The Umeda Sky Building - Osaka

I've never seen The Amazing Race, but I understand that this building was on that show (so my apologies to those of you who already know all the details). The building, designed by Hiroshi Hara, is 40 stories tall. It's really two buildings, but they're connected at the top by The Floating Garden Observatory, a structure that is both a bridge and yes, a structure that provides visitors with a 360 degree view (I understand that it's pretty scary standing on something that high with nothing below you).

Image by jpellgen

Here's a view of most of the building. And yes, those two structures tilting at an angle and leading to the observatory are actually glass-enclosed escalators. So awesome, but I'm sure they'd score high on my "Eek! I'm afraid of heights" meter.

Image by iambent

Here's a closer look at those escalators.

Image by Caribb

And a view while going up the escalator

Image by Caribb

The view as the escalator reaches the observatory.

Image by Tom Olliver

If you'd like more information on the Umeda Sky building and also more details about the observation deck and other facilities (I love those phosphorescent stones), pay a visit to the website. 

Lastly, a video with part of the view going up the escalator.