HEP Five Ferris Wheel: Osaka's Red Icon
Experience breathtaking Osaka views from the iconic red HEP Five Ferris Wheel, soaring 106 meters above Umeda's vibrant cityscape.
The HEP Five Ferris Wheel is an iconic symbol of Osaka, perched atop the HEP Five shopping complex in the bustling Umeda district. Opened in 1998, it was the world's first Ferris wheel to be integrated into a building. The bright red color makes it easily recognizable amidst the surrounding skyscrapers. Rising 106 meters above ground, the Ferris wheel offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Osaka. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Mount Ikoma. At night, the city lights create a romantic atmosphere. Each of the 52 gondolas seats four people and is equipped with air conditioning, heating, and Bluetooth speakers, allowing you to personalize your ride with music. The ride lasts approximately 15 minutes. HEP Five itself is a popular shopping mall with over 170 shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities. The mall caters to a younger crowd, with many fashion retailers. Inside the main entrance is a large atrium featuring a giant red whale sculpture.
Local tips
- Visit at night for a romantic experience with dazzling city views.
- Bring your smartphone to connect to the gondola's Bluetooth speaker and play your own music.
- Combine your visit with shopping and dining at the HEP Five complex.
- Check the weather forecast for optimal visibility, especially if you want to see distant landmarks.
A brief summary to Hep Five Ferris wheel
- Kakudacho, 5−15 HEP FIVE 7F, Osaka, Kakudacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0017, JP
- +816-6366-3634
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Osaka Station, walk east for about 6 minutes to HEP Five, easily spotted by the large red Ferris wheel. Alternatively, from Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, walk south for 4 minutes. Several Osaka Metro stations are also nearby, including Umeda Station (M16), Higashi-Umeda Station (T20), and Nishi-Umeda Station. A single subway fare within the city averages ¥180-¥330.
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Walking
From the Umeda Sky Building, walk east for approximately 12 minutes to reach HEP Five. The Ferris wheel is a prominent landmark and easy to spot. No costs are involved for this approach.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available throughout Umeda. A short taxi ride from Osaka Station to HEP Five will typically cost between ¥700-¥900, depending on traffic. Note that there are no parking facilities at HEP Five.
Attractions Nearby to Hep Five Ferris wheel
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OWL
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Umeda TRAD
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Osaka Tourist Information Center
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OSAKA STATION CITY square of space-time
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Osaka Station City
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Taiyo no Hiroba (Sun Plaza) - Osaka Station City
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Taiyū-ji Temple
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Grand Front Osaka
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Tsuyuno Tenjinsya (Ohatsu Tenjin)
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Ohatsu tenjin dori
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Osaka Station 3 Building, 3,b1f
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Entsuin
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Irorimura Gallery
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Ōgimachi Park
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Kuchu Teien Observatory
