Umeda Sky Building & The Floating Garden Observatory

Umeda Sky Building is a strikingly unique and very shiny high-rise structure of glass and steel which stands tall and aloof in an open area to the north of Osaka Station. Designed by Hiroshi Hara, the Japanese architect who also designed Kyoto Station, and completed in 1993, the 173 meter tall building consists of two separate towers which are joined at the top by a ring-like observation deck.

The observatory is given the name the Floating Garden Observatory, because of its location hanging in between the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building.

We took the glass elevator from the 3rd floor to the 35th floor of the East tower, then took the suspended escalator up to the 39th floor of the West tower. This is a bit scary going up as you ascend first in a glass elevator and then the second leg in on a slope via an escalator to the walkway (Floating Garden) on the top of the building

From there we show our Osaka Amazing Pass (Day Pass) and get our free tickets up to the observation decks. (There is no cost to go as far as the 39th floor.) The 40th floor is an enclosed observation deck and the 41st floor is an open-air one.

The Floating Garden Observatory gives an amazing 360-degree sight of Osaka. A corner on the rooftop also has a platform for couples (love locks) for photo opportunities.

Looking across the ring of the Sky Walk and the views are incredible.

Looking down through the Sky Walk’s ring and the access towards the  Floating Garden is via overlapping escalators connecting the 2 towers as if the escalators are just dangling in the air.

A view of the Yodogawa river and being so high up above the bustling city with no noise except the sound of the wind gives a profound sense of peace and tranquility.

Opening Hours 

The Floating Garden Observatory is open from 10.00 until 22.30 but last entries are at 22.00. Because the observatory stays open till fairly late, you can also enjoy a night view of the glittering city.