Osaka is one of the world’s most impressive urban areas and views of the city on a clear day also take in Kobe and Kyoto. The evening views are particularly spectacular. Here are the city’s best viewing platforms, as well as some hotels with great views.
The List: Osaka’s Best Views
Abeno Harukas
The second-tallest skyscraper in Japan, the 300m-high Abeno Harukas building offers the best views of the Osaka area. Located in the Tennoji district, Harukas is a huge dining, entertainment and hotel complex. The top three floors of the building (floors 58, 59 and 60) form the Harukas 300 observatory.
Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building is a distinctive double tower located a short walk north of Osaka and Umeda stations in the Kita district. The Floating Garden Observatory on floors 39, 40 and 41 offers eye-popping views over the city, as well as the surrounding mountains and Osaka Bay.
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Located on an artificial island out in Osaka Bay, the 112-meter-high Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers amazing views of the entire bay area, Kobe and Awaji Island. You can also enjoy the sight of airplanes taking off and landing at nearby Kobe Airport and Kansai International Airport. This makes a great addition to a visit to Osaka Aquarium, which is part of the same complex.
HEP Five
Right smack in the middle of the city, the 106-meter-high HEP Five Ferris Wheel is a great way to check out the Kita district from above. By day or evening, the views are spectacular and can extend as far as Kyoto and Kobe on clear days. The entrance is located on the 7th floor of the HEP Five entertainment center, which is a short walk from Osaka and Umeda stations.
Osaka Hotels with the Best Views
Swisshotel Nankai Osaka view
Swissotel Nankai Osaka
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Soaring above Nankai Namba Station in the Minami district of Osaka, the Swissotel Nankai Osaka is our top choice for hotel with a view. The views are eye popping and the hotel gets everything right. It feels like a luxury hotel, but the rates often dip into the midrange.
Hotel Hankyu International guest room
Hotel Hankyu International
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located on floors 26 to 33 of a building that towers over the Kita district, the Hotel Hankyu International offers some of the best views of any hotel in the city. It’s a good choice for those who want a room with view.
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
The Centara Grand Hotel Osaka offers stunning views and excellent service at rates far below similar hotels in the rest of Japan. Best of all, it’s nearly on top of Nankai Namba Station, with easy access to/from Kansai Airport.
Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel premium corner king
Osaka Marriot Miyako Hotel
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Located on floors 38 to 57 of the Abeno Harukas Building (the second-highest skyscraper in Japan), the Marriot Miyako has some seriously awesome views of Osaka and beyond.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Sitting on an island in the river that bisects Osaka, the Mitsui Garden Hotel Osaka Premier may not be the tallest hotel in the city, but because it’s not surrounded by higher buildings, the views are excellent. It’s a great hotel in a convenient and attractive location.
View from Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
(View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
Towering over Universal Studios Japan, this hotel offers great views of the park and the surrounding Osaka Bay area. It’s the best place to stay for those visiting Universal Studios Japan and saves you from a long trip home on the subway with kids tired from a day on the rides.
More Information
- Osaka Hotels
- Where to Stay In Osaka
- Best Budget Hotels in Osaka
- Best Midrange Hotels in Osaka
- Best Luxury Hotels in Osaka
- Best Boutique Hotels in Osaka
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
