Osaka Half Day Itinerary (Shinsaibashi, The Floating Garden)

Next, head to Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s symbolic shopping street. In addition to stores specializing in big-name brands and department stores, this massive shopping street has places catering to people of all ages including America-mura, the birthplace of Osaka’s youth culture.

Go up to the Floating Garden Observatory at the top of the Umeda Sky Building which was selected as one of the Top 20 Buildings Around the World. From its cutting-edge ring-shaped observation point at the highest point of 173m, get a panoramic view of Osaka. Take your time as the sunset changes into the night sky view. There are also cafés, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the view of the city to your heart’s content.

It takes 10 minutes on foot from the Floating Garden Observatory (Umeda Sky Building) to reach JR Osaka Station. The area around the station, Umeda, is Osaka’s leading and most sophisticated shopping area. With plenty of restaurants, you can enjoy strolling there well into the evening.