Osaka has many skyscrapers and towers scattered all around the city, many of which feature observation decks accessible to visitors. If you enjoy admiring city skyline from a bird’s perspective, check out our guide to best viewing platforms all around Osaka. Many of them are popular tourist places, but we also included a couple of lesser-known, unusual spots.
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Abeno Harukas | Harukas 300
Abeno Harukas is the pride of Osaka, and with its 300 metres it is also the tallest skyscrapers in Japan (as per December 2021 considering that both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree are structures and not buildings). The 360 degrees views, from its observation platform on the 60th floor, are simply incredible and the whole Osaka will spread in front of you wide and far. On the top floors you will also find a bar and a souvenir shop. On the 16th floor of the building, there’s a public garden that is free of charge.
Opening hours
Abeno Harukas is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00.
Tickets
The individual entry for an adult is 1500 yen. For children aged 12-17 the price is 1200 yen, elementary school students pay 700 yen and 4-5 year old kids 500 yen. Discounts apply for groups larger than 15 people. A tour to Harukas’ helipad platform costs additional 500 Yen.
You can purchase the tickets at the counter on the 16th floor of Abeno Harukas, or online via Klook.
How to get there
Abeno Harukas is rising above the Tennoji station. You can get to Tennoji station with Osaka Loop line, Hanwa line, JR Kuroshio, Yamatoji line, Osaka Metro Midosuji and Tanimachi lines, and with Kintetsu line.
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building is an architectural marvel located in the heart of Kita ward. It consists of two separate skyscrapers connected on the top with ‘Floating Garden Observatory’. You will reach the observatory with an elevator that seems like it is hanging in the air. With its 173 metres, Umeda Sky Building falls a bit short behind Abeno Harukas, but on the other hand it offers you an unobstructed view, as the observation deck is open-air. There is also a café, souvenir shop and a small museum on the top floors.
Opening hours
Umeda Sky Building is open daily from 9:30 to 22:30.
Tickets
The admission for visitors older than 13 years old is 1500 yen. For children from 4 to 12 the tickets are 700 yen (younger kids can visit for free).
You can purchase tickets to the observatory on the 38th floor of the building, or online on their official website here.
How to get there
Umeda Sky Building is walking distance from Osaka and Umeda stations. You can get to these stations with any major line: JR Loop line, Thunderbird, Tokaido-Sanyo line, Hankyu, Hanshin, Takarazuka or Osaka metro Midosuji line.
Tsutenkaku Tower
Tsutenkaku Tower is the oldest observation platform in Osaka with long and interesting history. Its name Tsutenkaku translates as Sky Route Tower and it was modelled after famous Eiffel Tower. Even though it may appear rather small, don’t let this fool you! It is packed with activities and hidden corners. On the top, there are three observation decks and an exciting glass bridge where you can walk to the very edge of the platform. On your way down you will find a Zen garden, souvenir shop, café and even a small museum.
You can read a detailed guide to Tsutenkaku and all its fun facts in our previous article here.
Opening hours
Tsutenkaku Tower is open daily. The opening hours for the General observatory are from 10:00 till 20:00. The Special Outdoor observatory is open until 19:30 with the last admission at 19:00.
Tickets
The tickets for high school students and adults cost 800 yen. Elementary students from 5 years old pay 400 yen.
Special Outdoors observation platform is for extra 500 yen and the tickets can be purchased on the top. Regular tickets can be bought in the souvenir shop in the basement of Tsutenkaku (they are not available online).
How to get there
There are two train stations within walking distance to Tsutenkaku Tower – Shin-Imamiya station and Dobutsuen Mae station. You can get to Shin-Imamiya with JR line, Osaka loop line, Yamatogi line and Nankai-Koya line. If you prefer to take Osaka metro, you can take red Midosuji line to the Dobutsuen Mae station.
From both stations it will take you approximately 5-minute walk to get to the Tsutenkaku Tower.
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle must be the most beautiful building in Osaka, and one of the most beautiful castles in Japan. It is surrounded by magnificent park cut through by massive moats. The interior of the castle is open for public and even though there is not much in terms of furniture, the real treasure is located on the top floor. Small viewing platform surrounds the whole upper floor of the castle with the views over the park and the city skyline.
Visiting the viewing platform on top of the Osaka castle is like a cherry on top after a whole day of exploring this part of the city. Read our complete guide to the Osaka Castle Park here.
Opening hours
Osaka Castle is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 with the last admission at 16:30.
Tickets
The admission for visitors 15 years or older is 600 yen. Younger students and children can enter for free. Discounts apply for groups of 15 people and more.
Tickets can be purchased at the counter in front of the castle, or online on their official website here. Payment with credit card is available.
How to get there
There are several stations located on the outskirts of the park. You can take Osaka Loop Line to the Osakajokoen or Morinomiya stations and walk towards the castle from there. Both stations are surrounded by cafes and restaurants.
You can get to Morinomiya station also with Osaka metro Chuo and Nagahoritsurumiryokuchi lines.
Tanimachiyonchome station is right next to the Osaka Museum of History and you will get there with green Chuo line or purple Tanimachi line.
All these stations are approximately in 1.3 km distance from the castle, which is about 15 minute walk.
