Smack dab in Osaka’s downtown core, the 62-story Harukas 300 has snagged the title of Japan’s tallest skyscraper until 2023. Today, this 300-meter observatory boasts some of the most amazing sunset views over Osaka, as well as housing a department store, a hotel, and even a museum inside.
Going beyond the unobstructed vista, Harukas plays host to a range of wonderful pastime activities. From riding the heliport to tying your lifeline and dodging the fear of height, you name it.
How To Get To Harukas 300?
- ADDR: 58th–60th Floors, Abeno Harukas, 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka City
- Web: Official Website
It’s very easy to get there by subway to the Tennoji Station which is just two minutes walking away.
Navigate to the 16th floor to find the entry. The on-site ticket counter is also located here if you haven’t obtained online tickets earlier. Once it’s ready, scan your QR Code at the entry gate and walk in. You’ll soon find an elevator that fetches you to the 60th floor.
On-site tickets cost JPY 2000 which is roughly equal to online rates. However, online tickets grant you a skip-the-line privilege that saves you lots of time from queuing.
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Soak Up The Sweeping Wrap-Around Vista
Get ready for an elevator ride like no other! This futuristic lift swiftly carried us up to the 60th floor, reaching a height of 288 meters. Once there, you’re treated to breathtaking 360º views of Osaka through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows on all sides of the building.
From this vantage point, you can see every landmark in Osaka, including the majestic castle, the bustling bay, nearby temples and parks, distant mountains, and the intricate network of highways crisscrossing Japan’s third-largest city, home to nearly three million residents.
When the sun is out, they project futuristic light shows on the glass walls. The effects change constantly. Some of them look like a snowy sky which is then shifted to clouds and fireworks.
There’s one thing I adore about the atmosphere inside the observatory. That’s the way they keep it low-lit so your view is not distracted by the LED illumination.
Stand On Top Of The World At HARUKAS Heliport
At an extra JPY 1500, you can sign up for a heliport tour that lasts half an hour. Work your way to the rooftop via a staircase and immerse in an experience like no other observing view all around you without glass. Due to its sensitive location, you’ve gotta sign a form that requires you to go over all the safety rules before getting in. Some personal belongings must be left behind at the lockers but you can bring your camera with you.
No reservation is accepted for the heliport tour so you’ve gotta ask for it at the counter on the 60th floor and leave your name on the registration form.
Overcome Your Fear With Edge The Harukas
Unlike simply gazing out from behind the glass at an observation deck, Edge The Harukas offers a more thrilling experience. Here, you’ll put on a windproof jacket and secure yourself with a lifeline to venture into the open-air observation area. For the brave at heart, there’s the option to lean back and stretch out over the edge of the deck. This daring adventure isn’t for the faint of heart, especially if you’re afraid of heights.
Touch Kuchu Teien Fireworks
Kuchu Teien Fireworks is a show brought to you by FIREWORKS BY NAKED. This is an inventive concept using kaleidoscopes to project a colorful firework show on a 16-meter wall named the “Twin Tower”.
The best part? It’s so immersive that allows you to engage in this one-of-a-kind mapping technology. When touched, the screen bursts into a colorful artistic display.
Final Words: Is HARUKAS 300 Worth Visiting?
Osaka is no short of observatories but HARUKAS 300 truly stands out from the crowd. This, along with the Umeda Sky Building, are two of my favorites when it comes to view-hunting. HARUKAS 300 sets the tone for an inventive project that combines emotional art display with top-tier technology. On top of that, the affordable ticket is another big bonus that allows you to soak up the harbor and city view.
Everything You Need to Know about Osaka
Explore more of our adventures around Osaka:
- Travel Guide: A Pocket Osaka Travel Guide
- Attractions: Top 15 Things To Do In Osaka
- Food: Ultimate Osaka Food Guide
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