Kuchu Teien Observatory at Umeda Sky Building, one of Osaka's landmark viewpoints in Umeda, sits 173 meters above the city. Through August 31, the popular observation deck is hosting a summer-only installation called "Sky Sunflower Garden 空に咲くひまわりの庭."
Beneath the blue summer sky, the observatory's indoor floor is filled with vivid yellow sunflowers, creating the feel of a sunflower field close to the sky. Even in the middle of the city, visitors can enjoy an open, airy stroll through the display.
The air-conditioned indoor observation floor offers a comfortable place to take in the view and the seasonal decor, while the rooftop "Lumi Sky Walk" lets visitors feel the wind blowing across the observatory 173 meters up -- a summer-only way to experience the view.
A Circular Window Photo Spot Framed in Sunflowers
One of the observatory's signature features, its circular-window photo spot, gets a seasonal update this summer.
Visitors can take photos surrounded by sunflowers with the Osaka skyline framed in the window behind them -- a summer-only setup. The scene changes throughout the day: a fresh contrast against the blue sky at midday, and a softer mood wrapped in gentle light in the evening.
More Ways to Capture the Season
Beyond the sunflower-framed window, the view through the observatory's windows and the natural light across the floor make for good photos too. The wide-open sky and skyline fill the view, with sunflower-style decoration in the foreground -- a setting unique to the observatory that suits both keepsake photos and everyday snapshots, whether visiting with family and friends or taking in the view solo.
A Summer-Only Sunflower Parfait and Soda Float
Taking in the view over a relaxed cafe break is one of the pleasures of visiting Kuchu Teien Observatory. On the same floor, cafe SKY 40 is serving a sunflower-themed parfait for a limited time (¥1,500), with mango sauce and fruit for a refreshing taste and sunflower-inspired decoration for a summer-only treat.
The observatory's popular Pop Soda Float (¥700) is also worth trying, its range of bright colors resembling a rainbow across the sky. Photographed against the view 173 meters up, it makes for a memorable shot of summer. After taking in the view from the rooftop floor, visitors can cool off with a relaxed cafe break overlooking the scenery.
A Summer-Design Heart Lock, Available Same Day
The observatory's popular original Heart Lock now comes in a summer-only design. The sunflower-inspired lock is available in two colors, yellow and orange, so visitors can choose the shade that suits them.
A lock purchased on-site can be engraved with a date and name (in English letters only) right away. The Heart Lock is normally sold through advance reservation, but the summer design can be purchased same-day, making it easy to mark an anniversary or a memory with family or friends.
From Blue Skies to City Lights
The observatory's view changes with the time of day: a contrast of blue sky and sunflowers at midday, a sky that turns red at dusk, and by night, Osaka's skyline lit up in lights.
Watching the view shift over the course of the day is one of the pleasures of a visit -- the observatory offers 360-degree views that take on a different character depending on the time.
About Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building connects two towers at their upper floors, including the rooftop, in a distinctive shape -- the world's first connected high-rise structure of its kind.
Standing within a landscape where the city and nature meet across the four seasons, Umeda Sky Building was ranked among the world's top 20 buildings in 2008, alongside historic structures such as the Sagrada Familia and the Parthenon, and drew international attention after being featured in the British newspaper The Times.
At 173 meters above ground, the open-air observatory lets visitors feel the wind while taking in 360-degree views, including the sun setting over the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the sparkling night skyline of high-rise buildings -- a different scene depending on the time of day.
Event Details
Venue: Kuchu Teien Observatory, 40th-floor indoor observation floor
Period: Friday, July 3 to Monday, August 31, 2026
Hours: 9:30 AM to 10:30 PM (last entry 10:00 PM)
Admission: Junior high school students and up: ¥2,000 / Ages 4 through elementary school: ¥500
