Dramatic Architecture and Views at Osaka’s Umeda Sky Building

The Umeda Sky Building has been described as a space-age version of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.

The elevator shaft can be seen on the side of the west tower (left), while high above escalators form a “v” shape across the central circle cut out of the floor of the observatory.

Skyscrapers light the Osaka skyline to the south of Umeda Sky Building.

More than two decades after completion, the building retains an aura of innovation.

Unlike most skyscrapers, there is an open platform on the rooftop.

Stairway to heaven? The view from inside the 45-meter long escalator.

The western side of the deck packed with people watching the sun set.

On the fortieth floor there are several places to enjoy something to eat and drink while taking in the view.

With no high buildings to the west, this is the best side of the observatory for viewing the sunset.