点评:Each of the three towering observation decks in Osaka - Abeno Harukas Observatory (300 meters), Sakishima Building Observatory or Cosmo Tower Observatory (252 meters) and Kuchu Teien Observatory or Umeda Sky Building Observatory (175 meters) – offers uniquely different perspective of Osaka. My family and I spent an hour at 2024 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards winning Kuchu Teien Observatory (空中庭園展望台) or Umeda Sky Building Observatory (梅田スカイビル展望台) in late March 2024. I think Umeda Sky is so named as the building is located in Osaka’s Umeda district and is so high up in the sky at 175 meters above sea level at its rooftop.
Getting there, opening hours and entrance fee – we got here from Shin-Osaka Station on the ‘red’ Osaka Metro Midsosuji Line to the Umeda Station (M16). We walked the following route after exiting from the Kita Gate of the station: turned left and walked straight until we saw a yellow signage for Exit 5 on the right -> walked towards the escalator and took the escalator to the next level/floor -> continued straight after the Uniqlo signboard on the left until we reached the building exit (you could also go into Uniqlo and walked along the length of Uniqlo) -> turned left and walked along the outside of Uniqlo store until we reached a traffic light junction (it is here that we saw the dark blue Umeda Sky building) -> crossed the pedestrian crossing at the traffic light junction -> walked straight until we reached the next traffic light junction -> crossed the first pedestrian crossing followed by the second perpendicular pedestrian crossing -> continued on the walking path and reach an underpass -> crossed the underpass -> walked straight and then crossed the traffic light junction and finally reached the dark blue Umeda Sky building. The walk took us about 20 minutes. The entrance to the Kuchu Teien or Umeda Sky Building Observatory is on the first floor of Tower West building interestingly named “FUN FUN PLAZA 空中庭園” (the Japanese phrase translates to “floating garden”).
Kuchu Teien Observatory opens at 9:30am and closes at 10:30pm with the last admission at 10pm. The admission fee is ¥2000 for adults and ¥500 for children aged 4 to 12. As we were using 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass (¥3600), we arrived at 3:15pm and got free admission before 4pm (the free admission timing could be 3pm depending on the season so do check the attraction website; also after 4pm you and I have to pay 30% of the admission fee). I do not see any restriction of number of visitors or to designated time slots to Umeda Sky, nevertheless you could purchase discounted admission tickets in advance via Klook and other platforms and be sure to exchange the online booking for physical tickets on that day.
The Umeda Sky Building Observatory attraction: The Umeda Sky Building is a distinctive skyscraper in Osaka, located at the northern Kita-ku district. Standing at 175 meters tall, it comprises two 40-storey or 40-floor towers (Tower East and Tower West) that are connected by a bridge that is opened during emergency and at the top by the Kuchu Teien Observatory with two “floating” glass encased tunnel escalators providing access to the Observatory. When we looked up at the entire Umeda Sky Building from the base, we could already marvel at the futuristic architecture of two escalators and a square roof (that houses the Kuchu Teien Observatory) with a circular hole in the center. In fact, there is a display model on the 39th floor of Kuchu Teien Observatory that states “Umeda Sky was chosen as one of the Top 20 Buildings around the world by Dorling Kindersley in The Times (British newspaper) – it definitely deserves this accolade! The building architecture also reminded us of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
Upon entering the first floor of Tower West or “FUN FUN PLAZA 空中庭園”, we then took the elevator to the third floor (3F) and after a U-turn, entered into a large walkway with the words “空中庭園 KUCHU TEIEN”. We then joined the four-lane queue with countless visitors to take the MIDAIR ELEVATOR to the 35th floor (35F). From the 35F, we then took the escalator often named “Stairway to Heaven” to the 39F Sky Lobby. Upon alighting from the elevator, we saw a notice that direct visitors to purchase of physical tickets or exchange of tickets for the 1-day and 2-day Osaka Amazing Pass (transportation and free admission to certain attractions) at the ticketing machines and to a counter for group discount and where tickets are exchanged for Klook and Osaka e-Pass (free admission to major attractions). On 39F is also where the gallery shop, Sangu Chinese restaurant and Sky Lounge Stardust bar are located. After validation of tickets, we then took an escalator to the 40F where the huge indoor observation deck, lavatories and Café Sky 40 are located. We walked up the stairs (I am unsure whether there is an elevator) to the doughnut shaped rooftop observation deck for the Sky Walk. Do note that umbrellas, eating and smoking and easily blown-off items (e.g. hat and scarf) are disallowed and there is a staff to ensure that before you and I step out into the rooftop observation deck.
