Experience the Thrills and Views of Osaka from the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Introducing Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Rising 112.5 meters tall and stretching 100 meters in diameter, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is a spectacular sight located at the Tempozan Marketplace shopping facility next to the renowned Kaiyukan aquarium. With 60 cabins in total, including three designed for easy boarding by wheelchair passengers and eight fully see-through cabins, the Ferris wheel offers a unique experience that appeals to families, couples, and friends.

As night falls, the Ferris wheel comes alive with a stunning display of LED lights, creating a magical atmosphere that has earned its recognition as a “Japan Nightscape Heritage.” The variety of light displays is truly a sight to behold, and visitors are sure to be mesmerized by the spectacle.

Tickets can be purchased on the day of or in advance through various ticket agencies. Same-day tickets are issued on paper, while advance tickets are electronic with QR codes. The following website is convenient for advance purchases!

If you’re looking for a place to grab a bite to eat or pick up some souvenirs, Tempozan Marketplace is the perfect spot. It’s also a great place to rest and relax before or after your visit to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel and Kaiyukan Aquarium. We’ll tell you more about the marketplace later in this article, so keep reading!

By the way, if you’re planning to do some sightseeing around Osaka, don’t forget to pick up the Osaka Amazing Pass or Osaka e-Pass. Both of these passes cover admission to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, making them a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city. Be sure to get one before you start your adventure!

Osaka Amazing Pass: A ticket that allows unlimited rides on trains and buses for one or two days at no extra charge and access to more than 40 major sightseeing spots.

Osaka e-Pass: A QR code that allows entry to more than 20 major sightseeing spots in Osaka.

To get to the Ferris wheel, simply walk straight from the nearest station’s, Osakako Station, Exit 1! There are several cafes and pubs along this road, and its spacious and open, so families with small children can walk together.

Head to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel!

Our Live Japan team headed straight to the Tenpozan Ferris wheel ticket counter. Although it can get crowded on weekends and holidays, our team went on a weekday and didn’t have to wait.

Don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese – guideboards at the Tempozan Ferris Wheel are available in English, Korean, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese, so you can easily understand what’s going on. Just make sure to check the operating hours before you go, since they may change depending on the season and weather.

Also, if you’re planning to visit other attractions in the area, you’ll be happy to know that tickets for the nearby Kaiyukan aquarium and sightseeing cruiser Santa Maria can be purchased at the Ferris wheel. It’s a great way to save time and see everything you want to see!

When you arrive at the Ferris wheel, you’ll see an automatic ticket vending machine next to the guideboard. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese – the machine has guides in English, Korean, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese, so it’s easy to use.

If you have trouble finding the ticket vending machine or if you want to buy tickets for Kaiyukan or Santa Maria, just head to the ticket window next door. They’ll be happy to help you out, and English service is available.

Note that see-through cabins require a wait!

When it comes to boarding the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, there are two options: the general cabin line and the more popular see-through cabin line. Just keep in mind that the see-through cabins can get pretty busy, even on weekdays, so you may have to wait a bit. When we went, we had to wait about 20 minutes for the see-through cabins, but it was totally worth it!

If you’re traveling with small children or don’t want to wait in line, you can always opt for the general cabins. They’re a great choice if you just want to enjoy the ride without worrying about the wait time. And the best part is that the fare is the same for both types of cabins, so you can choose whichever one suits you best.

This is the general cabin. The cabin itself is the same size as the see-through cabin and has many transparent areas, enabling you to enjoy the view!

Here is the see-through cabin. A see-through floor makes for a thrilling experience!

Finally, it’s time to take off on a 15-minute trip in the sky!

As soon as the doors close and you start moving, you’ll have a private and peaceful ride to the top. Even though it’s a relatively short ride, it’s surprisingly relaxing and gives you plenty of time to take in the views. In fact, each lap lasts about 15 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy your elevated experience!

The moment the doors closed, we were greeted by a soothing announcement and relaxing music. The announcement was played in both Japanese and English, so everyone could understand and enjoy the experience. It really added to the peaceful atmosphere and made the ride even more enjoyable!

