Japan’s Tallest Building “Abeno HARUKAS” – The Best Hidden Photo Spot Is Actually the Restroom

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-Jun, Japan correspondent

Since its official opening in 2014, Japan’s tallest building, “Abeno HARUKAS,” has quickly become a favorite among travelers from around the world, making it a must-visit spot when traveling to Osaka. The three-story observation deck, wrapped in large glass windows, creates a naturally open and airy atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking city views from 300 meters above the ground. But the best photo spot here isn’t the indoor observation area or the rooftop helipad—it’s the restroom inside the observation deck.

▲ The HARUKAS300 observation deck has three floors, with a sky terrace in the middle.

The Abeno HARUKAS observation deck spans the 58th to 60th floors. The 60th floor is the main observation area, the 59th floor houses the souvenir shop, and the 58th floor features restaurants and a sky garden. The most picturesque restroom angle is located on the 59th floor.

▲ The restroom at HARUKAS300 observation deck.

▲ The women’s restroom at HARUKAS300 observation deck leaves visitors stunned by the stunning view as soon as they step inside.

The restroom on the 59th floor is predominantly white, avoiding excessive colors that might distract from the window views. Floor-to-ceiling windows extend from the entrance inward, ensuring visitors can enjoy sweeping views of Osaka city even while inside the restroom. The large mirror above the sink, due to its height, perfectly reflects the outdoor scenery, bringing the vast landscape from outside right into the interior—earning it the title of “Japan’s most beautiful restroom.”

▲ The rooftop helicopter pad at HARUKAS300, offering unobstructed 360-degree views of Osaka.

Abeno HARUKAS also offers two unique ways to enjoy the view, different from the 60th-floor observation deck. The first requires an additional fee of 500 yen and involves being guided by staff to the rooftop outdoor helicopter pad, where you can take in the unobstructed views of the Kansai region. There’s also a sign marking “300 meters” where visitors can take photos.

▲ The rooftop helicopter pad at HARUKAS300 allows visitors to enjoy unobstructed views of the surroundings.