Umeda Sky Building, Skyscraper in Osaka, Japan
Umeda Sky Building is an office tower in Ōyodo-Naka composed of two 40-story structures linked by glass bridges and escalators rising to 173 meters. The top floors form the Floating Garden Observatory, a ring-shaped viewing platform with an open rooftop terrace.
The structure began in 1988 as part of a larger City of Air plan with four towers, but economic shifts led to scaling back to two towers. It was completed in 1993 under architect Hiroshi Hara.
The basement level called Takimi-Koji recreates the look and feel of Osaka in the 1920s, with traditional eateries and interiors styled after the Showa era. Visitors walk through a historical street scene with warm lighting and classic decor.
The tower sits a short walk from Osaka Station and houses offices, restaurants, and viewing platforms across multiple levels. The best views come in late afternoon and early evening as the city gradually lights up.
The observatory uses transparent escalators crossing between the two towers on the 40th floor, giving travelers a view of the city beneath their feet. The open rooftop terrace features a special floor made of permeable material that glows at night.
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