Tower of the Sun Osaka
A colossal, surreal sculpture by Taro Okamoto, built for Expo '70, offering a unique interior art experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Tower of the Sun Osaka
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A colossal, surreal sculpture by Taro Okamoto, built for Expo '70, offering a unique interior art experience.
"A surreal masterpiece by Taro Okamoto, the Tower of the Sun is a must-see for its unique art and history."
🎟️ Book Interior Tours Online
Interior tours are popular and require advance booking. Check the official website for registration details.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking in the park, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tower of the Sun Exterior
Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Marvel at this colossal, surreal sculpture, a symbol of the 1970 World's Fair, with its striking design and vibrant colors.
Interior Museum Tour
Inside the Tower of the Sun
Journey inside the tower to discover the 'Tree of Life' and immerse yourself in Taro Okamoto's artistic vision.
Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Osaka
Wander through lush gardens, visit museums, and enjoy recreational spaces in this vast park that hosted the 1970 World Expo.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tower of the Sun Tour in Advance
Explore Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Interior Tours Online
Interior tours are popular and require advance booking. Check the official website for registration details.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking in the park, so comfortable footwear is a must.
☀️ Visit on a Clear Day
The Tower of the Sun is best appreciated under a clear sky for optimal viewing and photography.
🗺️ Use Japanese for Maps
For precise navigation to Shubodai (秀望台), use the Japanese name on Google Maps.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Interior Tours Online
Interior tours are popular and require advance booking. Check the official website for registration details.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking in the park, so comfortable footwear is a must.
☀️ Visit on a Clear Day
The Tower of the Sun is best appreciated under a clear sky for optimal viewing and photography.
🗺️ Use Japanese for Maps
For precise navigation to Shubodai (秀望台), use the Japanese name on Google Maps.
💡 Consider the Osaka Amazing Pass
If visiting multiple attractions, this pass can offer great value for entry and transport. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Tower of the Sun's unique and surreal design, a true icon of the 1970 World's Fair. The interior tour, though requiring advance booking, is highly praised for its artistic depth and the impressive 'Tree of Life' sculpture. The surrounding park offers a pleasant escape with ample space to explore.
"If you're planning a trip to Osaka during Expo 2025, make sure to carve out time for a visit to the Tower of the Sun in Expo ’70 Commemorative Park. Designed by avant-garde artist Tarō Okamoto for the original Expo ’70, this 70-meter-tall sculpture is more than just a landmark—it’s a powerful symbol of Japan’s artistic and cultural legacy.
The tower features three distinct faces:
- The Golden Mask at the top represents the future.
- The Face of the Sun on the front symbolizes the present.
- The Black Sun on the back reflects the past.
Whether you're an art lover, history buff, or just looking for a photogenic spot with depth, the Tower of the Sun delivers. With Expo 2025 reigniting interest in Osaka’s visionary spirit, there’s no better time to visit this iconic monument."
ken koukun
"As one of Osaka’s most iconic landmarks, the structure was admired for its bold design and powerful symbolism. The towering presence was felt immediately upon arrival, and the intricate interior exhibition was experienced with fascination. Insight into artist Taro Okamoto’s vision was provided, deepening the appreciation of its historical and cultural significance. The surrounding Expo ’70 Commemorative Park was beautifully maintained, offering a peaceful and scenic setting for exploration. A meaningful encounter with art, history, and nature was thoroughly enjoyed."
.......
"The tower is well worth visit, and I’d recommend you to go inside - there was an exhibition related to evolution of species, which honestly didn’t impress me a lot, just figures of animals like in a children amusement park, standing on branches of the tree of evolution. You go up and around them, ascending from prehistoric to current times. BUT! Upstairs, you also have an inside view of both hands of the tower, it was very impressive, very futuristic and cosmic in a sense. Like you are inside of some alien spacecraft. Highly recommend!
