Name: Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
Address: 1-chōme-1-10 Kaigandōri, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
Telephone: 06-6576-6222
Rating: 4.4

This 112.5m Ferris wheel holds 480 passengers & offers panoramic views plus illumination shows.

Universal Studios Japan

Provided by Google

Osaka Castle

Dotonbori

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Nara Park

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel reaches a height of 112.5 meters, offering panoramic views of Osaka Bay.

Overall Height

Each rotation of the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel takes approximately 17 minutes, giving riders ample time to enjoy the scenery.

Minutes per Rotation

The Ferris wheel has 60 gondolas, some of which are transparent, offering a thrilling experience for those who dare to look straight down.

Number of Gondolas

When it opened in 1997, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel was briefly one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels.

World's Tallest

At night, the Ferris wheel is illuminated with colorful displays, sometimes even projecting weather forecasts for the next day.

Nighttime Display

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, an Osaka landmark, distinguishes itself through its integrated illumination system capable of projecting detailed weather forecasts. Beyond simple color changes, the wheel displays patterns indicating upcoming rain, sunshine, or cloud cover, offering a visual meteorological service to the city. Its diameter, reaching 100 meters, was once a record-holder, though now surpassed, it remains a prominent feature of Osaka Bay. Uniquely, the wheel's construction involved meticulous calculations to withstand potential earthquake forces, a testament to Japan's advanced engineering. Each gondola is climate-controlled, ensuring passenger comfort regardless of the season. A lesser-known fact is the wheel's role in local folklore, with some believing a ride brings good fortune, particularly to couples. The views from the top extend beyond Osaka Bay, offering glimpses of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge on clear days.

Introduction

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel, an iconic landmark in Osaka, Japan, held the distinction of being the world's tallest Ferris wheel upon its opening on July 12, 1997. Standing at an impressive height of 112.5 meters, it marked a significant achievement in engineering and design at the time. As part of an urban renewal project aimed at revitalizing Osaka’s waterfront, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel quickly became a symbol of modern Osaka.

Designed by renowned Japanese architect Hiroshi Nakamura, its construction employed advanced engineering techniques to ensure stability and resilience against strong winds and earthquakes. The wheel's height offered panoramic views of Osaka Bay, Mount Ikoma, and the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, attracting millions of visitors annually.

While later surpassed in height by other Ferris wheels, the Tempozan remains an important landmark. Its historical significance as the tallest of its time contributes to its cultural value. The Tempozan Ferris Wheel showcases Osaka's ability to blend tradition with innovation, offering visitors a unique perspective of the city's scenic beauty and vibrant culture.

Historical Tallest Ferris Wheel

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers unparalleled vistas of Osaka Bay, a defining feature of Osaka's "City of Water" identity, where rivers meet the sea. From atop the 112.5-meter structure, riders are treated to panoramic views of the bay, the waterfront scenery, and the vast expanse of the sea. Lucky observers may even spot the Santa Maria, a sightseeing cruise ship known for its romantic sunset cruises, sailing across Osaka Bay.

The fully transparent glass-floor cabins enhance the experience, providing unobstructed views that amplify the grandeur of the urban-water landscape. The 15-minute ride presents a unique vantage point to appreciate the harmonious blend of city and sea, a perspective distinct to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel compared to other observation spots in Osaka.

At night, the Tempozan Harbor Village, including the Ferris wheel, becomes a vibrant spectacle of lights, with the wheel itself illuminated with colorful LEDs. The lights also serve as a weather forecast, with blue indicating rain, green for a cloudy sky, and orange for sunshine. The views extend to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and Kansai International Airport, further enriching the visual experience. The Tempozan Ferris Wheel uniquely allows one to enjoy the scenic beauty of "Water City Osaka," making it an ideal destination for those seeking to capture the essence of Osaka Bay.

Osaka Bay Views

For visitors to the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel with mobility concerns, three of the 60 cabins are wheelchair accessible, ensuring that everyone can partake in the panoramic views of Osaka. These specialized cabins allow wheelchair users to board comfortably, without having to transfer from their wheelchairs. The spaciousness inside these cabins ensures a smooth and secure ride. The Ferris wheel's design reflects a commitment to inclusivity, enabling individuals with disabilities to experience the Osaka skyline alongside their companions.

The location is designed to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility devices, making it easier to navigate the entrance and boarding areas. The staff are trained to provide assistance to passengers with disabilities, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. The inclusion of wheelchair-accessible cabins underscores the Ferris wheel's dedication to providing a welcoming and accessible attraction for all visitors, regardless of their physical abilities. This thoughtful accommodation allows everyone to create lasting memories while enjoying the breathtaking views from one of the world's largest Ferris wheels.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The Tempozan Ferris Wheel features a unique weather forecasting system integrated into its lighting. Over 100,000 LED lights illuminate the wheel at night, displaying colors that correspond to the weather forecast for the following day. Orange lights indicate a sunny day, green signifies a cloudy day, and blue predicts rain. This innovative use of colored lights has transformed the Ferris wheel into a nighttime tourist attraction, adding an element of anticipation and practicality to its aesthetic appeal.

The weather forecast illumination serves not only as a visual spectacle but also as a functional service for residents and tourists alike. This feature enhances the Ferris wheel's role as a symbol of modern Osaka, blending entertainment with useful information. The integration of weather forecasting into the lighting design demonstrates a commitment to technological innovation and community engagement.

This system was introduced in 2015 when over 100,000 LED lights were added to the structure. The colorful lights that illuminate the Port of Osaka have undeniably become one of Osaka's defining tourist attractions.

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Did You Know?

Overall Height

Minutes per Rotation

Number of Gondolas

World's Tallest

Highlights from Reviews

Location