Osaka – Umeda Sky Building
Another spot in Osaka that Mr. Misadventures was interested in taking photos from was the famous Umeda Sky Building. In the morning we visited the very unique Namba Parks buildings, but Umeda Sky Building is a whole other animal.
The building consists of two 40-story towers that are connected with each other by the “Floating Garden Observatory” on the 39th floor at the top with bridges and an escalator crossing the atrium in the center. It is scary looking, to say the least, although the website claims superior safety!
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Although the building can be reached via an underground passage that starts just north of both Osaka and Umeda stations. We took the subway to Herbis Plaza, a giant luxury shopping center so that we could see the Umeda Sky Building as we approached it.
Once we got to the base of the two buildings (there was a really fun marché de Noël/Christmas market going on) looking up made you think about whether you really want to go to the top!
But up we went once we found the right entrance! Here is a shot of the escalators that go up and down that start at the 39th Floor. The distance between the 39th and 40th floors where the observatory is located is significant. (Not meant for people with vertigo!)
But once you make it up and get through the crowds on the inside who are there to drink a cocktail as the sun sets, the view is spectacular, both inside where the mirrored windows reflect the sunlight.
And the view of the city is spectacular.
Totally worth the climb. Once you are back down on the ground, if you go below the towers, you'll find Takimi-koji Alley, a market street full of restaurants (especially udon) and izakaya joints.
For additional daytime photos of the Umeda Sky Building as well as Takimi-koji Alley, check out this great album by JPellgen on Flickr.
Umeda Sky Building
Address: 1-1-88, Oyodonaka, Kita-ku (Umeda District), Osaka
Public transportation: Eight-minute walk from JR Osaka Station, Subway Umeda station, and Hankyu Umeda Station.
After our visit, we crossed back over to the Herbis Plaza and had fun taking photos of this street nearby awash in a yellow glow.
What about you? What's the tallest building you have been on?
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Author Bio: Andi Fisher
Yes, I am a francophile, but after that, I love Japan, especially the food! I have been to Tokyo many times, and spent 2 weeks in Kyoto and a week in Osaka exploring and eating!
This is gorgeous but not sure if I would want to go into it since I get vertigo.
@Shannon, yeah the escalator was a bit scary, after that the roof indoor and outdoor isn’t bad!
Great photos. I really want to visit Osaka now!
@Cami, thanks, it is a really happening spot!
Wow! Stunning building and beautiful architecture. That last photo of the golden-lit trees is absolutely breathtaking!!
Those pictures are so stunning! Especially loving the one of the skyline. You and Mr. Misadventures make such a great team!
Just gorgeous and breath taking!
Oh my gosh, breathtaking! A little dizzying. But breath taking!
Gorgeous but I am just not 100% sure. My hubby would be alllll for it though!!
Woah, look at those views. This place sounds like the place to be if you are in Osaka!
I’ve never been there, looks very beautiful sky building, I wish I could go there one day.
What beautiful photos! I love seeing angles you don’t typically notice if you’re visiting a location.
What breath-taking photos. You have great talent! Thanks for sharing. It would be hard for me to pick a favorite, but I am such a tree nut, I would have to pick the tree lined street. What beauty!
Wow the views are just beautiful and the architecture is just amazing! The tallest building I’ve ever been on is the CN Tower here in Toronto it’s probably the tallest I’ll ever get on too lol!
Wow, what absolutely stunning architecture. Living in Chicago, I see beautiful buildings often and I always wonder about what inspired the talented architects.
Gorgeous Photos! I would of been snapping pictures left and right. The view of the city is just beautiful!
Hokey smokes that is an escalator! My youngest son loves an escalator too. That would be the Mac Daddy ride for him. 🙂
I LOVE the view from the Umeda Sky Building. I love taking city shots from top building. The tallest building I’ve been to is the Sear’s Tower (I refuse to call it anything else) here in Chicago and the Empire State building in NYC <3
I’m scared of heights so that would freak me out! Eeeek, so you know my tallest building visit may be one of the shortest ones. lol
These photos are amazing. The views from some of those building is just gorgeous.
These are totally amazing pictures indeed. I have never heard of the Umeda Sky Building before. This would totally be amazing to see for sure. Thanks for sharing.
Amazing pictures!!! I visited Osaka about 8 years ago. Your pictures definitely blow any that I have out of the water!!
What a gorgeous building! And that view!! Wow, my husband is insistent that our next trip be to Japan – seems Osaka will be on the list of places to see. 🙂
What a pretty building. The architecture and lines are stunning!
Wow!! What beautiful architecture!
I have absolutely been falling in love with Japan lately… Their culture, their food and anime! LOL These photos are gorgeous! Thanks for sharing 🙂