Neighbourhood in Kita Ward, Osaka
Umeda
梅田
Osaka's northern hub around Osaka and Umeda stations, with department stores, underground malls, rooftop views and a few surprising old corners.
- places to see
- 4
- walk past the highlights
- 2.0 km
- Osaka
- Kita Ward, Osaka
Photo: Martin Falbisoner (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
Umeda is the big commercial and business district around Osaka's northern rail terminals, Osaka Station and Umeda Station. The name means "plum field". Locals call the wider area Kita (north), as opposed to Minami (south) around Namba and Dotonbori.
The Umeda Sky Building is one of Osaka's most recognisable landmarks, and its rooftop deck is the best free-standing view in the area. Below street level, a maze of underground malls links the stations and department stores. More of the ward is in our Kita, Osaka guide.
Don't miss in Umeda
Start with these, then wander the side streets.
1. Umeda Sky Building
梅田スカイビルTwin towers joined at the top by the Floating Garden Observatory. Go at sunset for the best city views.
Photo: Kakidai (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
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2. Tsuyu no Tenjinsha (Ohatsu Tenjin)
露天神社Old shrine hidden among office blocks, linked to a famous Bunraku love-suicide play. Popular with couples.
Photo: I, KENPEI (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 3.0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
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3. HEP FIVE
HEP FIVEShopping building with a red Ferris wheel on the roof, easy to spot from the station.
Photo: Mc681 (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
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4. Grand Front Osaka
グランフロント大阪Big shops-and-restaurants complex right next to Osaka Station, with rooftop gardens.
Photo: Mc681 (opens in a new tab), CC BY-SA 4.0 (opens in a new tab), from Wikimedia Commons
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Walk Umeda in order
The highlights as one easy walk, about 2.0 km in all.
Stop 1
Umeda Sky Building
Start here
Stop 2
Grand Front Osaka
7 min walk
Stop 3
HEP FIVE
10 min walk
Stop 4
Tsuyu no Tenjinsha (Ohatsu Tenjin)
9 min walk
Umeda on the map
Every place on this page. Tap a pin for directions.
Questions
Is Umeda or Namba better to stay in?
Umeda is better for day trips by JR to Kyoto, Kobe and Nara. Namba is better for food and nightlife.
Are Osaka Station and Umeda Station the same?
They are different stations for different lines (JR, Hankyu, Hanshin and the subway) but are connected on foot through the Umeda area.
Sources
We checked the facts on this page against these sources.
More areas in Osaka
- Osaka CastleOsaka's great castle on its stone walls and moats, set in a huge park with a shrine to its builder and a city history museum next door.
- DotonboriOsaka's neon-lit canal street in Namba, packed with giant signboards, takoyaki stands and restaurants from late morning until late at night.
- ShinsekaiA retro corner of south Osaka built in 1912 around Tsutenkaku Tower, now known for kushikatsu, colourful signs and an old-school atmosphere.
