HEP FIVE

“HEP” stands for “Hankyu Entertainment Park”, where “entertainment” has both meanings; “entertainment” as well as “hospitality”. It was founded in November 1998 aiming to create a place where we serve hospitality which makes people want to visit again and again. When the bright red ferris wheel first appeared in the middle of the city, it became a hot topic because it was the world’s first ferris wheel which is a part of the building and equipped with air conditioning. Since then, it became a landmark of Umeda.

There is a whale sculpture, created by artist Tatuya Ishii, that is suspended in the stairwell at the entrance and can be seen at close range from the escalator of the upper floors. There are about 170 stores popular among the younger generation, including casual restaurants and fashion boutiques, and there is HEP HALL on the top floor, where music and drama performances are held on the stage.

The ferris wheel, which offers a panoramic view of Osaka City, has been popular ever since its opening. A ride costs 600 yen and is free for children under the age of five. And commemorative photos are popular among couples, friends, families, and tourists of all ages, which cost 1,000 yen apiece.

There are four private nursing rooms on the 4th floor, and they are equipped with purified water dispensers for making baby formulas. There are also gender-neutral bathrooms with baby beds that can be used as a diaper changing stations, as well as free rental strollers.