Looking up the glistening sides of the 567-foot (173-meter) of the Umeda Sky Building, you’ll get a real sense of the extraordinary lengths of human achievement. Enjoy the area, the building and its nostalgic market restaurants, or take a deep breath and step out onto the Floating Garden Observatory rooftop.
Completed in 1993, the building lies at the core of the heavily developed Shin Umeda district. Its two towers soar 40 stories up to the floating observatory, a bridge connecting the towers at their two uppermost stories. Visit on a clear day for a remarkable sight: the mirror-like glass of the towers reflects the color of the sky, making it seem like the atrium is floating in thin air.
Take an elevator to the top of the building and visit the floating garden observatory itself. Look out the windows for a panoramic view of Osaka you can even catch a glimpse of Awaji Island. The adventurous will want to head to the open rooftop, where you can breathe in the fresh air and snap one of the best photo opportunities in the city. Avoid the roof on especially windy days.
After the building’s heights, head to its depths, where you’ll find charming restaurant markets. The Takimi Koji gourmet street, located in the basement of the Umeda Sky building is a restaurant mall that attempts to recreate the intimacy and charisma of the mid-20th-century Showa period in Osaka. Come for the delicious food or sit down for an entertaining meal in an energetic environment.
Having visited the building, take the opportunity to explore Shin Umeda City, with its pleasant walking trails, flower gardens and fountains located around the towers.
The floating garden observatory is open from 10 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. year-round and charges a small fee, with discounts for children. The building is a short walk from the Umeda subway station.
