Unbeatable Night Views in Osaka

📍 Osaka · 👁 1220 reads · ❤️ 1 likes

Must-see?! Night views from observatories

Night view from Abeno Harukas

A perfect combination of the full moon and Abeno Harukas—a rare sight only on limited days!

From Tennoji Station, take the Midosuji Line one stop. About an 8-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station is Osaka's landmark, Tsutenkaku. The current observation tower is the second generation, but it has a lot of history and is a nationally registered tangible cultural property. At 108 meters high, it's not particularly tall as an observatory, but it incorporates clever design features such as an outdoor observation deck and a protruding deck with a transparent floor.

There are also observatories in the Nanko and Umeda areas! The bay area is Osaka's port town. About a 3-minute walk from Trade Center-mae Station on the New Tram line brings you to the Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building Observatory, overlooking the bay area. Take the glass elevator from the 1st floor to the 52nd floor, and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from 252 meters above ground. You can admire the vast seaside scenery slightly away from the city center. The terrace extends to your feet with wide glass panels, offering a thrilling experience.

This is also recommended as a小众 dating spot for couples.

The most popular observatory is the Kuchu Teien Observatory at Umeda Sky Building, about a 10-minute walk from Umeda Station through an underground passage. Its striking exterior and 360-degree open space, allowing you to enjoy a stroll in the sky, make it very popular. The thrill of riding the sky elevator never gets old, no matter how many times you experience it! At 170 meters above ground, you can clearly see the contours of nearby buildings, offering a completely different atmosphere from Abeno Harukas. And the fact that you can go up to the 39th floor for free is super thoughtful!

Umeda Sky Building's Kuchu Teien Observatory, offering night views of central Osaka

Not to mention the scenery from the observatory, the near-futuristic building exterior lit up at night is also captivating!

Osaka's best! Near-futuristic Umeda Sky Building

Besides the great views from the Sky Garden, there are plenty of entertainment options.

The bustling streets also shine brightly☆Picturesque city at night

If you don't want to go to an observatory, you can still enjoy night views in the bustling streets. A popular spot is Dotonbori, about a 3-minute walk from Namba Station. The Glico sign in Dotonbori is famous, and the neon lights reflecting on the river are incredibly beautiful! The passing boats also create a dreamy atmosphere!

The Tenma area near Temmabashi Station is full of popular shops that are both cheap and delicious. At night, food stall-style establishments open one after another. You don't need to plan which place to go; you can enjoy a 'ladder drinking' tour at several small bars. Don't miss the retro atmosphere of Tenma Market's Lantern Street, which is like a painting!

*Due to the current state of emergency declaration related to COVID-19, restaurants are shortening their business hours to 8 PM and have suspended alcohol service. (As of May 21, 2021)

Tenma: Osaka's premier drinking district

Enjoy 'ladder drinking' at izakaya!

The illumination of shrines and temples is also beautiful

Osaka City has many shrines and temples scattered around. Among them, Osaka Castle's main keep, a well-known landmark, is a must-see. As night falls, the keep is illuminated, appearing to float in the darkness. Especially around sunset, the ever-changing sky creates a variety of atmospheres.

Osaka Castle's main keep lit up at night

The annual Osaka Castle Illumination in winter also features gorgeous light displays.

There are also Tempozan, Chikko, Namba Parks, Osaka Station City, and even the elevated expressways... The Osaka Metro line has countless picturesque night views! Also, check out the Instagram account 'Osaka Metro NiNE' for introductions to many night view spots and other Osaka attractions. Be sure to take the subway and encounter those beautiful night views.

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Travel diary table of contents:

1. Abeno Harukas

2. Tsutenkaku

3. Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building Observatory

4. Kuchu Teien Observatory

5. Dotonbori

6. Tenma Market Lantern Street

7. Osaka Castle Main Keep

8. Shitenno-ji Temple

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