We just exited the massive Osaka Station. It did not even look like a station but a huge mall. And that is the Umeda Sky Building (off-center) where we went.
This was our 3rd skyscraper visit next to Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree. The difference was that we did not enter any of Tokyo’s towers. We chose to enter the Umeda Sky Building because the architectural design is unique and we were interested in the Floating Garden Observatory.
A small playing field just outside the station. Cool!
Upon exiting the Osaka station, we realized that it was not just Umeda Sky Building that we will lay our eyes on but our eyes likewise feasted on what was around it. The combination of impressive modern building design, patterns, lights, and layout with the impact that waters can bring, it just gave the wow factor.
This was where we exited. I would call it the Osaka grand staircase.To the right from the grand staircase is this circular mall.A beautiful staircase falls, even on a rainy day.The view of the staircase falls from its top.The source of the staircase falls. Water element really adds beauty to the place.The Osaka station on the left with the grand staircase. We were moving towards the direction of Umeda Sky Building.It was a wet evening for us but we had our Japanese transparent umbrellas to pose with so we were okay. ☺A closer look at the circular mall. Still, we found waters surrounding it.
In fact, I am not really a fan of concrete jungles unless that jungle offers very unique, strange, or unusual architectural designs, then I would be very interested.
Presenting…a bus stop in Osaka! That is the Umeda Sky Building at the far center.Just one more cross and we reached our destination. That is the side of the Umeda Sky Building.How did the car get there? We have arrived at the grounds of Umeda Sky Building.
According to Wikipedia, “The building was originally conceived in 1988 as the “City of Air” project, which planned to create four interconnected towers in northern Osaka. Eventually, the Japan economic bubble of the 1980s burst and brought the number of towers down to two.” Wow! Four? What would it look like to have 4 interconnected towers? Interesting.
The Umeda Sky Building, completed in 1993, from below. It stands at 173 meters (568 feet) tall. It was designed by Hiroshi Hara and constructed by Takenaka Corporation.From under one of those giant, colored, oddly-shaped cans, those are the escalators leading to the Floating Garden Observatory.This is in between the main two towers, which are connected by the Floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor.One of the 2 main towers, with Panda-and-bear statues below.You are not King Kong, are you?It sure looks massive. I like the design of the building.The ticket was 800 JPY (~8 USD) to gain access to the Floating Garden Observatory.A night view of the city from the last floor of Umeda Sky Building.This is the Floating Garden Observatory that connects the 2 main towers of Umeda Sky Building on the 39th floor. Those are escalators at the center.Love locks. Yeah, they have it too.A shot of the city from the 39th floor of the Observatory.Back at the Osaka Station, which was celebrating its 5th year anniversary.This mural at the Osaka Station just fascinated me.
Our day had not ended yet as we needed to fetch our luggage from the coin lockers before heading to our Airbnb place. It was a delightful day in spite of the rain and hurting arm and leg muscles initially brought about by luggage dragging since early morning. All is well.
