Abeno Harukas: Super High-Rise Complex Building Boasting Japan's Greatest Height

Japan's Tallest Building

Abeno Harukas is a 300-meter, 60-story super high-rise building rising over the Tennoji-Abeno district of Abeno Ward, Osaka. It fully opened in March 2014 and was, at completion, the tallest building in Japan. A complex facility combining department store, hotel, art museum, offices, and an observation deck, it houses the main store of Kintetsu Department Store and the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel.

Harukas 300 Observation Deck

The "Harukas 300" observation deck on floors 58 to 60 has all-glass walls, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the Osaka Plain from about 300 meters above ground. On clear days you can see as far as Mount Ikoma, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Awaji Island, and toward Kyoto. The outdoor "Sky Garden" lets you take in the view while feeling the wind, and the night views are exceptionally beautiful.

Abeno Harukas Art Museum

The Abeno Harukas Art Museum on the 16th floor holds several special exhibitions each year, serving as a hub for art and culture. Exhibitions of prominent domestic and international artists are held regularly, making it easy to combine art viewing with shopping.

Practical Travel Notes

• Location: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka
• Access: Directly connected to Kintetsu Osaka-Abenobashi Station; about a 5-minute walk from Tennoji Station (JR and Osaka Metro)
• Observation deck hours: 9:00 to 22:00 (last entry 21:30; may vary by season and events)
• Observation deck admission: 2,000 yen for adults (same-day ticket; student and child rates available). Tickets are sold at the counter on the 16th floor
• Suggested time: about 1 hour for the deck alone, or half a day including the department store and museum

Buy your ticket on the 16th floor, then take the elevator straight up to the 60th floor. Having an advance or online ticket ready helps you enter smoothly during busy times. Late afternoon into evening is a popular window, letting you enjoy both the changing colors of the sky around sunset and the night view; window spots fill up early. The deck, the museum, and the department store are all inside the same building, so it stays comfortable even on rainy days. Shitennoji Temple, Tennoji Zoo, Tennoji Park, and the Shinsekai-Tsutenkaku area are all within walking distance.

Abeno-Tennoji Area

The autumn and winter months, with their clear air, offer the sharpest long-distance views. To avoid crowds, visit right after opening or on a weekday. Because the museum keeps different hours from the deck, check the exhibition dates in advance if you plan to see both. The surrounding Tennoji-Abeno district is full of old shopping streets and local food, letting you pair the landmark tower views with a taste of downtown Osaka.

📚 Sources

This article is based on facility guidance for Abeno Harukas (300 meters tall, 60 floors), the Harukas 300 observatory, the Abeno Harukas Art Museum and the Kintetsu Department Store main store, and tourism information for Osaka City. It also draws on guidance for the Tennoji and Abeno area. The observatory's hours and admission and the museum's exhibition dates may change, so please confirm with official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About an hour for the observatory alone, or half a day with the department store and museum.
• How to get around: Buy observatory tickets on the 16th floor, then take the elevator to the 60th.
• Access: Directly connected to Osaka-Abenobashi Station (Kintetsu); about a 5 minute walk from Tennoji Station (JR and Osaka Metro).
• Ticket prep: Advance or online tickets make for a smooth entry even when busy.
• Best timing: Around sunset is a popular slot with both the changing sky colors and the night view.
• Also enjoy: Shitennoji, Tennoji Park and Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku are scattered within walking distance.