We went on Monday afternoon and waited 1 and half hour to go inside, because slots were full. You don’t need to wait a lot in a queue, it’s just slots are for later time, we bought tickets on the spot and went for a walk before returning back for our slot time. The park is beautiful, there is a lot to see! So it didn’t feel like wasting time at all"
Katerina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tower of the Sun is located in Expo '70 Commemorative Park. You can reach it via public transport. Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line to Ishibashi handai-mae Station, then transfer to the Osaka Monorail and alight at Expo Kinen Koen Station. Alternatively, from Umeda, you can take the Hankyu Line to Hotarugaike and transfer to the Monorail.
Yes, Expo '70 Commemorative Park has several parking lots available. Fees apply, and it's advisable to check the park's official website for current rates and availability.
The Osaka Amazing Pass covers subway and bus travel within Osaka, which can help you reach the park. However, the pass itself does not include entry to the Tower of the Sun's interior museum. +1
For precise navigation to Shubodai, which offers scenic views, it's recommended to use the Japanese name '秀望台' on map applications as it may not appear with English search terms.
Yes, the closest station is Expo Kinen Koen Station on the Osaka Monorail line, which provides direct access to Expo '70 Commemorative Park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Expo '70 Commemorative Park is free. However, to visit the interior museum of the Tower of the Sun, you must book a guided tour in advance online.
Tickets for the interior tour must be booked online in advance through the official Expo '70 Commemorative Park website. Registration can be complex, sometimes requiring first names in hiragana.
The Tower of the Sun itself is visible from the outside during park hours. The interior museum tours operate on a schedule, and specific times are available when booking your advance ticket.
No, the Osaka Amazing Pass does not include admission to the interior of the Tower of the Sun. It primarily covers transportation and entry to other Osaka attractions. +1
It is highly recommended to book your interior tour tickets online in advance, as they often sell out. Same-day tickets are generally not available for the interior.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Expo '70 Commemorative Park offers various vantage points. For iconic shots, stand directly in front of the tower or explore the surrounding gardens for different perspectives.
Photography rules inside the Tower of the Sun's museum may vary. It's best to check the specific guidelines provided during your tour or on the official website.
While the Tower of the Sun itself is a landmark, the primary views of Osaka are often associated with other observation decks like the Umeda Sky Building or the Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel. +1
Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour, offers beautiful lighting on the sculpture. Clear days are also ideal for vibrant colors.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and around major landmarks. It's advisable to check the park's regulations regarding drone operation before your visit.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting the park's other attractions, such as the natural open-air museum or the playgrounds, which are more directly geared towards kids. Packing a picnic is also a great way to enjoy a budget-friendly meal amidst the park's beautiful scenery.
🎨 Art & Culture Enthusiasts
Beyond the tower, the Expo '70 Commemorative Park houses several museums, including the National Museum of Ethnology, which provides insights into global cultures. Exploring these facilities alongside the Tower of the Sun offers a comprehensive cultural experience.
📸 Photography Buffs
Beyond the tower itself, the surrounding Expo '70 Commemorative Park offers diverse photographic opportunities, from manicured gardens to expansive landscapes. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to capture the scale and artistry of this iconic landmark.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Taro Okamoto
Inside the tower, visitors can experience the 'Tree of Life,' a massive, intricate sculpture that depicts the evolution of life. This immersive installation is a key part of the interior tour and offers a profound glimpse into Okamoto's philosophical and artistic worldview. Many visitors find the interior experience to be a surprising and impactful contrast to the tower's exterior presence.
Experiencing the Tower of the Sun is not just about seeing a monument; it's about engaging with a significant piece of Japanese modern art history. The unique design and the artist's intent make it a must-see for art enthusiasts and those interested in the cultural legacy of the Expo '70.
Navigating Expo '70 Commemorative Park
Within the park, you'll find the National Museum of Ethnology, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living (a reconstruction of Osaka streets), and the Japanese Garden. For families, there's also a large playground and a natural open-air museum. The park's sheer size means comfortable walking shoes are essential, and renting a bicycle is a popular option for covering more ground.
Getting around the park is relatively easy, with clear signage and well-maintained paths. The Osaka Monorail stops directly at the park's entrance, making it highly accessible. Whether you're interested in art, history, nature, or simply a relaxing day outdoors, Expo '70 Commemorative Park provides a rich and varied experience.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit