Evening was getting close, but there was still so much to see in Osaka! Next stop: Umeda Sky Building and the amazing Floating Garden Observatory. By then I’ve been in a few observatories and towers in Tokyo, but this one is still my favourite. 

Not only the view is great, it also looks amazing from the outside - like two tall skyscrapers connected at the top with observatory deck. That has a huge hole inside. Since, as I mentioned, it was already late evening by the time I got there, I couldn’t really catch it’s architectural beauty, so a mockup would have to do instead.

Since my Kansai trip was around the time of summer festivals, the entrance was still decorated.

Umeda Sky Building was once chosen by The Times as one of the top 20 buildings in the world. Apart from the unique architecture, another thing worth mentioning is the road up: to get to observatory deck, one must take the escalator - which is inside a tunnel connecting both buildings. 

Both towers have 40 floors, and the whole building is 173 m (568 ft) high and was completed in 1993.

Another interesting thing on first floor were the observation spots: tiny armchair/sofas hidden on short platforms. Great for a quiet moment of relaxation while watching the city. 

The last of unique things on first floor: a place for heart locks. I haven’t heard any particular legend or this place to be somehow lucky for lovers, but to say the truth I wasn’t looking for one, so maybe there’s a story to this particular spot, or maybe it was just put there because it’s a popular activity lately, but still: those who want, can lock their lock inside the observatory. 

And finally: the view from first floor of the observatory.

But there’s still something even better than the great view seen by window, which is... a great view without windows with some added fluorescence! Welcome to the second floor, which could also be called a roof top!

No more windows, no more ceiling or walls, just a barrier, high enough to be safe, short enough not to stand in the way of the view. Seeing the city, hearing its sounds and feeling the breeze on the skin is a much better experience than simply staring through a window. 

The open-air terrace is big and goes in a circle, letting observers see everything around the building. But that’s still not everything. The observatory promises its visitors to see the stars, and while it might be difficult inside a big city full of lights, everyone would be able to “walk in the sky” - I mentioned fluorescence, and it’s really there, making the white colour in clothes stand out and brightening tiny “stars” painted on the floor.

Yet, that’s still not everything! (I’ve told you that this place is great). There’s also a spot on the roof top named “Lumi deck”.  As the description of the place says: “This is a specially reserved space for lovers in the 173-meter high Umeda Sky Building. When the lights come on in town, and stars twinkle in the sky, the Lumi Deck surrounds the couple in gentle light. You can secure your Heart Lock, the promise of a loving twosome, at the Fence of Vows installed around the Lumi Deck.” It’s designed for couples, but looks amazing for everyone ;) Admission since 11am to 10pm, no additional fee necessary.