Must-Read Guide for First-Timers: Exploring Japan’s Tallest Building, “Abeno HARUKAS”

▲ Night view of Osaka from the Abeno HARUKAS observation deck. (Photo /Sami's Travel Japan Room Facebook pageAuthorized for use. Please do not reproduce without permission.)

Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wenjun / Osaka, Japan

When traveling abroad, many tourists love to climb to great heights and take in the city’s day-and-night vibrancy. Japan’s tallest building, “Abeno HARUKAS,” lets visitors ascend 300 meters into the sky and enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the stunning heart of the Kansai region. If you’re visiting here for the first time, be sure to check out this guide featuring seven must-see sights compiled just for you.

▲ Entrance to the Abeno HARUKAS observation deck.

▲ Abeno HARUKAS observation deck tickets are available for daytime, sunset, and night sky views.

1. Visit During the Fireworks Festival Season
The most dazzling highlight of Japan’s summer is the fireworks festival. Harukas Operations Department’s Takumi Kakegawa points out that on clear days, you can watch colorful fireworks blooming in the distance from the observation deck — a must-see summer spectacle.

2. The Crystal-Clear Winter Skies
Tadamasa Yoneda, chief of the HARUKAS Operations Department, recommends visiting in winter when the air is crisp and the skies are exceptionally clear, offering breathtaking views both day and night.

Additionally, Abeno HARUKAS offers a unique night view experience with a 3D projection show using a full row of glass floor-to-ceiling windows. The ever-changing effects set against the night sky make the vibrant colors even more brilliant — another winter activity not to be missed.

▲ View from the north side of the Abeno HARUKAS observation deck, where you can see Kyoto Tower in the far distance.

3. The West and North Sides of the Abeno HARUKAS Observation Deck
Tadamasa Yoneda especially recommends taking in the views from the north and west sides of the observation deck, regardless of the time of day. From the north, you can spot nearby Osaka Castle and Tsutenkaku Tower, and on clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of distant Kyoto Tower.

The west side has the special appeal of offering a view of Universal Studios Japan. Yoneda says the drive from Abeno HARUKAS to Universal Studios Japan takes only about 20 minutes. From the observation deck, you can also see Hogwarts Castle, the hotels surrounding the park, and the endless ocean view behind the theme park.

▲ The transparent glass walkway on the observation deck, shown from above.

4. The Transparent Glass Walkway
Also located on the west side of the observation deck, the roughly one-step-wide transparent glass walkway lets you look straight down beneath your feet, giving you the sensation of truly walking on clouds as you step toward the scenery ahead.

▲ Outdoor terrace, the highest point of Abeno HARUKAS.

5. The Abeno HARUKAS Outdoor Terrace
The outdoor terrace at Abeno HARUKAS is the highest point of the building. Standing here means you're truly 300 meters above the ground. Yoneda says that although it usually serves as a helicopter pad, safety barriers are raised when visitors are present. There’s also a “300” signage in one corner, representing the building’s height in meters.

However, Yoneda also notes that access to the terrace requires an additional fee of 500 yen per person.

▲ The Lover’s Sanctuary in the Sky Garden.

6. The Lover’s Sanctuary
Japan is full of romantic spots, and Abeno HARUKAS is no exception. On the 58th floor in a corner of the Sky Garden, there’s a heart-shaped photo spot where couples can snap memories together to cherish their trip.

▲ The super-cute Abeno Bear, the sunny-day bear representing blue skies and white clouds, only appears on clear days.

▲ The sunny-day Abeno Bear meets with visitors. (Video / Photo by reporter Tsai Wenjun)

7. The Super Cute Mascot "Abeno Bear"Bear”

Abeno Bear, the adorable mascot representing Abeno HARUKAS, appears intermittently. With its blue fluffy appearance and little white clouds as decorations, it brings joy to visitors in the Sky Garden on sunny days. “But since it can be a bit moody, there are times it might refuse to show up,” smiles Masayuki Yoneda.

Additionally, the white cloud-dotted Abeno Bear only appears on sunny days. When it rains, another bear—representing rainy days—shows up in the observation deck to greet guests. While taking photos, why not take a closer look at Abeno Bear’s appearance to see if you’re meeting the Sunny Day Bear or the Rainy Day Bear?

With summer here, a limited-time “Beer Garden” event has been set up in the 58th-floor Sky Garden until September 25. Guests can sit back and enjoy a cold beer in the garden while feeling the refreshing summer breeze, making for a wonderful holiday experience.

※ Minors should not drink alcohol. Don’t drink and drive. Drive only when sober. ※

▲ After your visit, try the pineapple candy-flavored ice cream that’s only available at HARUKAS!

Abeno HARUKAS (Abeno Harukasu)
Address: 1-1-43 Abenobashi, Abeno-ku, Osaka City
Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Access: Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Tennoji Station; JR Loop Line Tennoji Station