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The Best Views of Osaka on Osaka Metro: Osaka at Night

Abeno Harukas is THE choice if you want to go for a view from above. The tallest building in Japan, Abeno Harukas is directly connected to Tennoji Station and stands 300 meters above ground. Its observatory, Harukas300, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The impressive scenery at night is like a carpet of lights. You can also opt for a tour of the heliport and feel the gust at 300 meters above ground or a dinner at a chic café on 58th floor☆

On the night of full moon, the combination of the moon and Japan’s tallest skyscraper produces an extraordinary sight.

Go one stop on the Midosuji Line from Tennoji and get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station. Tsutenkaku Tower—a well-known landmark of Osaka—is just 8-minute walk away. Current tower/observatory is the second generation (it was rebuilt after the war in the 50’s) and is a registered tangible cultural property in Japan. 108 meters above ground might not be very high for an observatory, but it offers elaborate attractions such as “Tembo Paradise,” an open-air observation deck, and “Tip the Tsutenkaku,” a narrow deck that extends 5.4 meters out from the tower, fenced in with wire mesh walls and with a see-through glass panel beneath your feet at the tip.

Cosmo Tower is located about 3-minute walk from Trade Center-mae Station on Osaka Metro’s New Tram. On its 55th floor is the Sakishima Observatory that offers a stunning view of the Bay Area, Osaka’s seaport. Take the see-through elevator from the 1st floor to the 52nd floor and you are welcomed by a 360-degree panoramic view of the city, Kansai International Airport, and the sea that extends beyond. At 252 meters above ground, the floor-to-ceiling glass walls of the observation deck provide a thrilling experience.
This place is actually a little-known spot and is great for dates.

Perhaps the most popular observatory in Osaka is the Floating Garden Observatory at Umeda Sky Building, located a mere 10-minute walk from Umeda Station via underpass. The impactful design of the building attracts many and the 360-degree open-air deck atop this 170-meter building is quite enticing. I also love the escalator through the see-through tunnel—it’s an exciting ride every time! It’s also fun to study the details of other buildings in the area from the observation deck—this is possible only because Umeda Sky Building is situated within the sea of buildings in Umeda. It’s a completely different experience from Abeno Harukas. And, an important note, there’s no admission fee until after you reach the 39th floor so you can ride the escalator through the see-through tunnel for free!

Equally impressive as the view from the observatory is this sight of the neo-futuristic building standing tall in the dark! See how cool it looks?

A View from Above: Umeda Sky Building(Note: This article was published in 2019.)
https://metronine.osaka/article_tour/sightseeing-umeda-sky-building/

In Osaka, you don’t have to go up a building to an observatory to enjoy the night view. A great spot on the ground is Dotonbori, a quick 3-minute walk from Namba Station. The reflection of neon lights, including the famous Glico Man, is wonderful here. Even the cruise ships passing by look somewhat dreamy!

“Cheap and yummy” bars and restaurants crowd the Tenma area near Ogimachi Station. At night, stalls open in front of shops one after another, creating a perfect spot for hashigozake (bar hopping.) When you are in the area, make sure to stop by the lantern street in Tenma Ichiba Market. It’s like walking into a retro Japan.

Hashigo-zake: Bar Hopping in Tenma
One of the Best Bar Districts in Osaka (Note: This article was published in 2019.)
https://metronine.osaka/article_tour/191129-tenma-hashigozake/

In historic Osaka where temples and shrines are a common sight, Osaka Castle is definitely one of the top landmarks of the City. When the sun goes down and the darkness begins to set in, lights turn on to illuminate the castle which emerges in the darkness as if it’s floating. The view changes every minute around sunset as the sky changes its color.

In wintertime, you can enjoy a stunning illumination of the Castle at Osaka Castle Illuminage.

The five-story pagoda glows solemnly in Osaka’s night sky at Osaka’s Shitennoji Temple, the oldest temple in Japan. No entry to the temple grounds is allowed at night but the view of the luminous pagoda from outside the temple is nevertheless delightful. It’s almost like of another world♪ Do check out the temple’s calendar around Tanabata Star Festival in July and New Year’s Eve for nighttime events.

These are just a handful of examples of Osaka’s night views. You can easily take Osaka Metro to find other great views of Osaka by night—around Tempozan, Chikko area, Namba Parks, Osaka Station City…everywhere! Also check out Osaka Metro NiNE’s Instagram for night views and other great spots to visit and see around Osaka. I guarantee you can find your favorite night view with Osaka Metro!
※The information in the article is for 2021.