The Umeda Sky Building in Osaka is bringing back its Christmas celebrations this year with plenty of activities to put you in the festive spirit. Head up to the Kuchu Teien Observatory, where the panoramic views of the city won’t be the first thing that catches your eye.
The 40th-floor space will have an installation called White Forest and Forest of Light, featuring an entire room filled with luminescent white Christmas trees. Life-size animal cutouts of bears, deer and foxes stand in between the trees, making this otherworldly forest come to life. You’ll also see trees stuck to the ceiling like magical stalactites.
In another room, you’ll find colourful paper lanterns with artworks of animals, too. They are crafted by Japanese kiri-e (paper cutout) artist Teppei Hayakawa, who also worked on the Umeda Sky Building’s Christmas extravaganza last year.
For a more private experience, you can book a 90-minute indoor glamping session high in the sky. Inside your tent decked out with cozy furniture and dim lights, you can play games, watch movies and even enjoy a special dessert.
The day-time glamping deal (¥6,600 for two, ¥9,300 for three) comes with a Christmas ornament and your choice of soda float for each person, and is only available for three sessions per day. The evening glamping option (from ¥5,500 for two) also comes with a Christmas ornament, as well as a special dessert plate, and is only available four times per day. Both options also include entry to the Umeda Sky Building’s outdoor observation deck, plus a heart-shaped lock to attach to the special Love Lock panel.
If you post any picture taken at the building on Instagram with the hashtag #うめそらクリスマス between November 19 and December 31, you’ll go into the draw to win prizes like a ¥18,000 dinner or exclusive merchandise. Speaking of dinner, many restaurants in the building will be offering exclusive Christmas-themed dishes and desserts, too.
And before you head home, don’t forget to visit the 27m-tall Christmas tree – one of the world’s largest – set up at Shin Umeda City Wonder Square at the base of the building. The dazzling tree is covered in 100,000 lights.
The White Forest and Forest of Light installation will be open from November 19 to December 25, while the indoor glamping will be available until December 26. The exhibit is open from 9.30am to 10.30pm (last entry 10pm) daily, and entry costs ¥1,500 (children ¥700) per person. Visit Umeda Sky Building website for more information.
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