It’s really cool to have a visual guide that helps you identify all the landmarks around you! By the way, the mountain in the background is Mt. Rokko, which is a famous mountain in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It’s amazing to think that you can see all the way from Osaka to Hyogo Prefecture – the view is truly breathtaking!

The Tempozan Bridge looms large in front of you. We couldn’t help but to express our approval of the beautiful, sprawling river and bridge view.

We were having a great time enjoying the stunning views from the cabin, but then we looked down and…ah! We could see right through the floor to the steel frame of the Ferris wheel. Even though we knew it was safe, it was still a little unsettling to see the ground so far below us.

But you know what? The slight swaying of the Ferris wheel actually added to the thrill of the experience. It was a reminder of just how high up we were, and made the ride even more exciting!

After getting over our initial shock, we looked ahead and saw a bunch of steel structures interlocking with each other. It was really amazing to think that all of these frames were holding up us and all of the cabins! It definitely gave us a newfound appreciation for the engineering that goes into building something like this.

As we were thinking about all the engineering that went into the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, we suddenly reached the very top! And let me tell you, the view was absolutely breathtaking. The sky was clear and blue, and you could see all the way across the Osaka cityscape. Oh, and a fun fact – that blue structure you see in the bottom right corner is actually one of the general cabins!

By this time, we had gotten used to the cabin’s transparency and even tried lifting our feet from the ground. As the seats are all see-through, this makes it seem like you’re floating!

And just like that, we had reached the end of our ride! After patiently waiting for the staff to open the door, we disembarked and took a moment to catch our breath.

All in all, it was an amazing 15-minute ride with plenty of time to take in the view, switch up our seating positions, and experience the thrill of riding in a see-through cabin. If you have the time, we highly recommend waiting for a see-through cabin and enjoying the ride to the fullest. It’s definitely an experience you won’t want to miss!

Please note that although we received special permission to take photos for this interview, no photos are allowed both when getting in and out of the cabin.

The beautiful nightscape is breathtaking!

Whether you go during the day or at night, the view from the Tempozan Ferris Wheel is simply stunning! During the day, you can enjoy crystal-clear skies and a panoramic view of Osaka’s cityscape. And at night, the view transforms into a mesmerizing nightscape that’s unique to Osaka. You can even see Universal Studios Japan and the city’s towering skyscrapers from up high – it’s a sight you won’t soon forget!

The wheel itself is illuminated at night, making it enjoyable from afar! The design changes according to the weather, enabling you to delight in its unique sparkle.

Enjoy dinner at Tempozan Marketplace

Tempozan Marketplace, where the Ferris wheel is located, is a really cool place with tons of things to see and do! It’s a complex facility that’s home to all kinds of restaurants, shops, and fun activities. There’s even a petting zoo, an indoor Lego playground, and a bunch of other family-friendly attractions!

When we were there, we decided to explore some of Osaka’s famous cuisine. And let me tell you, there were so many delicious options to choose from! You’ve got everything from a casual food court to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant to family-friendly spots and even some deep-fried kushikatsu skewers! No matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something tasty at the marketplace.

1. Hokyokusei

We couldn’t resist stopping by this amazing restaurant called “Hokkyokusei” while we were in Osaka. They’re famous for their delicious omurice – a Japanese dish that’s basically savory fried rice wrapped in a fluffy omelet blanket and topped with a yummy ketchup sauce. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

The restaurant is located in Shinsaibashi, which is a really cool area to explore in Osaka. And apparently, this place is actually responsible for creating and popularizing the omurice dish in Japan. So not only is the food amazing, but it’s also got some interesting history behind it. Definitely, a must-visit spot if you’re in Osaka!

The restaurant’s casual and simple atmosphere allows you to fully unwind and enjoy!

One of the things we loved about Hokkyokusei is that they’re super accommodating to international visitors. The menu is available in Japanese, English, Korean, and Chinese, and they even have food samples and prices displayed right at the storefront, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

When we were there, the manager was so friendly and welcoming. They told us that they get lots of foreign customers and are always happy to have new people stop by. So don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese – they’ve got you covered!

