The Umeda district in Osaka is a bustling urban center and a key commercial hub, offering a dynamic blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Towering skyscrapers, including the Umeda Sky Building, dominate the skyline, providing panoramic views of the city. Umeda is renowned for its extensive underground shopping malls, such as Osaka Station City and Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory, offering a plethora of boutiques, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Umeda District, also known as the Kita ( North) District, is one of the two main city centres of Osaka. The futuristic and glamorous district has Osaka’s tallest skyscrapers as well as several iconic landmarks of the city. It is also a famous entertainment, dining, lodging and shopping district and is packed with places to eat, explore and shop. The area also has several departmental stores along with a vast network of underground shopping arcades. Umeda District is also a major transport hub for the city and is known to be the biggest business district of the Kansai region.
If you're planning a visit, consider exploring various Japan tour packages that include this vibrant district for a comprehensive experience. Spend a day in this district to check out some of its iconic landmarks. Climb to the top of the Umeda Sky building and enjoy a 360-degree view from its open area corridor. Go on a shopping expedition at the HEP FIVE Shopping Complex and indulge in a 15-minute joy ride on Ferris wheels. Visit other places of interest such as the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, Tsuyuten Jinja Shrine and more.
Highlights
• Spend a day at the Umeda District, known for being a popular hub for entertainment, shopping, and dining.
• Visit its iconic landmarks which include architectural wonders, shopping complexes, museums, shrines and more.
• Climb to the open area corridor of the Umeda Sky building to enjoy a 360-degree view of the area.
• Take a ride on Ferris wheels located on the roof of the HEP FIVE Shopping Complex and admire the stunning view from the top.
• Explore the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to learn the history of Osaka in the bygone eras.
How To Reach
1. By Car: Umeda District is 1.3 km from the city centre, it will take 5 min by car via the Midosuji route.
2. By Train: Take a train to Osaka Station and walk for a short distance to reach most of Umeda's attractions.
3. By Subway: Take a subway to Umeda Station (Midosuji Line) and walk for a short distance to reach several of Umeda's attractions.
4. By Bus: Several route buses stop at or near Osaka/Umeda Station and from there, you can take a short walk to the various attractions of the district.
Best Time To Visit
Umeda District has something on offer for everyone throughout the year, including shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
1. Best season: Spring, from March to May, is the best season to visit Umeda District. During this time, the weather is pleasant and mild and suitable for exploring the district on foot. Moreover, in spring, the cherry blossoms add a touch of beauty to the nearby areas.
2. Best day in the week: Tuesday to Thursday are the best days in the week to visit the attractions located in the Umeda District. During these days, there is less crowd at the attractions and you will be able to enjoy your visit more.
3. The best time of the day: The best time of the day is in the afternoon when you can enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, and indulge in shopping for a while.
Other Essential Information
- Download a map or use a navigation app to avoid getting lost in the complex.
- Umeda District can also be explored on a rainy day as the entire area is connected by crossing bridges and underground tunnels.
- Umeda is home to several large shopping complexes which you can visit such as Grand Front Osaka, Hanshin Department Store and Hankyu Department Store.
- The area has a plethora of options from casual eateries to fine dining if you plan to have a meal there.
Walk in the Sky at the Umeda Sky Building
Located in the vicinity of the JR Osaka Station is the famous Umeda Sky building, known for its unique shape. Opt to take a direct elevator or an escalator to reach the open-air corridor and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka. Visit at night when underfoot lights are on and feel as if you are walking on a magical landscape with the Osaka cityscape below.
Explore HEP FIVE Shopping Complex
Visit HEP FIVE, a huge shopping complex which is famous for having an iconic red Ferris wheel on its roof. Go on a shopping expedition at more than 300 shops and take purikura pictures ( with huge eyes and long legs) at special photo booths. Look out for the giant red whale which is one of the mascots of HEP FIVE and go for a meal at one of the restaurants located within the mall.
Visit the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Visit the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living which is an engaging and interactive destination that will transport you back to bygone eras of Osaka. Explore the museum and get a glimpse of a traditional Japanese townscape from diverse historical periods such as the Meiji, Edo, Taisho and Showa periods.
Admire art at the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum
Located inside the Umeda Sky Building is the Koji Kinutani Tenku Art Museum which displays the work of art by the renowned artist, Koji Kinutani. Stroll into the two distinct zones of the museum to admire the work of the artist, consisting of paintings and sculptures. Watch these pieces depict fascinating scenes from iconic landmarks and also deities and creatures from traditional Japanese folklore.
Witness the Tsuyuten Jinja Shrine
Pay a visit to Ohatsu Tenjin and witness the 1300-year-old popular Tsuyuten Jinja Shrine, which serves as an inspiration for those hoping for love. Learn the interesting story associated with the shrine about the tragic love story of Ohatsu and Tokubei. Observe the statues and paintings at the shrine, surrounded by charming rows of heart-shaped ema, portraying the ill-fated couple.
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