart Lock. You can take it home to display as a keepsake or carry it with you as a charm – the choice is yours.
The “Heart Lock” can be purchased at the souvenir shop on the 39th floor.
The Island Garden-Island Forest-
This space is designed to bring a touch of nature into the urban environment. It features a variety of plants and trees that change with the seasons, creating a serene and refreshing atmosphere. There are also small streams and waterfalls, adding to the tranquil ambiance.
It’s a lovely spot to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a bit of greenery.
Absolutely, the “Forest of Mid-Nature” truly is an urban oasis. It features an artificial waterfall, providing a soothing soundscape amidst the bustling city. Fish inhabit the streams, adding to the natural charm. During early summer, it becomes even more magical as fireflies gather, creating a delightful and enchanting scene. It’s a perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature right in the heart of the city.
The “Forest of Mid-Nature” is connected to the Westin Hotel next to the Umeda Sky Building. On the opposite side of the Sky Building, there is another small walking spot where you can enjoy a stroll among the trees. Both spots are worth visiting.
Elevator Suspended in Mid-Air
After getting off the elevator, you switch to an escalator that takes you even higher. This escalator connects the buildings in mid-air, giving you the sensation of moving through the sky.
You can ride the escalator up to this point for free. The floor where the escalator leads also has high-end restaurants and souvenir shops, allowing you to enjoy the view from the restaurant.
Main Observation Deck
At an altitude of 173 meters, it features an open-air rooftop observation deck. With no roof overhead, you can enjoy a refreshing breeze while taking in panoramic views of Osaka. The scenery varies with the seasons and times of day, making it an incredibly photogenic spot.
On a clear day, you can see Awaji Island, Mount Rokko, and the Seto Ohashi Bridge to the west; Universal Studios Japan to the south; Osaka Castle’s main tower to the east; and Expo ’70 Commemorative Park to the north.
Snacks and Refreshments
Several snack food options and bars are also located on the main observation level. You can find a variety of items, including takoyaki, ice creams, and drinks such as sake and Japanese beer.
Enjoy your food, and take in the view.
Umeda Sky Building Gift Shop
The Umeda Sky Building shop is a great place to pick up souvenirs.
The souvenir shop is located on the 39th floor, the same floor as the ticket counter.
You don’t need a ticket to visit the gift shop, so even if you don’t go up to the top, visitors can stop by the shop and pick up some excellent Japanese souvenirs.
The Umeda Sky Building and the Surrounding Restaurants
Beneath the Umeda Sky Building, you’ll find a retro dining area known as Takimi Koji. This place offers a taste of old Japan, so be sure to stop by on your way back from the Sky Building.
One highly-rated restaurant on Tabelog, “Kiji,” specializes in okonomiyaki and is located here. The counter seats are the best spots, allowing you to watch the cooking process right in front of you. There are also other restaurants offering katsudon and traditional Japanese izakayas, where you can enjoy meals in a nostalgic atmosphere.
Buying Tickets to the Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is open year-round from 10:00 am to 22:30 pm, and tickets are date and time specific. Each ticket includes one trip up to the observation tower and back down.
While there’s no limit on how long you can stay, I recommend planning to spend 1-2 hours at the Umeda Sky Building to fully enjoy the experience.
Tickets can be purchased online.
Advance Booking Discount until the Day Before! [Up to 200 yen OFF] Umeda Sky Building: Floating Garden Observatory Advance WEB Tickets
- Adults (13 years and older): 10% OFF, Regular 2,000 yen → Discounted 1,800 yen
- Children (4 to 12 years old): 500 yen
- Disabled Adults (with ID): 1,000 yen
- Disabled Children (4 to 12 years old with ID): 250 yen
- Children under 4 years old: Free
Is the Umeda Sky Building Worth the Money?
As it is one of my favorite Osaka attractions, I believe a visit to the Umeda Sky Building is worth it at least once. I enjoy bringing friends and family there when they are in the city.
Every time I look up at the Umeda Sky Building, memories of watching the first sunrise and bringing friends there for sightseeing come flooding back. Those moments are still vivid in my mind.
The nearest stations, Umeda and Nakatsu, are served by Hankyu Railway. Therefore, it is recommended to combine your visit to Osaka with trips to Kobe or Kyoto.
A Day of Exploring Osaka and Enjoying the Umeda Sky Building: The Perfect Itinerary
When you find yourself in Osaka, there are some places you just can’t miss.
If you are with your family, it’s a good idea to visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Mister Donut Museum or Katsuo-ji temple.
Let me guide you through a perfect one-day itinerary in Osaka to ensure you make the most of your visit, including breathtaking night views from the Umeda Sky Building.
Join me as I take you on a memorable journey through Osaka, culminating in an unforgettable evening at the iconic Umeda Sky Building.
8:00 AM – Osaka Castle Park
Early Morning Stroll at Osaka Castle Park. Surrounded by seasonal flowers and trees such as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and autumn leaves, Osaka Castle offers a picturesque and serene environment throughout the year. This historic landmark is a must-visit for anyone exploring Osaka.
Travel from JR Morinomiya Station to Tenma Station.
12:00 PM – Explore Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street
Take a leisurely stroll through Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, the longest shopping street in Japan. Immerse yourself in Osaka’s vibrant food culture as you walk. For lunch, you can sample delicious street food like takoyaki and korokke, or choose to dine at one of the many restaurants lining the street. Afterward, visit Osaka Tenmangu Shrine to offer your prayers and enjoy the serene surroundings.
3:00 PM – Coffee Break in Nakazakicho
Take a relaxing coffee break in Nakazakicho, a neighborhood within walking distance of Umeda, known for its trendy cafes popular among young people. Enjoy the traditional Japanese streetscape of Nakazakicho while you sip your coffee, and take a leisurely walk towards Umeda, soaking in the unique blend of old and new.
5:00 PM -The Umeda Sky Building
As the sun begins to set, make your way to the Umeda Sky Building for an unforgettable experience. From the observatory, you’ll witness the sky transforming into a canvas of breathtaking colors as the sun dips below the horizon. Reflect on your day’s adventures while basking in the beauty of the setting sun.
Step outside to feel the gentle breeze on your face as the city lights start to twinkle below. The panoramic view of Osaka’s nightscape will leave you in awe. It’s the perfect end to a remarkable day, creating memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left the Umeda Sky Building.
7:00 PM – Let’s have Japanese dinner.
Dinner around the Umeda Sky Building. Let’s use Tabelog to find delicious restaurants.
Umeda is crowded, while the area around the Sky Building is relatively less busy.
If you want to explore Osaka a bit more, I recommend walking to Nakatsu. There are plenty of restaurants in Nakatsu, and it has a lively atmosphere.
Since you’ve walked a lot, how about having yakiniku for dinner? There is a restaurant just a 2-minute walk from the Sky Building.
Of course, I found the restaurant on Tabelog, but it was easy to find because it was on the right side as you exit the Sky Building and had prominent neon lights.
Restaurant Name : Yakiniku Kiyomizu Hall
Open 17:00-00:00(Thu and Sun)
The spacious interior seems comfortable even if you have a lot of luggage.
They also offer Kobe beef. Kobe beef is renowned for its high marbling, which provides a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich, buttery flavor. It comes from Tajima cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture and meets strict quality standards. Often aged to enhance its qualities, it is served in fine dining restaurants in dishes like steak, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu.
You can enjoy Japanese beef with Japanese beer after visiting the astonishing Umeda Sky Building!