We ordered the “Taisho Omelet Rice” (1,480 yen), an item only available here. You can choose from either a chicken or mushroom omelet rice dish topped with two large pieces of fried shrimp and tartar sauce! This is a hefty meal that’s sure to satisfy.

The perfect combination of fluffy, thinly fried egg and ketchup rice is sure to captivate people all over the world. We recommend mixing the rich ketchup sauce with the rice. The crispy fried shrimp is also delicious. This is a dish for all ages!

2. Aizuya

If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, there’s one dish you absolutely can’t miss: takoyaki! These are little balls of deep-fried batter with pieces of savory octopus inside – they’re so delicious!

And the best part is, you can try them right at Tempozan Marketplace. There’s this place called “Aizuya” that’s actually known as the birthplace of takoyaki in Osaka! And get this – they serve their takoyaki without any sauce. It might sound a little strange, but trust us, it’s definitely worth a try.

At the storefront, delicious looking takoyaki are grilled one after another, whetting the appetite. The staff’s deftness while cooking makes you want to capture it on video.

Our first recommendation is the standard takoyaki (20 pieces, 1,000 yen). In addition to the crispy outer texture, the soft and fluffy hot dough flavored with broth is addictingly melty. What’s more, the bite-sized portions make it the perfect snack!

Here you’ll also find an assortment of different flavors! Everything is written in both Japanese and English, and there’s a menu with pictures at the counter, making ordering easy.

Enjoy a fun time at Naniwa Kushinbo Yokocho!

If you’re a foodie, you absolutely have to check out the Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho area. It’s this really cool spot in Osaka where tons of amazing restaurants are all gathered in one place.

But it’s not just about the food – there are also all kinds of fun gimmicks and attractions to enjoy. It’s definitely a must-see spot for anyone who wants to experience the best of Osaka’s culinary and cultural scenes.

The downtown area of Osaka in the 1970s has been recreated, allowing visitors to relive the energetic atmosphere of that time.

The mascot character “Ebessan” is said to bring happiness if you touch the soles of his feet. Please try this out for yourself!

A dog relaxes with its back turned in a dog house with the nameplate, “Tetsu.” On the side of the dog house, a note warns, “Beware of rabid dogs!” If you decide to ignore this note and give the pup a pet, you might be greeted with a cautionary growl.

Many such gimmicks can be enjoyed while strolling the area. Admission is free, so please stop by!

The area also has several stores that sell souvenirs, daily commodities, and more. We recommend exploring and enjoying the variety of food and shopping opportunities. Furthermore, guide maps are available in English, Korean, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese!

Other enjoyable sights in the Tempozan Ferris Wheel area

Here we’ve introduced the sightseeing spots around the Ferris wheel and Tempozan Marketplace! Please spare some time and make memories near Osaka Bay.

Kaiyukan

Photo: PIXTA

This is one of the largest aquariums in the world. There are many attractions and large tanks where you can watch whale sharks swim, penguins, dolphins, seals, and more!

Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria

Photo: PIXTA

This sightseeing cruise ship departs from Tempozan Harbor Village, Kaiyukan, and Nishi Hatoba, taking its passengers around the Port of Osaka. You can enjoy the unique scenery of Osaka Port, such as large bridges and container docks, while feeling the ocean breeze.

Hotel Seagull Tempozan Osaka

The hotel is located a three-minute walk from the Ferris wheel and Kaiyukan. All rooms face the ocean, enabling you to the enjoy unique seaside scenery. It’s also a mere ten-minute ferry ride to Universal Studios Japan!

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels with see-through cabins. You can enjoy the scenery during the daytime or allow yourself to be enchanted by the nighttime view. With Kaiyukan and other attractive spots in the vicinity, it’s a must-see on a trip to Osaka! Be sure to take in the rich scenery unique to Osaka Port.

*The information in this article is from March 2023. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Written by:

WESTPLAN

Kiko Matsuda, Keiko Kimura, Risa Tsuji, and a team of female writers familiar with Kansai. We love eating, drinking and traveling! We share fun information based on our experiences.