Abeno Harukas is currently the tallest building in Japan (as of September 2020). There is an observatory from floors 58-60 called Harukas 300, which features a 360-degree glass structure. The nighttime view surrounds you from all directions with glimmering street lights as if you were in a jewelry box. This is clearly one of Osaka's best night views in terms of intensity, beauty, and scale.

There are plates written in English, Chinese and Korean for foreign tourists, as well as pamphlets in English, Chinese and Korean. Please note that tickets are not valid for re-entry once you leave the facility.

Measures Against Coronavirus:
Floors and equipment regularly cleaned and disinfected; some parts coated with anti-viral surface coating; disinfectant and sanitizer installed; coin trays used for exchange of money and tickets; partitions installed at all shops and windows; all staff required to wear masks/sanitize hands with alcohol/check temperatures before work; social distance camera used to monitor crowding; capacity limited on observatory floors; all customers required to wear masks inside; temperature checks required; Osaka Covid-19 Tracing System in effect

The Kuchu Teien Observatory (spanning the 39th floor to the rooftop) sits atop the world's first connected skyscraper, Umeda Sky Building, at the height of 173 meters above the ground. It boasts one of the best night views in Osaka and Umeda. Feel the gentle breeze as you take in a 360-degree view of not only Osaka City but Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Awaji Island in the distance.

At night, the rooftop corridor transforms into the Lumi Skywalk, surrounding you in a fantastic starry sky and a glittering night view of the city. Pamphlets are available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Measures Against Coronavirus:
Floors and equipment regularly cleaned and disinfected; disinfectant and sanitizer installed; coin trays used for exchange of money and tickets; partitions installed at all shops and windows; all staff required to wear masks/sanitize hands with alcohol/check temperatures before work; social distancing maintained; all customers required to wear masks inside; temperature checks required; Osaka Covid-19 Tracing System in effect

Sakishima Cosmo Tower is a landmark building in the Osaka Bay area. With a height of 252 meters above ground, the top floor is an observatory that offers a stunning nighttime view of the bay area.

See Osaka City on the east side, Akashi Kaikyo and Awaji Island on the west, and Kansai International Airport towards the south. The north side boasts a 360-degree panoramic view that stretches along Osaka Bay from Osaka City to Kobe City.

To get to the observatory, take the elevator from the 1st floor to the 52nd floor, then ride the long escalator from the 53rd floor to the 55th.

Measures Against Coronavirus:
Shops and equipment regularly cleaned and disinfected; disinfectant and sanitizer installed; spaces are well-ventilated; all staff required to wear masks/wash hands/use disinfectant/gargle/check temperatures; limited capacity and seat spacing maintained; reservations required; may refuse customers in poor condition; all customers required to wear masks/check temperature

Higashi-Osaka City Hall Building is a landmark of the Higashi-Osaka Shintoshin Area. It has 24 floors and is 115.8 meters in height. On the 22nd floor, there is an observation lobby that overlooks the Osaka Plain.

On clear days, you can see Awaji Island, and the night view is especially spectacular. It looks like a city from the future! Please note that photography is generally prohibited unless otherwise specified. Also, as a measure against coronavirus, visitors are asked to view at regular spaced-out intervals.

Measures Against Coronavirus:
Shop and equipment regularly cleaned and disinfected; all customers required to wear masks

Shigi-Ikoma Skyline is a toll road that runs along the prefectural border between Osaka and Nara, and the ridgeline of Mt. Ikoma and Mt. Shigi. The entire road is a famous nighttime view spot of Kansai, with a total length of 20.9 kilometers and several parking lots where you can stop to enjoy the view. The Panorama Parking Lot is especially recommended and boasts the longest panoramic night view.

On the top floor of Sakai City Hall (21F), there is a corridor-style lobby with a 360-degree view that is open to the public.

See Sakai's unique scenery below, including the Mozu Tombs, which are World Heritage Sites (such as the Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku), the Kango-toshi (Moat City) area, which is dotted with historical shrines and temples, and the distant mountains of Rokko, Ikoma, and Kongo.

At night, you can enjoy the beautifully lit-up cityscapes of Osaka City and the Senshu area. As of September 2020, only about 3/4 of the area is open to the public, excluding the northwest side.

Measures Against Coronavirus:
Floors and equipment regularly cleaned and disinfected; all customers required to wear masks; viewing allowed at regular intervals; admission restrictions apply.

On the 4th floor of Osaka International Airport Terminal is an observation deck where you can watch the airplanes take off and land.

With a total length of 400 meters and a total area of 7,700 square meters, it boasts the largest scale amongst domestic airport observation decks. You can see the neon lights of the city together with the lights of the runway and planes.

The natural wooden deck is perfect not only for seeing the Osaka night view but for visiting as a family or a couple! There are also cafes and shops nearby.

Measures Against Coronavirus:
Floors and equipment regularly cleaned and disinfected; disinfectant and sanitizer installed; areas are well-ventilated; all staff required to wear masks/wash hands/use disinfectant/gargle/check temperatures; all customers required to wear masks inside; may refuse customers in poor condition

Kaze no Hiroba is on the 11th floor of the North Gate Building of Osaka Station City (which also includes JR Osaka Station). The plaza was restored in 2018 and now includes flowing water, monuments that blow in the wind, an artificial turf center, a wooden deck, and a pergola with benches and tables from which you can enjoy the view.

This is another popular spot with a spectacular Osaka night view. The 180-degree view toward the north overlooks Grand Front Osaka. To the northwest, you can see the Umeda Sky Building and the Yodogawa River.

As a measure against coronavirus, visitors are asked to wear masks, wash hands, use disinfectant, cover their mouths when coughing/sneezing, and view at regular spaced-out intervals.

Tsutenkaku is a symbol of Osaka. It has been in business for over 100 years, and has been designated as a tangible cultural property of Japan since 2007. Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the observation tower sits at 103.3 meters high at the Shinsekai Area’s center.

The 4-5F observation areas offer great nighttime views of Osaka City. You can see Osaka Castle in the north, Abeno Harukas in the south, and Mt. Tenpo in the west.

For an additional fee, you can visit the unique outdoor observatory, Tenbo Paradise (94.5 meters above ground) and the protruding observatory, TIP THE TSUTENKAKU, which has a see-through floor.

Enjoy the thrilling experience of floating in the air while taking in the Osaka night view and feeling the breeze on your face. You can even rent it privately for a 30-minute period between 7:30PM-8:00PM (for an additional 10,000 yen). It's a popular spot for wedding proposals!

There are many other attractions as well, including the Golden Billiken Temple on the 5th floor. Pamphlets are available in English and Chinese.

Measures Against Coronavirus:
Floors and equipment regularly cleaned and disinfected; disinfectant and sanitizer installed; floors are well-ventilated; use of money trays; partition plates installed; all staff required to wear masks/wash hands/use disinfectant/gargle/check temperatures; admission restrictions apply; all customers required to wear masks and check temperature

The Sakai Senboku Coastal Industrial Zone is an area packed with factories and plants located between Sakai City and Takaishi City.

The area is dotted with factories, creating a night view that can be enjoyed from various angles. Have fun looking for your favorite places!

See the spires from the nearby factories of Chikko Shinmachi 3-chome, and the factories near the city streets of Takasago Route 1. You can drive to each photo spot, park in a nearby lot, and get out to take some great photos. Remember to follow traffic rules and be mindful of your safety.

These 10 unique spots offer some of the best Osaka night views, from nighttime cityscapes to mountains to futuristic industrial areas. Treat yourself to some of Osaka's delicious food, then head out to enjoy the glittering night views of the city!

Text by: Efeel