HEP 5 Ferris Wheel
The HEP 5 ferris wheel is an iconic Umeda landmark and a cool way to get great views of Osaka and neighboring Kobe. A 500 yen (US$4.50) ticket is all it costs to take a spin. Employees will take photos before entering the ride, but they’re not mandatory to purchase at the end. Plug in a phone to listen to music while hunting for some Osaka classics, like Osaka Castle, on the horizon. Be careful about who you ride with. Rumor has it that riding with a significant other will doom the relationship forever.
Umeda Sky Building
Another Osaka institution is the Umeda Sky Building. Go up to the 40th floor to access some of the best views of Kansai. If you’re brave enough, go outside to walk around the circular walkway on the roof. Those 360 degree views are spectacular but you’ll be 170 meters in the air so be careful. At night the pathways light up to look like a bright galaxy. There are heart shaped padlocks for a 1,000 yen (US$9) to lock on to the viewing platform that will symbolize your relationship forever. Inside the lobby there are plenty of chairs to get cozy in with a friend or a date, perfect for checking out the sunset over the city. For those wanting a view with their meal, there is a Chinese restaurant, a fancy bar, and a small cafe.
Grand Front mall
The Grand Front shopping complex took years to build, but it added a touch of glamour to Umeda and transformed the area into a shopping destination. Check out one of the many upscale restaurants on the 6th floor of the North building. Set up like a fancy food court, this is where the youth of Japan come to eat and drink. Go back to the South building for some shopping at well-known stores like Steve Alan, Montbell, and Bag ‘n’ Noun. Don’t skip the Umekita basement area for some seriously good gelato at Bar & Gelateria Raffinato.
Takonotestu
Try Osaka’s favorite food at Takonotetsu, a DIY takoyaki restaurant. Anthony Bourdain made this place famous after it featured on his show No Reservations. It’s been years, but Bourdain fans are still giving this place steady business. There are a few varieties, but the shiso cheese version is particularly yummy. Don’t be worried if you can’t get that perfect twirling action just right. Staff are waiting nearby to help the takoyaki challenged.
Nakazakicho
Nakazakicho is a Japanese hipster paradise. One of the only neighborhoods in Osaka spared from WWII bombing, this area was mostly rundown and ignored until around 10 years ago. Slowly, the traditional buildings were renovated and trendy cafes and shops moved in. Nakazakicho is a dream for vintage lovers. This is one of the only areas in Osaka to have multiple fantastic vintage clothing and furniture stores. This is the perfect place to pick up a unique Japanese souvenir for that picky friend back home.
Pokemon Center
On the 13th floor of the Umeda Daimaru Department Store is a magical land for children and grown up kids alike. Every conceivable bit of Pokemon swag can be found in this store, from plushies, to school supplies, to baby onesies so you can dress the next generation of Pokemon lovers like your favorite pocket monster. For parents wanting a break from all the fun, head over to the nearby Uniqulo or one of several coffee shops on the same floor. Also popular are Pokemon Events for the franchises hand-held video games in which you can acquire rare Pokemon. Make sure to drop by and catch ’em all!