Shop for high-fashion and up-and-coming brands, admire art in a modern setting and photograph striking views from Japan's tallest skyscraper.
Abeno Harukas, also known as the Abenobashi Tower, is the reflective, right-angled pride of Osaka's central business district. When it was completed in 2010, it was Japan’s highest skyscraper, rising over 984 feet (300 metres). Within this staggered-level, soaring construction, you can find one of Japan’s largest department stores, fantastic dining options, a celebrated art gallery and several terrace lookouts from which you can truly appreciate Osaka's urban sprawl.
Ready yourself for a shopping spree at the Kintetsu Department Store. This shopping complex covers several floors across the Tower and Wing buildings. Find high-fashion brands, interior design goods and three floors dedicated to restaurants in the ultra-modern Tower building. Then scour the rails of the Wing section for trendy clothing and sporting brands and browse bestsellers in the book shops.
Ascend to the 16th floor to check out the art on show at the Abeno Harukas Art Museum. This museum hosts temporary exhibitions, which rotate throughout the year. Get a breath of fresh air at the garden terrace next door, which offers commanding views of Osaka’s central business district.
Take an elevator up 60 floors to reach the Harukas 300 observatory. The name Harukas translates to mean "to brighten," and the space encompasses the 58th, 59th and 60th floors, all of which are connected by an inner courtyard that extends up between the levels. For a fee you can access the roof level, where a glass-enclosed deck offers panoramic views onto the silver city below.
Afterward, head back downstairs to the 58th floor and order a drink or a meal at Sky Garden 300.
Abeno Harukas is located in Abenosuji Itchome. Get there by taking the metro to the Abenobashi Station, which runs directly into the building basement or ride intercity trains to Tennoji Station across the road.