We enjoyed the following at the Umeda Sky Building observation decks:
(1) The 360-degree unobstructed views at the circular doughnut-shaped rooftop observation deck during the Sky Walk are breathtaking to say the least. We saw on the north the distinctive Yodo River and the lovely bridges (Hanshin Expressway Number 11 Ikeda Route, 新十三橋 (New Jusanbashi Bridge for National Route 176), Jusanko Bridge, three railway tracks, Shin-Yodogawa Bridge, Nagara Bridge (長柄橋) and the faraway hills. We saw on the west Yodo River entering into Osaka Bay, four more bridges (including 新伝法大橋), Awaji Island, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (明石海峽大) linking Awaji Island to Kobe and the mountain range incorporating Mount Rokkō (六甲山). We saw on the south urban landscape of the Umeda district. We saw on the east more urban landscape of the Umeda district with four standout buildings that are very near to Umeda Sky - Grand Front Osaka Owners Tower, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, InterContinental Osaka Hotel and Grand Front Osaka Tower B.
(2) There are tall metal encased glass panels of at least 8 feet (2.5 meters) high on the inside of the rooftop observation deck to prevent visitors from falling some 175 meters to the ground below. However, there are no corresponding full-length but half-length glass panels on the outside since the circular rooftop observatory sits on the square rooftop floor; the circular glass-free platform offers barrier-free clear views of Osaka as well as allows visitors like me to experience or “feel” the weather while viewing the panorama. So the rooftop observatory is really safe.
(3) Excitingly we saw airplanes flying across the sky that I think took off from the Osaka Itami Airport north of Umeda Sky
(4) The elevator ride up to 35F comes with views of the outside which makes me feel like I was flying up in the air.
(5) The futuristic-designed “tunnel” escalator from 35F to 39F is really special because firstly it is enclosed by white bell-jar shaped metal arches interconnected with glass panels, secondly it “floats” in the air and thirdly it has been cited as the highest escalator in Japan and one of the highest escalators if not the highest escalator in the world. The ride both ways offers an interesting visual experience of alternating dark-bright sequence as well as partially blocked stunning views through the glass panels of the adjacent escalator and the part of the Osaka cityscape and prepared us for the even more stunning views at the rooftop.
(6) Fret not when you are hungry as we can get food and beverage from Café Sky 40 with a menu comprising sundae, croffle (croissant baked in a waffle iron), soft serve ice cream and soda float, coffee (home blended and specialty), beers and others and then bring snacks and drinks across to the area where you could sit down and enjoy the spectacular view Osaka’s Yodo River and the surrounding while snacking and drinking away.
(7) The exhibits on the 40F explaining the architecture and landscape of Umeda Sky
(8) A short distance from the entrance/exit of the rooftop observatory and a walk down the stairs is a large place for visitors, particularly friends and couples, to lock the heart-shaped love locks…and then sing the Carpenters’ Top of the World (“…is the love that I've found, ever since you've been around, your love's put me at the top of the world”) since you are already at the rooftop observatory
(9) As I saw the movement of people and vehicles on the roads and bridges, I could appreciate that Umeda Sky Building Observatory allows me to see the real-time liveliness of the surrounding Umeda district.
What I disliked are firstly the English brochures at the Umeda Sky Building Observatory ran out pretty fast; secondly, I do not recall seeing any telescope and thirdly there is no information of the landmarks that you and I are looking at on the rooftop observation deck unless you and I turn on Google Map and aided by the “NORTH”, “SOUTH”, “EAST” and “WEST” signboards on the glass panel wall. Lastly, I had to manage my expectation that despite “Kuchu Teien” translated as “Floating Garden”, there is no garden with floral anywhere in the Observatory.
The availability of both indoor enclosed observation deck and outdoor open-air observatory deck (Sky Walk) allows different unique experience as well as catering to the weather conditions – you and I could stay at the indoor Sky Gallery when the wind at the outdoor Sky Stage becomes too windy and cold or when it starts to rain outside at Sky Stage.
My family and I enjoyed ourselves at the modern designed Kuchu Teien or Umeda Sky Building observation decks. Hence, Umeda Sky Building Observatory is a “must visit” when you are in Osaka for panoramic views of the downtown district (unlike the Sakishima Building Observatory (Cosmo Tower) which provides panoramic views of the Osaka Bay area). As it is windy at the rooftop observation deck, I recommend you wear a jacket but not hats and scarves. I suggest the best time to go is late afternoon to catch the sunset and thereafter the beautiful and lively city nightscape. Do check the weather before you go as you do not see much when it is raining or foggy and moreover the Observatory will not allow visitors to go to the rooftop observation deck when the weather make it unsafe and dangerous to do so.
