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10 Best Spots to See the Stunning Osaka Night Views!

10 Best Spots to See the Stunning Osaka Night Views!

Last updated: 3 February 2021

Osaka's night views are some of the most vivid in Japan! There are plenty of great spots in Osaka with amazing nighttime views, including Abeno Harukas, Japan's tallest skyscraper, and Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory, a landmark in the Osaka Bay area.

These impressive nighttime view spots are easy to access and include skyscrapers, places to see while driving, and places with airplanes!

Table of Contents
  1. 1. Abeno Harukas: The Highest Night View in Japan at 300m Above Ground!
  2. 2. Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory: Stroll Under the Starry Sky Overlooking Osaka
  3. 3. Sakishima Cosmo Tower: Twinkling Lights from 252 meters Above the Bay Area
  4. 4. Higashi-Osaka City Hall Building: A Spectacular, Futuristic Nighttime View of the City
  5. 5. Shigi-Ikoma Skyline: A Must-See Panoramic View of Osaka and Nara
  6. 6. Sakai City Hall: A 360-degree Night View of Sakai City
  7. 7. Osaka International Airport Terminal Building: Osaka Night View from an Airport Deck
  8. 8. Osaka Station City Kaze no Hiroba: A Night View of Umeda Near the Station
  9. 9. Tsutenkaku: Dazzling Osaka Night View
  10. 10. Sakai Senboku Coastal Industrial Zone: A Nighttime View that Looks Like a Space Station!

1. Abeno Harukas: The Highest Night View in Japan at 300m Above Ground!

1. Abeno Harukas: The Highest Night View in Japan at 300m Above Ground!
The night view from December to March is even more impressive, when the sky is especially clear
The night view from December to March is even more impressive, when the sky is especially clear

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

2. Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory: Stroll Under the Starry Sky Overlooking Osaka

2. Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory: Stroll Under the Starry Sky Overlooking Osaka
Phosphorescent stones sparkle like a galaxy underneath your feet
Phosphorescent stones sparkle like a galaxy underneath your feet

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

3. Sakishima Cosmo Tower: Twinkling Lights from 252 meters Above the Bay Area

The slanted glass windows of the observatory allow for a perfect night view unobstructed by reflections
The slanted glass windows of the observatory allow for a perfect night view unobstructed by reflections

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

4. Higashi-Osaka City Hall Building: A Spectacular, Futuristic Nighttime View of the City

The Higashi-Osaka Junction can be seen in the southwest
The Higashi-Osaka Junction can be seen in the southwest

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

  • Higashiosaka City Government Office Observation Deck
    東大阪市役所 22階展望ロビー
    • Address 1-1-1 Aramotokita, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 577-8521
    • Nearest Station Access: 5 min walk from Aramoto Station (Kintetsu-Keihanna Line)
    • Phone: 06-4309-3000 (Higashi Osaka City Hall)
      Hours: Observation Lobby 9:00AM-11:00PM
      Admission: Free
      Closed: December 29th-January 3rd

5. Shigi-Ikoma Skyline: A Must-See Panoramic View of Osaka and Nara

You can see the Osaka Plain on your right and central Nara Prefecture on your left
You can see the Osaka Plain on your right and central Nara Prefecture on your left

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.

  • Shigi-Ikoma Skyline Panorama Parking Lot
    信貴生駒スカイライン パノラマ駐車場
    • Address Higashi Toyora-cho, Higashi-Osaka, Osaka 579-8032
    • Nearest Station Access: Approx. 20 min by car from Shigi-Ikoma Skyline Shigisanmon Tollhouse; approx 5 min by car from Shotenguchi Tollhouse
    • Phone: 0743-74-2125 (Mt. Ikoma Expressway Sales Office)
      Hours: (March-October): 6:30AM-12:00AM, (November-February): 6:30AM-11:00PM *Subject to change depending on weather; Road closed outside of business hours
      Toll: All lines (from Tozanguchi Toll House to Shigisan Toll House), Passenger cars, One-way: 1,360 yen (Round trip: 1,950 yen)
      Open daily
      *Prices and business hours as of October 2020

6. Sakai City Hall: A 360-degree Night View of Sakai City

In the winter, you can also see the illuminated trees along the roadside of Oshoji-suji
In the winter, you can also see the illuminated trees along the roadside of Oshoji-suji

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.

  • Sakai City Hall 21F Observation Lobby
    堺市役所 21階展望ロビー
    • Address 3-1 Minamikawaramachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai, Osaka 590-0078
    • Nearest Station Access: 5 min walk from Sakaihigashi Station (Nankai Electric Railway Takano Line)
    • Phone: 072-233-5258 (Sakai Tourism Convention Association); from April 2021: 072-228-7493 (Sakai City Tourism Division)
      Hours: 9:00AM-9:00PM
      Free admission
      Open daily

7. Osaka International Airport Terminal Building: Osaka Night View from an Airport Deck

7. Osaka International Airport Terminal Building: Osaka Night View from an Airport Deck
A romantic view of the runway at night from an illuminated deck
A romantic view of the runway at night from an illuminated deck

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

8. Osaka Station City Kaze no Hiroba: A Night View of Umeda Near the Station

This open space connects to JR Osaka Station via escalator. It's the perfect spot for a break while looking out at the night view
This open space connects to JR Osaka Station via escalator. It's the perfect spot for a break while looking out at the night view

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.

  • OSAKA STATION CITY KAZE NO HIROBA
    大阪ステーションシティ 風の広場
    • Address 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku Osaka 530-0011
    • Nearest Station Access: Directly connected to JR Osaka Station
    • Hours: 7:00AM-11:30PM
      Admission: Free
      Open daily

9. Tsutenkaku: Dazzling Osaka Night View

Abeno Harukas overwhelms the surrounding cityscape when viewed from Tsutenkaku 5F (87.5 meters)
Abeno Harukas overwhelms the surrounding cityscape when viewed from Tsutenkaku 5F (87.5 meters)

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.

A protruding observatory: TIP THE TSUTENKAKU
A protruding observatory: TIP THE TSUTENKAKU

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

10. Sakai Senboku Coastal Industrial Zone: A Nighttime View that Looks Like a Space Station!

A fantastic view of Hamadera Tomari with the lights reflecting on the sea
A fantastic view of Hamadera Tomari with the lights reflecting on the sea

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.

  • Sakai Senboku Coastal Industrial Zone
    堺・泉北臨海工業地帯
    • Address Rinkaibu, Sakai~Takaishi, Osaka
    • Nearest Station Access: (to Hamadera Tomari) About 10 min by car from Hanshin Expressway Wangan Route Hamadera IC or Takaishi IC
    • Free entry

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

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*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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