As if indeed a futuristic Arc de Triomphe, Umeda Sky Building was the only building in Japan that ranked as one of the "world's top 20 buildings,” as selected by a famous British magazine.

With 40 above-ground floors and 2 floors below ground, it is a skyscraper that connects two buildings, the East and West Buildings, it combines many different elements of entertainment including not just offices, but showrooms and event halls, an observation deck, restaurants, cinemas, and shops.

The nearest train stations are Osaka and Umeda Station. From here to the Sky Building, we go from the west side of the complex connected to the station, Grand Front Osaka.

From there you can see just how high the Umeda Sky Building towers. Looking up, you can see its unique appearance as a 'futuristic Arc de Triomphe.' It is recommended to try to take a photo of the building from the very bottom.

Let's take a walk around before entering the Sky Building. Next to the sky building is Kibou no Kabe, or the "wall of hope," that stands facing the road. Green plants and colorful flowers were planted on the huge wall in the idea of architect, Tadao Ando, who created a green oasis in the city with a height of 9 m, a width of 78 m, and a depth of 3 m.

In the 70m diameter circular space between the south side of the Sky Building and the Westin Hotel is the Naka-Shizen no Mori, where about 2,100 trees of 50 different species grow. In the greenspace there is a mountain stream and flowing waterfall, with a path you can walk along, taking in plenty of negative ions for a positive effect. Fireflies can even be spotted every June, making it really popular with couples, and parents with small children.

On the north side of the Sky Building, there are even crops and a rice field, making for a truly diverse forest area! This area, called Shin-Satoyama, is a reproduction of the Satoyama of early Japan, and creates a refreshing landscape that makes you forget you are in the middle of Osaka city in the first place.

It seems to be a very healing oasis for both body and soul.

On the basement floor of the Sky Building is Takimikoji, a retro Showa-era style alley. It has a food court that is adored by locals, with more than 20 food and beverage joints such as Osaka's popular okonomiyaki restaurant Okonomiyaki Kiji, and the affordable and delicious Kushinobo.

Along the path there is also an Inari shrine and police box, a water-producing pump well, and exhibits about companies that supported the rapid economic growth of the Showa Era. It is also a popular place with tourists who wish to experience the retro atmosphere of the Showa Era. There are many interesting things to see here at Takimikoji.

At last, I go up to the 35th floor from the third-floor Kuchu Teien entrance via a 360 degree elevator!

Right in front of you once you go up is a transparent, tube-type "aerial escalator" that continues to the entrance of the 39th floor of Umeda Sky Building's Kuchu Teien Observatory!

You can watch the scenery expand as you go up from the 35th floor, and I feel my heart fluttering in excitement for what I will see in the Kuchu Teien Observatory. Once you arrive at the 39th floor, buy a ticket at the counter, and head to Kuchu Teien.

And at last, the Kuchu Teien Observatory! On the 40th floor is the indoor observatory, which is about 170m above ground with glass walls from the ceiling to the floor in the north-south direction. You can still enjoy the scenery from indoors without having to go up to the roof on a windy day.

You can also enjoy a majestic view of the skyscrapers in the distance on the north side of the Sky Building.

It's interesting that places that seemed far off were closer than expected, and looked much different than what I was used to seeing.

After enjoying the view from the 40th floor observation deck, I head up one more floor to the rooftop corridor, the Sky Walk, which sits 173 m above ground.

The Sky Walk is the corridor that surrounds the opening in the center of the air garden, and is the highest outdoor observation deck in Osaka. Rarely does one have the opportunity to get a 360 degree aerial view at 173 m above ground! Also, because you can't see the ground when you look down at your feet from the aerial escalator, even those who are not great with heights can feel comfortable here.

If you are looking for Osaka sunset spots, Umeda Sky Building is it. You will not want to miss the scenery of the night sky, dotted with jewels after the sun has gone down.

Osaka Castle is also lit up at night, creating a completely different atmosphere than during the daytime. It is surely a sight you will never tire of seeing.

If you visit the Sky Walk at night, don't look just at the sky, but pay attention to your feet as well. The Lumi Sky Walk appears as the stones buried in the floor of the Sky Walk begins to naturally glow once it grows dark with a fascinating modest and subtle light.

Several steps down the stairs on the west side of Lumi Sky Walk is the Lumi Deck.

The Lumi Deck is where you can use the Heart Locks mentioned earlier. Heart-shaped locks, which can be purchased on the 39th floor, are fastened to the "Fence of Vows," the name of the wall surrounding the Lumi Deck. A couple can engrave their names and the date, and fasten it here to pledge their love. Please try it yourself if you find yourself on a date here!

Finally, here's some trivia about the Sky Building. Looking up at the Sky Building from below at night, you can see the impressive view of the lights surrounding an opening in the Kuchu Teien Observatory.

In the words of the building designer, "This hole was created in the image of a spaceship flying away." It has a completely different energy from the daytime view. There is also a passage on the 39th floor with shops and restaurants that goes around the opening of the Kuchu Teien.

The Sky Building was completed in 1993 and celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2018. At the time of construction, it was the first building in the world to connect two buildings through the top 3 floors in the shape of the Arc de Triomphe. On the 40th floor observatory, you can watch a video showing how the Kuchu Teien was lifted up from the ground during the time of construction.

There are not many spots from which you can view Osaka City and Kobe from 173 m above ground while taking in the sun and the breeze. It is a wonderful spot to enjoy a daytime view of Osaka, the sunset over Rokko Mountain, and the twinkling night sky from the Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory Deck with someone you love.

Text by:kurashisa