翻译:大阪有三座巍峨的观景台——阿倍野Harukas展望台(300米)、咲洲大厦展望台(又称Cosmo塔展望台)(252米)以及空中庭园展望台(又称梅田蓝天大厦展望台)(175米),它们都能让你从不同的视角欣赏大阪的风光。2024年3月下旬,我和家人在荣获2024年Tripadvisor旅行者之选奖的空中庭园展望台(又称梅田蓝天大厦展望台)度过了一个小时。我想,梅田蓝天大厦之所以得名,是因为这栋建筑位于大阪梅田区,其屋顶高达175米,耸立在空中。
如何到达、开放时间和门票——我们是从新大阪站乘坐“红色”大阪地铁中山筋线到梅田站(M16)的。出了车站北口后,我们步行的路线如下:左转一直走,直到看到右侧5号出口的黄色指示牌->走向自动扶梯,乘自动扶梯上到下一层->看到左侧优衣库的招牌后一直走,直到到达大楼出口(也可以进去优衣库,然后沿着优衣库的长度走)->左转沿着优衣库店外走,直到到达红绿灯路口(就是在这里,我们看到了深蓝色的梅田蓝天大厦)->在红绿灯路口过人行横道->一直走,直到到达下一个红绿灯路口->过第一个人行横道,再过第二个垂直的人行横道->继续沿着人行道走到地下通道->过地下通道->直走,再过红绿灯路口,最后到达深蓝色的梅田蓝天大厦。步行大约需要20分钟。空中庭园(梅田蓝天大厦)的入口位于Tower West大楼的一楼,名字很有趣,叫做“FUN FUN PLAZA 空中庭園”(日语中意为“漂浮的花园”)。空中庭园开放时间为上午9:30,关闭时间为晚上10:30,最后入场时间为晚上10点。门票成人2000日元,4至12岁儿童500日元。由于我们使用了大阪两日周游卡(3600日元),所以我们下午3:15到达,下午4点前可以免费入场(免费入场时间可能根据季节改为下午3点,因此请查看景点网站;下午4点后,您和我必须支付30%的门票费用)。我觉得梅田天空大厦没有人数限制或参观时间限制,不过您可以通过Klook客路等平台提前购买折扣门票,并务必在当天将在线预订的门票兑换成实体票。
梅田天空大厦观景台景点:梅田天空大厦是大阪一座独特的摩天大楼,位于北区北部。它高175米,由两座40层高的塔楼(东塔和西塔)组成,两座塔楼之间由一座在紧急情况下开启的桥梁连接,顶部是空中庭园观景台,两座“漂浮”的玻璃包裹隧道式自动扶梯通往观景台。当我们从底部仰望整个梅田天空大厦时,我们就已经惊叹于它充满未来感的建筑风格:两座自动扶梯和一个方形屋顶(内设空中庭园观景台),屋顶中央有一个圆孔。事实上,空中庭园瞭望台39楼的模型上,就摆放着“梅田Sky”被英国《泰晤士报》的Dorling Kindersley评选为全球20大建筑之一——这绝对实至名归!其建筑风格也让人联想到巴黎的凯旋门。
进入Tower West的一层,也就是“FUN FUN PLAZA 空中庭园”,我们乘电梯到三楼,掉头后,进入一个写着“空中庭园 KUCHU TEIEN”的宽阔通道。之后,我们加入了排队的队伍,与无数游客一起乘坐空中电梯到达35楼。从35楼,我们又乘坐被称为“通往天堂的阶梯”的自动扶梯前往39楼的空中大厅。下电梯后,我们看到一张告示,指示游客购买实体门票或兑换在售票机和柜台购买大阪周游卡1日券和2日券(包含交通和部分景点的免费入场券),并享受团体折扣,还可以兑换Klook客路和大阪电子通票(主要景点的免费入场券)。39楼还有画廊商店、Sangu中餐厅和Sky Lounge Stardust酒吧。验完票后,我们乘坐自动扶梯前往40楼,那里有巨大的室内观景台、洗手间和Café Sky 40。我们走上楼梯(我不确定是否有电梯),来到甜甜圈形状的屋顶观景台,体验天空步道。请注意,雨伞、禁止饮食、吸烟,以及携带容易被风吹掉的物品(例如帽子和围巾)。在您和我踏入屋顶观景台之前,会有工作人员确保您的物品安全。
我们在梅田蓝天大厦的观景台享受了以下体验:
