Special Experience
Osaka
Private Behind-the-Scenes Art and Architecture Tour of the Umeda Sky Building and its Kuchu Teien Observatory
Overview
At Osaka’s landmark Umeda Sky Building and its famed Kuchu Teien Observatory, enjoy open access to the building’s in-house art gallery and central floating bridge, usually closed to the general public. Enjoy in-depth commentary about the building’s architectural secrets and its designer Hiroshi Hara. Let art and architecture inspire you before heading up to the Kuchu Teien Observatory for a relaxing drink and a dazzling view.
Key Features
・Enjoy a private guided tour of an off-limits area of Osaka’s landmark Umeda Sky Building for art gallery viewing, and take home a souvenir original art book (artist names in English; explanatory text in Japanese only.)
・Walk across the floating bridge, which is usually only accessible to those working or doing business in the building, and enjoy a leisurely up-close look at the building’s architecture with staff commentary.
・This experience includes entrance to the Kuchu Teien Observatory and one non-alcoholic beverage. Enjoy perusing at your own pace.
Osaka
from
¥26,000 /person
1 - 8 participants
60 min
Available in English
Cancel free up to 11 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 52,000
Details
Umeda Sky Building, an Architectural Landmark of National and International Renown
Ongoing redevelopment in the Umeda Kita Yard area in Osaka has reached a fever pitch in recent years, including an expansion of Osaka Station. Towering over this area’s Shin-Umeda City complex – the earliest new development – is the landmark Umeda Sky Building, an architectural marvel far ahead of its time that has long attracted visitors both domestic and international.
Umeda Sky Building was the world’s first ever connected-tower skyscraper, built in 1993 with 40 floors above ground and standing 173 meters tall. In 2008, UK newspaper The Times listed it among the top 20 buildings in the world, alongside such iconic architectural achievements as Spain’s Sagrada Familia, Greece’s Parthenon, and India’s Taj Mahal, elevating its iconic status.
The Chu-shizen-no-mori, or “Island Garden” below Umeda Sky Building is an urban wonder: a lush treescape replete with a soothing babbling brook. It’s hard to believe that this little green corner tucked away in the midst of ultramodern skyscrapers – embodying an aspirational balance between dense city and calming nature – was dreamed up and created more than 30 years ago.
Umeda Sky Building is also famous for its Kuchu Teien Observatory, a top level public deck offering a vast panorama of the city. This experience also lets guests enjoy the building from a new angle, perusing non-public areas and taking in the interior art gallery with commentary from a building guide.
A model beside the tour desk on the 39th floor provides a bird’s eye view of the building’s architectural features, while drawings by architect Hiroshi Hara including the building’s first sketch and “aeropolis” concept provide a glimpse into the futuristic concepts behind it.
Hara is an acclaimed architect whose unique designs have garnered domestic and international attention. His works include museums, educational facilities, high rises, and domes. In addition to the Umeda Sky Building, he has designed such other iconic structures as Kyoto Station and Sapporo Dome.
Such an opportunity to look into the mind of an architect working at the top of their field through firsthand viewing of their sketches, designs, and models is rare – and sure to captivate and delight architectural aficionados and curious travelers alike.
The Case for Displaying Art in Non-Public Areas
Paintings and sculptures by some of the most prominent artists of the 20th Century line the walls of these non-public areas, curated by art director Fram Kitagawa. This was part of the design plan concept from the very beginning, with Hara and his development team wanting those working and doing business in the building to be in regular contact with art. Featured works by Le Corbusier, famed vanguard of modern architecture and city planning, have also seen a resurgence in interest with their inclusion as “The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement” on the World Heritage List alongside works by other luminaries such as Renoir and Escher.
Exclusively in this Wabunka plan, visitors can also view a panel of Picasso designs from the collection in a rare opportunity to see the artist’s markings on the usually hidden back side, as well as take home an art book featuring a full listing of all the works in the collection as a memento. Listed artist names are in English, with explanatory notes in Japanese.
The Secrets of Umeda Sky Building’s Design – and Story
The iconic status of Umeda Sky Building is tied to certain key elements of its design, from the mirrored exterior which turns the sky itself into a surface feature, to the central skybridge connecting its two towers, to the roof level Kuchu Teien Observatory that gives visitors the sensation of floating above the city. Participants in this experience can walk through the skybridge, which is off limits to the general public. Your guide explains all about the passageway’s design secrets, such as its vibration resistant construction, as you take in the view suspended 87 meters above the ground.
The rooftop Kuchu Teien observatory is conceptually modeled on grand marvels of ancient humanity and fiction, such as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the flying island Laputa of Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, which itself served as inspiration for the Ghibli animated feature film Laputa: Castle in the Sky.
This sense of pure inspiring spectacle sets the Kuchu Teien Observatory apart from commonplace high rise observation decks, imbuing it with a romance and wonder going far beyond simply looking at city scenery from on high. Even now, more than 30 years after its construction, the space continues to impress visitors with a futuristic utopian longing that feels as innovative as it was when Hara first put his pen to paper.
Follow up on your guided tour with a visit to Sky 40, the “cafe in the sky” on the 40th floor indoor observation area. Here you can use your drink ticket to enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage, such as Umeda Sky Building’s exclusive special blend coffee. Relax for a special moment with the city unfurling below you.
Umeda Sky Building offers an up-close view of not only world-class architecture, but also world-class art. Discover its hidden charms and let it inspire you.
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building
Born in 1993 amidst the newly developed “Shin Umeda City” complex, Umeda Sky Building was the first connected-tower skyscraper ever built in the world, consisting of twinned 40-story, 173-meter-tall towers joined by a central skybridge and a shared top floor and rooftop observation deck. The building was chosen by British newspaper The Times as one of the top 20 buildings in the world, alongside iconic global landmarks spanning the ancient past to the present day.
Location
Umeda Skybuilding
Kita Ward, Osaka
Request for booking
* Required
November 2024
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Mon
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17
Available
17
Full
17
No Events
If your first choice is not available, we will confirm your booking based on your other preferred dates and times.
Additional Options
If there are participants between the ages of 4 and 11, please select the following option.
Child fee / person
JPY 6,400
0
Experience fee
Minimum fee JPY 26000 × 2 participants
JPY 52,000
*Minimum: 2 participants; JPY 26,000 × 2 will be charged for bookings below the minimum.
Price may change after date is selected.
Additional options fee
Interpretation in English
JPY 0
Other
Service fee (5%)
JPY 2,600
Total Price
JPY 54,600
tax & service fee incl.
Extra charges may apply for the following
- ・Interpretation / Dependant on experience schedule and language
- ・Optional add-ons / Souvenirs, delivery, etc.
Osaka
from
¥26,000 /person
1 - 8 participants
60 min
Available in English
Cancel free up to 11 days before
* If fewer than 2 participants, the minimum fee will be JPY 52,000
Things to know
Contact Us
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We also accept bookings from corporate clients and travel agencies.