Imagine holding your loved one's hand and watching the sun slowly set, experiencing one of the most beautiful sunsets in Japan. Once the sun sets, you can see the entire megalopolis glowing from the top of Umeda Tower. Whether day or night, this 360-degree view of the entire city of Osaka is extremely worth seeing. The view is known as the “Million Dollar View” and offers you a truly million dollar experience.
As soon as you arrive at Osaka Station, the unique Umeda Tower is in sight. It's called a tower, but it's actually two skyscrapers connected by a donut-shaped bridge at the top. The donut structure at the top is an observation deck, also known as a “floating garden” or lumi-walk in the air. Don't expect to see plants or flowers in the garden, instead the magical shimmering soils and the sight of brightly lit buildings are breathtaking as you look down on the urban area and its residents from the observatory.
On the roof is the “Heart Deck”, which is reserved for couples to enjoy the beautiful scenery and exchange vows. The floor features illuminated glass and LED lights that change color as couples sit on chairs. Couples can purchase heart-shaped locks, exchange love vows and lock them at the love vow fence on the deck.
If you come during the day, you can enjoy panoramic views not only of Osaka city but also of Awaji Island to the south from this 170m tall structure. On sunny days, from a distance, the glass wall of the Umeda Tower looks like a huge oil painting, reflecting white clouds and the blue sky.
If you want to have a coffee and admire the scenery, stop by the 40th floor of the tower. There are cafes and seating areas on both sides of the tower. To the north is the river side. There are white chairs near the 35m high glass counter. From here you can see the Yodogawa River. To the south is City Side, a forest of skyscrapers obscures all your eyes. If you look closely, you can also see Osaka's famous Tsutenkaku Tower.
The sophistication of the Umeda Tower lies not only in the design but also in the world-class safety measures that protect the tower from earthquakes and other natural disasters. The entrance fee is 700 yen. If you're planning a visit, be sure to stop by the Osaka Tourist Information Center for seasonal promotional vouchers.
