Abeno Harukas might not be the tallest building in Japan anymore - that accolade now belongs to the Tokyo Skytree - but this skyscraper still towers above everything else in Osaka and western Japan. Head here for the best panoramic view over the city and some fabulous restaurants.
Abeno Harukas - image © Florentyna Leow
Rising 300 meters above Kintetsu Abenobashi Station, the new Abeno Harukas building is the tallest building in Osaka. The top three floors of the building (floors 58, 59 and 60) form the Harukas 300 observatory. They offer a fantastic view over the city of Osaka and nearby parts of Kobe, the Inland Sea and Wakayama. The view from here is particularly beautiful in the evening.
Abeno Harukas - image © Florentyna Leow
To access the observatory, you’ll need to go to the 16th floor and purchase tickets at the counter before riding the elevators to the upper floors. Prices are a little high - pun entirely intended - at JPY1500 for adults, but if you like high places this is probably worth visiting. You can see prices on the official website.
You can also purchase Harukas 360 Observatory tickets online. If you intend to visit the Universal Studios Japan theme park during your time in Osaka, you can buy a USJ VIP Wristband which gets you entry into Universal Studios and Harukas.
Abeno Harukas - image © Florentyna Leow
You’ll also find the Abeno Harukas Museum on the same floor, which is worth visiting only if the special exhibit on at the time of your visit features something you’re interested in. It doesn’t have a permanent collection of its own, so there’s always something new here. Past exhibitions have included works by Studio Ghibli and Hokusai.
Abeno Harukas - image © Florentyna Leow
The 16th floor also includes a rooftop garden The views won’t be as arresting as those on the top floor, but you could do much worse for a free aerial view of Osaka. It’s a nice place to enjoy an al fresco lunch when the weather’s good.
Abeno Harukas - image © Florentyna Leow
The Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel also occupies a good chunk of the upper floors of Abeno Harukas. If you’re not staying there, you can still head up to the lobby on the 19th floor and enjoy a fantastic view of the city at one of the restaurants or the lobby bar.
Abeno Harukas - image © Florentyna Leow
On floors 12, 13 and 14, you’ll find Harukas Dining, which is a great collection of restaurants and one of the best places to eat in the Tennoji area.
For even more information and history of Harukas and the surrounding area, see our detailed Harukas article.
If you visit Tokyo, you can go and see the Tokyo Skytree which is now officially Japan's tallest building.
English name:
Abeno Harukas
Japanese name:
あべのハルカス
English address:
1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, 545-6016
Japanese address:
〒545-6016 大阪市阿倍野区阿倍野筋1-1-43
Opening hours:
Varies by facility (Harukas 300: 9am-10pm)
Price:
Y1500
Nearest Transport:
Train: Directly connected to Osaka-Abenobashi Station on the Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line.
Train and Subway: 2-minute walk from Tennoji Station.
Telephone:
+81-6-6621-0300 (Harukas 300)
Website:
Official website (English)
Near To Here:
Abeno Harukas is located in Osaka's Tennoji and Abeno area. See our complete list of things to do in the Osaka's Tennoji and Abeno area, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help