Tenpozan Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels and is known as a landmark of the Osaka Bay Area.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, right next to the popular aquarium Kaiyukan, it stands at an impressive height of 112.5 meters with a diameter of 100 meters. Opened in 1997, it remains a favorite among many visitors today.

One full rotation takes about 15 minutes, and on clear days, the panoramic view stretches east to the Ikoma Mountains, north to the Rokko Mountains, west to the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge, and south to Kansai International Airport. It offers a spectacular sky journey, as if you were looking down over the entire Kansai region from above.

The Ferris wheel has a total of 60 cabins, including 3 barrier-free cabins that allow wheelchair users to ride without leaving their chairs. In addition, there are currently 4 transparent “see-through gondolas” with clear floors and ceilings, offering a thrilling experience that feels as if you are floating in midair. During the ride, audio guides in Japanese and English are available, so you can enjoy a moment of learning along with the scenery.

At night, the Ferris wheel is beautifully illuminated with LED lights, and it received the Good Design Award in 2015. As a world-first design, the lighting combines indirect and direct light to create large fireworks patterns and kaleidoscopic art, while also displaying the next day’s weather forecast through colors and movement. This stunning light show has become a signature nighttime attraction at Osaka Port and is perfect for a date or to end a day of sightseeing.

Nearby, you’ll find Kaiyukan, one of the world’s largest aquariums, Tempozan Market Place, where you can enjoy shopping and dining, as well as cafes and more, making it a great area to visit before or after riding the Ferris wheel. The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel is an essential scenic spot for sightseeing in Osaka, with different charms by day and by night.