Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
The Tower of the Sun is a monument created by artist Taro Okamoto as a symbol of the 1970 World Exposition (commonly known as Expo '70, Osaka Expo). Located within Expo Commemoration Park in Suita City, its bold and iconic appearance, standing approximately 70 meters tall, still exudes a strong presence even half a century later.
One of its most well-known features is that it has three faces. The black face on the back represents the past, the large face on the front represents the present, and the golden face at the top of the tower represents the future. The design, which is based on the theme of the cycle of life and time, strongly reflects the ideas of Taro Okamoto. Inside is a huge three-dimensional exhibit called the "Tree of Life," which was preserved and restored in 2018 and reopened to the public (for interior tours).
Highlights
- Panoramic view of the exterior: The Tower of the Sun seen from within the spacious park is a spectacular sight. Its appearance changes depending on the season and weather.
- Three faces: You can see the meaning behind each face in person. The "present" face on the front is especially photogenic.
- Inside the Tower (please check in advance): The interior space recreates the exhibits from the Expo, including the restored "Tree of Life." However, due to the limited number of visitors and designated time slots, you will need to make a reservation in advance or check for same-day tickets.
- Combine with the park: You can enjoy a more fulfilling experience by strolling through the Japanese garden and Natural and Cultural Gardens in Expo Commemoration Park.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Osaka Monorail "Banpaku Kinen Koen Station" or "Koen Higashiguchi Station." Both are close to the park entrance and can be reached in about a few minutes to 10 minutes on foot (travel time from the station will vary depending on the exit and destination area).
- By train: From central Osaka, it is convenient to transfer to the monorail. From Umeda (Osaka), the most common route is to transfer to the monorail after taking the JR and subway.
- Car/Parking: There is a paid parking lot at Expo Commemoration Park, but it is often full on weekends and during events, so we recommend using public transportation.
- Bus: Some routes and tourist buses stop near the park. Check which route is most convenient for you depending on your accommodation and starting and ending points.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Viewing the exterior only: 30 minutes to 1 hour (including taking photos and walking around the area)
- If you include an internal tour: 1.5 to 2 hours (internal tour time depends on admission slots)
- If you want to leisurely tour the entire Expo Commemoration Park: Half a day to a full day (including the Japanese garden, museum, and surrounding facilities such as EXPOCITY, it is a full-day course).
Nearby spots
- Expo Commemoration Park (Natural and Cultural Gardens, Japanese Garden, etc.) — Located on the same grounds as the Tower of the Sun, this park is perfect for a stroll.
- National Museum of Ethnology (commonly known as Minpaku) — A large museum of cultural and ethnic materials.
- EXPOCITY — A large shopping and entertainment complex (commercial facilities, a Ferris wheel, NIFREL, etc.) convenient for dining and shopping.
- NIFREL — An experiential museum that combines living creatures and art (inside EXPOCITY).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Crowds: It gets very crowded on weekends, public holidays, the cherry blossom season in spring, Golden Week, and during summer events. Advance reservations for interior tours often sell out quickly, so be sure to check the official website for reservation availability.
- Restrictions on interior tours: For preservation and safety reasons, there may be restrictions on entry and photography (flash photography is not permitted, and photography is prohibited in some areas). Please follow official guides and instructions from staff.
- Clothing and weather: As most of the viewing will be outdoors, please prepare clothing to protect yourself from the heat, cold, and rain. In the summer, prepare to avoid direct sunlight.
- Manners: There are rules within the park, such as no smoking areas and taking your trash with you. Please respect the tower as a cultural asset and do not touch the tower itself or enter restricted areas.
- Accessibility: The park is spacious, but there may be steps and narrow passages in some areas, such as inside the tower. Please check in advance whether wheelchairs and strollers are allowed and the routes to take.
Before visiting, we recommend checking the official websites of Expo Commemoration Park and the Tower of the Sun for the latest opening times, how to make reservations for interior viewing, fees, and access information.
