The Best Views of Osaka on Osaka Metro:
Classic Choices

First up, of course, is Osaka Castle, a must-see spot in Osaka.
Built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a peasant who made it to the top and ruled the nation, Osaka Castle is one of the most popular castles in Japan that offers a grand view of Osaka from the main tower♪

Now, everyone knows the beauty of Osaka Castle’s main keep, but did you know Osaka Castle has the tallest castle wall in the country? At about 32m from the bottom (under the water), these stones that make up the wall are massive.

The largest stone can be found at Sakuramon-masugata Square by the Sakuramon Gate.
Known as Takoishi (literally “octopus stone”), this huge stone measures about 60㎡ in size and weighs an estimated 108 tons. It’s bigger than the pyramid stones in Egypt! I wonder how they moved it??
Standing in front of this gigantic stone, anyone would look tiny.

The observatory at the Osaka Museum of History near the castle is a best-kept secret spot for its outstanding view of Osaka Castle juxtaposed against Osaka’s modern skyscrapers☆

Also known as “the Arc de Trimphe of the future” in reference to its distinct exterior design, Umeda Sky Building stands tall at 173m above ground (40 stories) as the landmark of Osaka’s hub, Umeda.

The escalator to the Floating Garden Observatory through a tunnel of windows is mystical and beautiful. It’s like a path that leads you to another world♪

And the 360-degree panoramic view from the observatory on the rooftop is breathtaking. You can see everything—the skyscrapers, Yodo River that leads to Osaka Bay…the whole cityscape of Osaka!

Since the view is completely unobstructed—there’s no window between you and the view—it feels as if you are walking in the sky♪ I love taking a stroll among the clouds. Wouldn’t you?

The view of the city at night from the observatory is also great. Indeed, it’s stunning with the dazzling lights of skyscrapers.

Located in the business district of Nakanoshima, the historic Osaka City Central Public Hall celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2018.
The Neo-Renaissance style building characterized with its red brick exterior is stately and elegant♪

Inside, chandeliers and stained-glass windows remain in their original forms, creating the atmosphere of romantic Taisho era (1912-1925).

In nearby Kitahama area, stylish cafés line the streets.
Sipping on coffee at a riverside café while admiring the Central Public Hall across the Tosabori River is a pure luxury♪

Last but not the least, we have to visit the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel in Osaka Bay!
Located within the Tempozan Harbor Village that houses the popular Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and other commercial facilities, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel soars 112.5m above ground.

Looking up this world-class Ferris wheel is astonishing, and the view from inside of the Ferris wheel is extraordinary.
Overlooking the Osaka Bay area and its iconic Minato Bridge (a double-deck cantilever truss bridge) at the top of the Ferris wheel, you would feel like a VIP.

Osaka Bay is also known for beautiful sunsets. In the evening, the orange glow of the sunset and the red Ferris wheel soaring into the sky create an exquisite view♪
In the darkness of the night, the Ferris wheel can also look like bright fireworks.