Where to See the Best Christmas Illuminations at Umeda Sky Building + Takimi Koji Lane

The skies in Umeda are dotted with towering high rises, but one you’re sure not to miss is Umeda Sky Building, the eye-catching landmark made with Tower East and Tower West connected at the top. Chosen alongside Spain's Sagrada Família and Rome's Colosseum as one of the "Top 20 Architectural Wonders of the World" by a British magazine, this globally acclaimed architecural feat draws countless tourists from around the world.

Catch “Wonder Square”, the first floor event held this year to celebrate 30 years since the opening of Sky Building. Inside you’ll find an all-new LED mapping tree, towering at some 25 meters tall with all the trappings of about 130,000 LED lights, the first and largest of its kind in Japan. Don’t miss the show of light and sound, made with all the vibes of a full on musical that’s all its own.

If you drum up an appetite before or after checking the illuminations, swing by Takimi Koji, located inside Umeda Sky Building. This retro alleyway, reminiscent of the Showa era, is where you’ll find a full lineup of delicious eats. Spots to note include Niitaka, serving up anything from wallet-friendly bites to luxe sukiyaki and shabu-shabu made with premium cuts of Wagyu and/or Kobe Beef. There’s also Katsudon, a specialty shop serving up perfect bowls of hot pork cutlets served over a bed of rice and Dashiya Namian, a noodle joint loved for its lick-smackingly good broth and thin noodles freshly hand-cut each morning. There’s this and so many more little eateries to see, with all the best of Osaka favorites like okonomiyaki and kushikatsu skewers, Western and local fare, sweets and more.

The rooftop Floating Garden Observatory is a coveted destination, offering full panoramic view from atop the circular “Sky Walk” walkway. From here, visitors are treated to a 360° view of the buildings in Kita and Minami, the Yodo River, and even the distant mountains. This spot is open until 10:30pm in the evening (last admission at 10:00pm), allowing visitors to enjoy the stunning nighttime cityscape of Osaka. The "Sky Walk" itself is illuminated, making the entire setting truly enchanting.

Experience a Christmas at Sky Building like no other, featuring Japan's first and largest LED mapping tree—a luminous display packed with enthralling overtures and the glittering hopes and dreams for the future. Head up for the chance to indulge in sprawling, panoramic views in the evening from the Floating Garden Observatory. Then, top it all off with a trip down Takimi-Koji, a food alley that’s wall-to-wall with Showa-era retro vibes in an all-around, special day in time that you’re sure to never forget.