The circular roof
Osaka all around.
Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France — CC BY 2.0 · Zairon — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Tokumeigakarinoaoshima — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 掬茶 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Ferthewriter — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Brücke-Osteuropa — CC0 · Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France — CC BY 2.0 · Ferthewriter — CC BY-SA 4.0
A twin skyscraper in Umeda: two 40-storey towers joined at their top two floors by glass bridges and escalators that cross an open space between them, so the building looks like a giant gateway. It was designed by the architect Hiroshi Hara, completed in 1993, and stands 173 metres high. Its highlight is the Kuchu-Teien («Floating Garden») Observatory, 173 metres up, covering the 39th and 40th floors and an open-air rooftop with a circular walkway looking out over Osaka in every direction. Visitors ride up on glass escalators suspended between the towers. At the foot of the building is a small garden with a stream and trees. Observatory tickets are 2,000 yen, and it opens 9:30-22:30, according to Osaka's official tourism office. Sunset and the city lights at night are favourite times, and the open roof may close in bad weather.
Osaka all around.
Between the towers.
And night lights.
Umeda, Kita ward
2,000 yen, open 9:30-22:30, according to Osaka's official tourism office.
