A 300-Meter Supertall Building
As of 2024, Abeno Harukas is the second-tallest building in Japan. When it opened, it surpassed the Yokohama Landmark Tower to become Japan’s tallest building. It was later overtaken by the 325-meter Mori JP Tower at Azabudai Hills in Tokyo’s Minato Ward.
As Japan’s first building to exceed 300 meters in height, Abeno Harukas attracted considerable attention both in Japan and overseas for its scale and combination of commercial, cultural, hospitality, and business functions.
Development and Construction
The project began as a redevelopment plan to replace the former main building, or west wing, of the Abenobashi Terminal Building operated by Osaka Railway, the predecessor of Kintetsu.
The original plan was limited to approximately 295 meters because of aviation regulations. Following regulatory changes in 2007, the design was revised to reach 300 meters. Construction began in 2010, with total project costs reaching approximately ¥130 billion. The building officially opened in March 2014.
Facilities and Floor Structure
A Multifunctional Vertical Complex
Abeno Harukas combines a wide range of facilities within one high-rise complex.
Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Department Store: A large department store extending from two basement levels to the 14th floor above ground.
Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel: A luxury hotel occupying the upper floors of the building.
HARUKAS 300: An observation facility located on the 58th through 60th floors.
Abeno Harukas Art Museum: An art museum offering exhibitions in a convenient urban setting.
Office Spaces: Corporate offices occupy the middle floors of the building.
HARUKAS 300 Observation Deck
HARUKAS 300 offers panoramic views of Osaka from approximately 300 meters above the ground. On clear days, visitors can see toward Kobe and Nara, while the nighttime scenery creates another memorable view of the city.
The observation deck is one of Abeno Harukas’s most popular attractions and provides visitors with a unique perspective on Osaka’s vast urban landscape.
Architecture and Environmental Design
Design by César Pelli
The exterior design of Abeno Harukas was supervised by world-renowned architect César Pelli. Its distinctive three-stage setback structure and extensive use of glass create a modern appearance with a strong sense of openness.
The building was designed by Takenaka Corporation, with construction involving companies including Okumura Corporation and Obayashi Corporation.
Environmentally Conscious Features
Abeno Harukas incorporates several features designed to reduce its environmental impact. A central open space known as a “void” allows natural light and air to enter the building, helping reduce energy consumption.
The complex also introduced a biogas power generation system that makes use of food waste. Waste generated by the department store and hotel is reused to help reduce the environmental burden of the facility.
Transportation Access
Abeno Harukas is directly connected to Osaka-Abenobashi Station, the southern terminus of the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line. It is also adjacent to Tennoji Station, served by JR West and Osaka Metro.
With multiple railway lines converging in the area, the complex is particularly convenient for visitors traveling from other parts of Osaka as well as from destinations throughout Japan.
The Challenges of Construction
The construction of Abeno Harukas presented unusual challenges because the site was surrounded by a complex network of roads and railway lines. The project was described by the Takenaka Corporation site manager as “the most difficult construction site in Japan.”
Specialists from a wide range of fields worked together, conducting repeated technical studies and verification processes to overcome the difficulties of constructing such a large building in a densely developed urban area.
Earthquake Resistance and Construction Technology
Advanced earthquake-resistant and seismic-isolation technologies were incorporated into the building. The structure was designed to withstand earthquakes stronger than the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake.
For the underground construction, a top-down construction method known as the “reverse construction method” was used. This allowed underground and above-ground construction to proceed in parallel, improving the efficiency of the overall project.
Cultural and Regional Significance
The name “Harukas” comes from the classical Japanese expression harukasu, meaning to make something bright, clear, or cheerful. The name conveys the idea of brightening people’s hearts.
The name also helped bring greater recognition to the Abeno area, and the building has become an important symbol of the neighborhood. In 2017, its outstanding design was recognized with a Good Design Award.
A New Symbol of Osaka
Abeno Harukas is more than a 300-meter skyscraper. It combines shopping, dining, accommodation, business, art, and sightseeing while incorporating environmental considerations and advanced construction technology.
For visitors, the panoramic views from HARUKAS 300 and the building’s wide range of commercial and cultural facilities offer many ways to experience Osaka. Its direct connections to major railway stations also make it an easy destination to include in an Osaka sightseeing itinerary.