Umeda Sky Building, Floating Garden in the Clouds

In Osaka, there are several large buildings that also serve as popular tourist attractions. One of those buildings is Umeda Sky Building. Towering over north Osaka, Umeda Sky Building, stands at an impressive 173m. This skyscraper offers its visitors not only a great view of Osaka’s skyline, but its biggest river, the Yodogawa.

Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building
It is huuuuge!!

Sky building consists of two towers: Tower East and  Tower West, both are mostly offices. The very top of the two buildings are connected by an observation deck named the Floating Garden. Fun fact, the structure for the Floating Garden was made on the ground before being hoisted up to the top of the buildings!

The entrance of Umeda Sky Building’s observation deck is on the 39th floor of  Tower East.

long escalator leading up to umeda sky building observation deck

The observation deck recently got a face lit and now entire floor is white as a cloud.

In addition to the gift shop, there is also a café that sells an assortment of imported beer and of course, some Umeda Sky Building specials.

umeda sky building shaped waffle from cafe sky
Sky Building waffle

The Floating Garden

On the top floor is the Floating Garden where you can enjoy the scenery of Osaka City. Since the observation deck is completely outside, you can get some great views of the city.

Umeda sky building rooftop observation deck
Floating Garden Observation Deck
view of the Yodogawa river from the floating garden at umeda sky building
View of the Yodogawa River
North Osaka
view of the south end of the floating garden
Osaka station…So many tall buildings…

As you make your way around the Floating Garden, you may notice a number of heart-shaped pad locks off to the side. Umeda Sky Building, is actually one of the most romantic spots in the city, as many couples like to visit here at night to enjoy the city lights. Couples often buy these “love locks” here to “seal” their affection.

heart-shaped locks at the floating gardens in Umeda sky building
Love locks

Points of Interest

Nakashizen no Mori and Shin-Satoyama

Another nicety about Umeda Sky Building are the gardens around it. On the north end of Umeda Sky Building is the Shin-satoyama, a small garden that aims to mimic the Japanese countryside.

Shin-satoyama garden next to Umeda sky building
Shin-satoyama
rice paddy at Shin-satoyama in Umeda Sky building
No Japanese countryside is complete without a rice paddy!
small vegetable garden that grows eggplant, lettuce, tomatoes and more.

And on the south end of Sky Building is Nakashizen no Mori. This very small garden are many different kinds of trees—you almost forget you are in the heart of Umeda!

Nakashizen no Mori at umeda sky building
Nakashizen no Mori: every yeah in June they release fireflies here.

Umeda Sky Building

Address

1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka Prefecture 

 

Website

https://www.kuchu-teien.com/en/

 

Directions

To get there use the JR Osaka Station north/central exit. You can even see the building from when you get out on street level. However, the path to get there can be a little complicated since the north side of Umeda is constantly under construction.

 

Hours

9:30-22:30

 

Admission

Adults: 1,500 yen

 

Note

The admission fee went up from 800 yen to 1,500 yen now, which is the same price as Abeno Harkus. Also in part because many people visit Umeda Sky Building at night to enjoy the city lights, you cannot use the Osaka Amazing Pass after 5 o’clock.

 

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