Harukas 300 - Osaka, Japan

AsiaTravel

Jan 29

Written By Anne

Abeno Harukas rises 300 metres above the city and held the title of Japan’s tallest skyscraper until 2023. Located right next to Tennoji Station, the building is more than just an observation point—it’s a full complex with a department store, art museum, hotel, restaurants, cafés, and its well-known observation deck, Harukas 300.

I had just come back from visiting the Mozu Tombs and hadn’t originally planned to stop here. But since I was already in the area and looking for a place to grab lunch, it felt like the perfect opportunity to check out one of the tallest buildings in Japan while I was at it.

Inside, I noticed signage pointing out that this observation deck ranks among the tallest in the country, with Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower taking the top spots. I made my way to the elevator, which takes you directly up to the observatory entrance around the 58th floor. The ride itself was part of the experience—the elevator shaft was brightly lit with changing colours, adding a bit of anticipation as you ascend.

Once I reached the top, I realized the observation area spans three floors. The entire space is enclosed in glass, offering unobstructed views in every direction, along with an open-air atrium and a café. With the sun shining through, it actually felt a bit warmer than I expected up there.

I started on the 60th floor, taking in the full panoramic view of Osaka. From this height, you can easily spot landmarks like Tsutenkaku Tower, along with the dense urban sprawl stretching out in all directions. There are also sections with glass flooring where you can look straight down—definitely not for anyone uneasy with heights.

What I appreciated most was the number of seating areas scattered throughout the space. It wasn’t just a quick “take a photo and leave” kind of place—you could actually sit down, slow things down a bit, and watch the city from above.

I eventually made my way down to the 58th floor, where the café and a small garden area are located. I found a bench and sat there for a while, just taking in the view and enjoying a quieter moment above the city.

After spending some time up there, I headed back down to the lower floors to finally grab lunch at one of the restaurants. It turned into a spontaneous stop that fit perfectly into the day—an easy add-on that gave me a completely different perspective of Osaka.

History & Background

Abeno Harukas opened in 2014 and quickly became a defining feature of Osaka’s skyline. At 300 metres tall, it was the tallest building in Japan until surpassed by newer developments in 2023.

The name “Harukas” comes from an old Japanese expression meaning “to brighten” or “to clear up,” reflecting the building’s goal of offering expansive views and a sense of openness. Harukas 300, its observation deck, has since become one of the most popular viewpoints in Osaka.

Getting There

Abeno Harukas is directly connected to Tennoji Station, one of Osaka’s major transport hubs. The station is served by multiple lines, including the JR Osaka Loop Line, Yamatoji Line, and Osaka Metro lines, making it easily accessible from most parts of the city.

From Tennoji Station, visitors can follow signs within the station complex to reach the building. The observation deck entrance is located on the upper floors, accessible via dedicated high-speed elevators.