Sakishima Cosmo Tower
Sakishima Cosmo Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Japan. It shares the third place together with SiS Rinku Tower near Kansai airport. Both buildings are 256 metres tall, but the SiS Rinku Tower doesn’t have an observation deck available for public (there used to be one, but it closed down a few years ago). The observation platform in Sakishima Cosmo Tower is located on the 55th floor.
Cosmo Tower is the main attraction of the Osaka Bay and the views from here are incredible. The best time to visit is during sunset, when the sun is setting over the ocean. There’s also a café on the top and overall, it is a very popular place for dates and to hangout. Because it is not directly in the city, you will also find here less people.
Opening hours
The observation deck is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 till 22:00 (closed on Mondays).
Tickets
The admission for adults and high school students is 700 yen per person. Junior high school students pay 510 yen and elementary school 210 yen.
How to get there
The closest station to the Sakishima Cosmo Tower is Cosmosquare station, where you can get with Osaka metro Chuo line.
Higashiosaka City Hall
The city of Higashiosaka spreads out in the middle of the Osaka Plain. It is known as one of the industrial cities of Osaka prefecture and the “rugby town”. The city hall has a public observation deck on the 22nd floor, from where you can observe Osaka skyline. You can even spot the Awaji Island on a bright sunny day. Because it is a city hall, please note that photography is generally prohibited here.
Opening hours
The observation deck doesn’t follow the opening hours of the city hall. You can visit the platform every day from 9:00 to 23:00.
Tickets
The admission is free of charge.
How to get there
The city hall is located 5-minute walk from Aramoto station, where you can get with Osaka metro Chuo line from the city.
Sakai City Hall
Sakai is a town on the south of Osaka, mainly known for its large Daisen Park with Mozu Tombs, which are World Heritage Sites. Another treat for the visitors of this city is the City Hall. On the top floor of the building, you will find a large lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows with great views. The area is open for public and the best time to visit is after sunset so see all the city lights flickering in the dark.
Opening hours
The observation deck is open daily from 9:00 to 21:00.
Tickets
Admission is free of charge.
How to get there
The Sakai City Hall is located 5-minute walk from Sakaihigashi station. You can get to Sakaihigashi station with Nankai-Koya line from Namba or Shin-Imamiya stations in Osaka.
Osaka Station City
Osaka Station City is a shopping mall directly adjoined to the Osaka Station. On the 11th floor of the North Gate Building, there is a lovely public garden and a viewing platform. With trees, artificial grass and wooden benches it is a perfect place to chill, watch sunset and admire the view of the Umeda Sky Building. There is a convenience store on the 11th floor as well, so you can have a picnic dinner right there. If you take stairs all the way to the roof, you will find yourself in Tenku-no-noen, a small farm filled with seasonal flowers, trees, fruits and vegetables.
Opening hours
Osaka Station City is open daily from 7:00 till 23:30, including the viewing platforms. However, the farm on the roof closes earlier depending on the season (usually around 18:00).
Tickets
The admission is free of charge.
How to get there
Osaka Station City is right next to the Osaka Station, which is in close proximity to Umeda, Osaka-Umeda and Hankyu-Umeda stations. You can get here with any major train line from anywhere around Osaka, as well as from Kyoto and Nara. The most convenient lines would be Osaka loop line, JR lines and Osaka metro Midosuji line.
The 33 Tea & Bar Terrace
This place is technically not a public observation deck, but you can come here and have a delicious meal with an amazing view over the city and the river in a stylish setting. The 33 Tea & Bar Terrace is located on the 33rd floor of the Breeze Breeze building in Kita Ward. There are large floor-to-ceiling windows all along the venue with tables conveniently positioned next to them, so you cannot miss the great views. It is a very modern place with thoughtful touches, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Opening hours
The restaurant is open every day from lunch and dinner. The opening hours are from 11:00 till 15:00, and then again from 17:00 to 20:00.
Tickets
The entry to the restaurant is free, but you are expected to order a meal.
How to get there
The 33 Tea & Bar Terrace is walking distance from Osaka station, Umeda station or Hankyu Umeda. You can use JR line, Osaka Loop line, Osaka Metro Midosuji line, Hankyu, Hanshin or Tokaido-Sanyo line, to get to this area.
40 Sky Bar & Lounge at the Conrad Hotel
Similar to The 33 Tea & Bar Terrace, Conrad Hotel is also not a public observation platform, but you can enjoy a great views over Nakanoshima Island from its 40 Sky Bar & Lounge, located on the 40th floor in the 200 metres height. You can come here for their signature cocktails, high tea or light snacks. If you would like to splurge on a fancy dinner, there are three other restaurants on the same floor – C: Grill, Kura Teppaniyaki and Sushi restaurant and Atmos Dining.
Opening hours
The 40 Sky Bar & Lounge is open daily from 10:00 until midnight.
Tickets
There is a cover charge of 1650 yen to go to the bar. If you order a tea set, the cover charge is included in the price.
How to get there
Conrad Osaka is located on the Nakanoshima Island in the middle of the city. The closest station is Watanabebashi station, where you can get with local Nakanoshima Keihan line. Other stations within walking distance are: Higobashi station (Yotsubashi metro line), Fukushima station (JR loop line), and Yodoyabashi station (Keihan and Midosuji metro lines).
