Osaka Science Museum, Floating Garden Observatory & Abeno Harukas

As well as a food mecca, Osaka is a famous source of innovation and new ideas in Japan. It’s the city where Panasonic was founded, as well as Nissin Foods – the company that blessed the world with instant ramen noodles.

This route begins with a taste of forward-thinking Osaka on a truly universal scale, at the Osaka Science Museum. The jewel in its crown is the world-class planetarium, which will take your breath away and is worth forking out the additional fee to enter. Find the museum 500 metres west of Higobashi Station (Y12), a stop south of Nishi-Umeda (Y11) on the Yotsubashi Line.

Once you’ve experienced its journey to outer space, it’s time to climb up into the sky again – this time at the Umeda Sky Building. Selected as one of Dorling Kindersley’s top 20 buildings around the world, it offers a 360º panorama of Osaka and beyond from its 170 m Floating Garden Observatory, and also features a traditional Japan-themed basement dining floor, cinemas, a shopping area and other entertainment to enjoy. Entry to the Floating Garden Observatory is free with your Osaka Amazing Pass, and the Umeda Sky Building is walking distance from Nishi-Umeda Station.

To experience Japan’s tallest building, the 300 m Abeno Harukas, head to Umeda (M16) and take the Midosuji Line to Tennoji (M23). Abeno Harukas is directly accessible from the station, and apart from a stunning view of Osaka, offers classy dining and shopping. For an extra splash of creativity, visit it before the Umeda Sky Building so you can enjoy the fresh and fascinating Abeno Harukas Art Museum – which provides a discount group rate to Osaka Amazing Pass holders.

©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau

OSAKA SCIENCE MUSEUM: www.sci-museum.jp/files/pdf/english.pdf
FLOATING GARDEN OBSERVATORY: www.kuchu-teien.com/english/observatory.html
ABENO HARUKAS: www.abenoharukas-300.jp/en/

FAMILY FUN

Osaka Castle, Osaka Aquarium & Tempozan Ferris Wheel