HEP FIVE

One of Umeda’s best-known landmarks, HEP FIVE is essentially a shopping mall that just happens to have a huge red Ferris wheel attached to its roof. This is a geometric spectacle set in Osaka’s central Hankyu Entertainment Park (HEP Five) shopping mall. HEP Five Wheel is the center of attention. Set on the roof of the megaplex, the top of the wheel measures almost 350 feet from the ground, offering impeccable views of downtown Osaka, the Osaka Harbor, and Mount Ikoma in the distance. Protruding from a massive mall with shopping, dining, and other amusement, the wheel can be boarded on the 7th floor.

Operating since 1998, the 75-meter diameter wheel has 52 four-seater gondolas which take 15 minutes to make one complete circuit. At its highest point, it is 106 meters above ground and offers spectacular views over the city all the way to Osaka Harbor. The fare is 500 yen for a ride, and elementary school-age children or younger can ride for free. Commemorative photos are also available for 1,100 yen. All the gondolas are fully air-conditioned and have heating in the winter months. At night the whole wheel is illuminated.

Location: Osaka, Japan

Entrance fees: 500 yen for a ride, elementary school-age children or younger can ride for free