I absolutely adore The Tower of the Sun
The Tower of the Sun is an iconic structure located in Osaka’s Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Designed by artist Taro Okamoto, this imposing tower was built for the 1970 Osaka Expo (Japan World Exposition). Standing tall at about 70 meters for over 50 years, the tower boasts an impressive height. After the Expo ended, the underground area was buried, and the interior of the tower was closed off and remained non-public for many years. However, the interior of the tower, called the “Tree of Life,” was revived after half a century.
Loved across time, the mysteries of the Tower of the Sun are unveiled.
Contents
About Taro Okamoto
Art is an explosion!
This is a famous quote by Taro Okamoto, who was a Japanese artist. It symbolizes his creative energy and innovative spirit. His works, with their unique designs and vivid colors, leave a strong impression on people. He left behind many works with bold color schemes and striking objects, including the Tower of the Sun. His works and powerful quotes continue to influence young people who never experienced him in real time.
The Four Faces
Although the Tower of the Sun is often viewed from the front, where it has two faces, it actually has four faces. At the top, there is the “Golden Face,” which symbolizes the future. The front has the “Sun Face,” representing the present, and the back has the “Black Sun,” symbolizing the past. The Tower of the Sun was created as a symbol of “the energy of all things that transcends past, present, and future,” but where is the fourth face? It was exhibited underground in 1970, but after the closure and subsequent removal work, it disappeared and its whereabouts remain unknown even after more than 50 years. The “Underground Sun” currently displayed underground is a reproduction.
Exploring the Interior
The interior of the Tower of the Sun remained closed and non-public for half a century, but it was opened to the public in 2018. The exhibition space inside the tower represents the process of life’s evolution. The interior of the tower is dyed red, and the “Tree of Life” is the “bloodstream” of the Tower of the Sun, while the folds of the inner walls represent the “folds of the brain.” The “Tree of Life,” standing about 41 meters tall, has 292 models of various sizes attached to its trunk and branches, representing the evolution of life from microorganisms such as amoebas, to reptiles, dinosaurs, and eventually humans. Visitors can view these as they ascend the stairs from the basement to the top floor.
About the park
Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, home to the Tower of the Sun, is a vast 260-hectare park filled with greenery, including a Japanese garden and a nature cultural garden. I regularly visit with my family. We paddle the peacock pedal boats on the pond, set up a tent on the lawn, and enjoy a picnic. At night, the Tower of the Sun is illuminated, offering a beautiful night view. The expansive grounds feature flower fields where you can enjoy seasonal scenery. Around September, the cosmos flowers bloom, creating a very graceful landscape. The park also has many cultural facilities like museums, and the EXPO’70 Pavilion preserves the scenes of the 1970 Osaka Expo.
ACCESS
The entrance fee :
Adults JPY 250 / Children JPY 100
By Train:
Osaka Monorail: Get off at “Expo ’70 Commemorative Park Station.” The park is nearby and accessible on foot.
By Bus:
Osaka City Bus: Get off at “Expo ’70 Commemorative Park” bus stop. There are multiple bus stops within the park, so check the stop closest to your destination.
By Car:
Using the Kinki Expressway (Meishin Expressway), access via “Suita Interchange” or “Ibaraki Interchange.” Parking is available, making it convenient to visit by car.
In 2025, it’s finally…
Next year, the Osaka Expo will finally be held. The event will take place on Yumeshima Island in Osaka from April 13 to October 13, 2025. In preparation for the Expo next year, the world’s largest wooden roof ring, the symbol of the venue, has been completed on Yumeshima Island. Recently, a new town called Grand Green Osaka has been born. With hotels, parks with wide lawns, cafes, and unique shops opening one after another, Osaka is buzzing with excitement.