Tempōzan Giant Ferris Wheel, Observation wheel in Minato ward, Osaka, Japan.
The Tempōzan Giant Ferris Wheel is an observation wheel rising about 112.5 meters above Osaka Bay, with a diameter of 100 meters and 60 enclosed cabins. Each cabin rotates in a complete circle, offering views across the city and surrounding landscape during the journey.
The wheel opened in July 1997 and was Japan's tallest observation wheel at the time. Its completion marked a turning point for the harbor's development and the city's skyline.
The wheel communicates weather forecasts to locals at night through colored lights: orange for sunny weather, green for cloudy skies, and blue for expected rain. These light signals have become part of daily life for people in the area.
The wheel is easily reached by public transportation and sits near a metro station. It is open for most of the day and offers the clearest views on days with good weather.
On clear days, visitors can see as far as Mount Ikoma, the Akashi Bridge, Kansai International Airport, and the Rokko Mountains from the top. These distant views make each visit different depending on the weather and visibility.
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