The Umeda Sky Building in Osaka.
I must have climbed 1,600 steps in Italy during my vacation last June. Tower, after tower, after tower. And these aren’t the modern towers that grace the skylines across the world from Seattle to Toronto, Toronto to Dubai, Dubai to Kualu Lumpur. These were towers built in Medici times with winding stairs. I imagine that the people who had to ring the bells every day in them had to have powerful legs. Yet, despite the arduous climb that they had to make every day, I’m sure that when they reached the top and felt on top of the world, they forgot all about what it took to get there. At least that is how I felt and how I feel every time I see a view of a town or city from it’s highest point.
In Osaka, Japan, the Umeda Sky Building (Umeda Sikai Biru) may not be the tallest, but it is easily one of the city’s most recognized landmarks. It consists of two buildings that are inter-linked by an escalator and a bridge. Going up the 40-story building is a fun experience of it’s own as the fast moving elevator takes you to an open-air escalator. The views from the escalator are amazing. The higher we reached, the more of the cityscape opened up.
The garden viewing observatory at the top gives you a panoramic, 360 degree view of the entire city. Until seeing for myself, I had no idea that Osaka had some many bridges. As you stand on top of the world, you can’t… well at least I can’t, help but marvel at life and the things I’m seeing. An entire landscape in front of my eyes, in a city that you probably couldn’t have told me I’d be in four years ago. Another sunset, another memory to hold forever.
Sunset view from a window inside the Umeda Sky Building.
Going up the open-air escalator
Sitting in my window to the world.
A view of Osaka's cityscape.
Sunsey from Umeda Sky Building.
Love locks at the observatory.
The Umeda Sky Building
Couple get a nice, cozy view of the city.
Umeda Sky Building at dusk.
Window to the world.
If you enjoyed these pictures, let me know by clicking that lovely “like” button. View more pictures from Osaka and Kyoto by going to my Facebook fan page, www.facebook.com/scenewithahart
Arigato!
