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Amid the bustling business district of Umeda in northern Osaka, one structure immediately stands out: the Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル, Umeda Sukai Biru). With its futuristic design, sweeping city views, and romantic ambiance, this landmark has become one of Osaka’s most recognizable modern icons.

The highlight of any visit is the observatory, located on the 39th floor and rooftop. From here, you can take in a 360-degree view of Osaka—skyscrapers, rivers, and, on clear days, even Awaji Island in the distance. At night, the city transforms into a sea of twinkling lights, making it a favorite spot for couples and photographers.

Reaching the observatory is an adventure in itself. Glass-enclosed escalators carry visitors between the towers at dizzying heights, giving the sensation of floating through the air before arriving at the top. Unlike Osaka Castle, which connects visitors to Japan’s feudal past, the Umeda Sky Building embodies the city’s forward-looking spirit. It represents Osaka as a hub of business, culture, and design. For many travelers, it’s a reminder that the city is not just about tradition and food—it’s also a place where innovation shapes the skyline.

If Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen, then Shinsekai (新世界, “New World”) is its nostalgic living room—bright, quirky, and brimming with character. Built in 1912 and inspired by both Paris and New York, Shinsekai was once envisioned as a futuristic entertainment district. Today, it feels more like stepping into a retro carnival, where neon lights, giant billboards of pufferfish and kushikatsu skewers, and old-fashioned shops transport you to another era. At the heart of it all stands the neighborhood’s icon: Tsutenkaku Tower (通天閣).

I stood at the entrance of the Tsutenkaku Tower Slide, staring at the clear tube that spiraled down the side of the tower. From below, it looked exciting, but standing there with the city spread out beneath me, I suddenly felt the butterflies in my stomach. A staff member handed me a mat and helmet, and before I could second-guess myself, I slid into the starting point. When I landed at the bottom, I couldn’t stop smiling. My heart was racing, my legs a little shaky, but all I could think was: "Wow I'm still alive! Haha."

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We visited Osaka Castle in the late morning, and the heat was absolutely scorching. After exploring the castle, we headed to Uniqlo to pick up some Airism t-shirts to cool down, then had lunch at the same department store where we bought the clothes.

Fried pork loin with rice and cold soba

After lunch, we continued our day on foot, visiting Isshin-ji Temple, Horikoshi Jinja, and Tsutenkaku.

After we finished sightseeing, we headed back to the hotel to get ready to meet my Japanese friend— someone I hadn’t seen in 16 years, since our high school days in New Zealand.