(1) 在空中漫步时,从圆形甜甜圈形状的屋顶观景台欣赏到 360 度无遮挡的美景,令人叹为观止。北边我们看到了独特的淀川和美丽的桥梁(阪神高速 11 号池田线、新十三桥(国道 176 号的新十三桥)、十三湖桥)、三条铁路轨道、新淀川桥、长柄桥和远处的山丘。西边我们看到了流入大阪湾的淀川、另外四座桥梁(包括新伝法大桥)、淡路岛、连接淡路岛和神户的明石海峡大桥以及包含六甲山的山脉。南边我们看到了梅田区的城市景观。东边我们看到了梅田区更多的城市景观,有四座非常靠近 Umeda Sky 的杰出建筑 - Grand Front Osaka Owners Tower、Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda、大阪洲际酒店和 Grand Front Osaka Tower B。
(2)有高大的金属包裹的玻璃板屋顶观景台内侧至少有8英尺(2.5米)高,以防止游客从约175米高的地方坠落到地面。然而,由于圆形屋顶观景台位于方形屋顶上,因此外侧没有相应的全长玻璃板,而是半长玻璃板;圆形的无障碍平台可以清晰地欣赏大阪的景色,也让像我这样的游客在欣赏全景的同时体验或“感受”天气。所以屋顶观景台真的很安全。
(3) 令人兴奋的是,我们看到飞机在天空中飞过,我想这些飞机是从梅田天空购物中心以北的大阪伊丹机场起飞的。
(4) 乘坐电梯到达35华氏度(约17摄氏度),可以欣赏到外面的景色,这让我感觉自己仿佛飞上了天空。
(5) 从35层到39层的这条未来主义风格的“隧道”式自动扶梯非常特别,首先,它被白色钟罩形的金属拱门包围,并用玻璃面板连接;其次,它仿佛“漂浮”在空中;第三,它被誉为日本最高的自动扶梯,即便不是世界上最高的,也是世界最高的自动扶梯之一。上下行的扶梯都呈现出一种有趣的视觉体验,明暗交替,透过相邻扶梯的玻璃面板,可以欣赏到部分被遮挡的壮丽景色,以及大阪的部分城市景观,这让我们为屋顶上更壮丽的景色做好了准备。
(6) 肚子饿了也不用担心,我们可以从 Café Sky 40 买食物和饮料,菜单包括圣代、牛角面包(用华夫饼机烤制的牛角面包)、软冰淇淋和苏打水、咖啡(自制混合咖啡和特色咖啡)、啤酒等,然后我们会把小吃和饮料送到您坐下来享用的区域,一边吃着小吃、喝着饮料,一边欣赏大阪淀川和周围环境的壮丽景色。
(7) 40楼的展览讲解了梅田天空大厦的建筑和景观
(8) 从屋顶观景台的出入口走下楼梯不远,就是一个很大的空间,游客们,尤其是朋友和情侣,可以在这里锁上心形的爱情锁……然后,既然已经到了屋顶观景台,就可以一起唱卡朋特乐队的《世界之巅》(“……是我找到的爱,自从你出现以来,你的爱让我站在了世界之巅”)。
(9) 看到道路和桥梁上人来人往,我由衷地感谢梅田天空大厦观景台,让我能够实时地看到梅田地区的热闹景象。
我不喜欢的是,首先,梅田天空大厦观景台的英文宣传册很快就售罄了;其次,我不记得看到过任何望远镜;第三,除非你打开谷歌地图,并借助玻璃墙上的“北”、“南”、“东”、“西”四个指示牌,否则你和我在屋顶观景台上看到的地标信息一无所知。最后,我不得不克服自己的预期,尽管“空中庭园”翻译为“空中花园”,但观景台里却没有任何带花草的花园。
室内封闭式观景台和室外露天观景台(Sky Walk)同时开放,不仅能带来不同的独特体验,还能根据天气情况进行调整——当室外天空舞台(Sky Stage)的风太大太冷,或者天空舞台外面下雨时,你和我可以留在室内天空画廊(Sky Gallery)。
我和我的家人在设计现代的空中庭园(Kuchu Teien)或梅田蓝天大厦(Umeda Sky Building)观景台玩得很开心。因此,梅田蓝天大厦观景台是您在大阪的“必游之地”,可以饱览市中心的全景(不同于咲洲大厦观景台(宇宙塔),那里可以俯瞰大阪湾的全景)。由于屋顶观景台风很大,建议您穿着外套,但不要戴帽子和围巾。我建议最佳参观时间是傍晚,可以欣赏日落,之后还能欣赏美丽而热闹的城市夜景。出行前请务必查看天气,因为下雨或有雾时,视野会不太好。此外,如果天气不安全且危险,观景台将不允许游客前往屋顶观景台。