FLOATING GARDEN OBSERVATORY

The Floating Garden Observatory, or Sky Garden, is located between the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building in Osaka's Umeda District. The observatory spans three floors—39th, 40th, and rooftop—acting as a bridge between the tower, situated 173 metres high. The bridge is well famed for providing its visitors with an unobstructed 360-degree view of Osaka, stretching further on until Awaji Island. A visit to this spectacular observatory is often included in many Japan packages.

To reach the observatory deck, you will need to take an elevator up to the 35th floor. From there, the world’s highest elevator will take you further up to the 39th floor, crossing between the two towers of the building. Visit the doughnut-shaped observatory to enjoy panoramic views of Osaka Castle, Rokko Mountains, and Mount Ikoma from indoor or outdoor platforms.

Highlights

• Visit the Floating Garden Observatory, a viewing platform located 173 metres above the ground.
• Take an elevator to the 35th floor and get a unique experience of riding the world’s highest elevator to the 39th floor.
• Reach the ring-shaped Floating Garden Observatory on the building’s rooftop and enjoy an unobstructed view of the cityscape.
• Enjoy home-roasted coffee with seasonal snacks sitting at Cafe Sky 40 and admiring the panoramic view before you.
• Visit with your loved one and put a heart lock on the fence of the area known as the Lover’s Seat.

How To Reach

Floating Garden Observatory is located inside the Umeda Sky Building which is situated in the Umeda District

1 By Car: Umeda Sky Building is 2.7 km from the city centre, it will take 8 min by car via the National Route 176 route.

2 By Train: Take a train to Osaka Station and walk for 3 minutes to reach the Umeda Sky Building which is 1.1 km from the station. 

3 By Subway: Take a subway to Umeda Station (Midosuji Line) and walk for 4 minutes to reach the Umeda Sky Building which is 1.5 km away.

4 By Bus: Several route buses stop at or near Osaka/Umeda Station and from there, you can take a short walk to reach the location.

Best Time To Visit

The Floating Garden Observatory is generally open throughout the year from 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM, so can be visited any time of the year.

1 Best Season : Spring, from March to May, is the best season to visit the Floating Garden Observatory. During this time, the weather is pleasant and mild and suitable for the visit. Moreover, in spring, the city can be seen blooming with cherry blossoms, adding beauty to the already spectacular view.

2 Best Day in the Week: Mondays to Thursdays are the best days in the week to visit the Floating Garden Observatory. During these days, there is less crowd at the attraction and you will be able to enjoy your visit more.

3 The Best Time of the Day: The best time of the day is around sunset when you can witness both the day and night view. You can arrive sometime before sunset and find a good spot to enjoy the spectacular view.

Other Essential Information

• To enjoy the best view, visit on a clear day when the visibility is good.
• The observatory has indoor and outdoor viewing areas which will give you various perspectives for capturing spectacular views in your camera or smartphone.
• Look out for special events which are occasionally hosted at the Floating Garden Observatory to celebrate seasonal celebrations and events.
• The viewing areas have interactive displays and information panels that will provide you with details of the landmarks you will witness from the observatory.