Floating Garden Observatory, Osaka

360-degree panoramic views atop Umeda Sky Building

Jessica A Paje May 02, 2014 - 1 min read

The Umeda Sky Building "Floating Garden Observation" stands 173 meters high and is one of Osaka's top attractions.

Adjacent to the Umeda Sky Building is a small garden that blooms cherry blossoms in April. You can also find a small waterfall and Japanese bridge here.

The unique escalator shaft leading up to the Floating Garden Observatory. What a thrill!

The escalator leading up to the Floating Garden Observatory feels almost like heading up the stairway to heaven.

Inside the glass-enclosed escalator shaft. It is reported to be the highest escalator in the world and offers great views of the city while floating in space.

To access the 40th floor, Floating Garden Observatory, you can either use the elevator or walk up one flight of stairs. Either way, it will lead you up to an amazing view of the circular design.

The 39th floor is home to the Floating Garden Observatory ticket office and a few see-through chairs to observe the amazing architecture.

Even if you're not afraid of heights, this view right here just might make your tummy tingle in ways you've never imagined. Scary!

The 360-degree panoramic views of the city of Osaka are just breathtaking during the day. I can only imagine how gorgeous it would be at night!

Yumi Katsura Lover's Sanctuary atop the Floating Garden Observatory. Couples can purchase heart shaped locks, make wishes for a blissful marriage & wonderful future, and hang them here forever.

You can find pairs of high white chairs along the modern & chic space on the north side of the indoor observation floor. Another romantic spot at the observatory.

The Umeda Sky Building in the distance is just about a 7-minute walk from JR Osaka Station (right). Be sure to use the underpass located across the street from South Building.

The Umeda Sky Building is home to the Floating Garden Observatory at 173 meters high. Just like any other observatory, it offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the city. However, what separates this observatory from other skyscrapers or towers within Japan are its innovative design of the structure, the see-through glass elevator from floors 3F to 37F, and the two floating escalator shafts that run directly to the main floors of the Floating Garden Observatory. Although relatively safe and built to withstand a major earthquake, prepare yourself for some serious heights. It’s one of Osaka’s best attractions!

More info

Find out more about Umeda Sky Building.

Things to Do in Osaka

Jessica A Paje @jessica.paje

Originally from San Diego, California, I lived in Yokosuka, Japan, for 5 years. In 2010, I arrived with a new outlook on my future. Mainly, to refocus on family and let my curiosities take us to places we’ve only dreamt of. Along the way, we’d hopefully develop new friendships and simply collect ...