Hep Five Osaka: See Umeda again from the ferris wheel (updated for 2026)
- japansophy
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
If you ever lose your way in Umeda trying to find the entrance to Hankyu Umeda Station, just look for the big, red ferris wheel, just spinning away like it's perfectly normal to have a ferris wheel on top of a building, in the city centre.
That's Hep Five - and it's been making visitors do a double-take since 1998.
This was the first thing we did with our young kids after arriving in Osaka on a spring trip... a good 12 years ago now. It was a cool experience for them, unrushed for us and kinda helps you get your Umeda bearings too.
If you're spending time in Osaka and wondering whether going for a spin is worth your while, here's the honest rundown.
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*Any prices quoted below are as of May 2026 and are subject to change
Hep Five — Quick Facts |
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Location | 5-15 Kakudacho, Kita-ku, Osaka — Umeda district |
Getting There | 6-min walk from JR Osaka Station (Midosuji Exit). Just across the road from Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Stn |
Ferris Wheel Height | 106 m above ground · 75 m diameter · 52 gondolas (4-person each) |
Ferris Wheel Duration | ~15 minutes per revolution |
Ferris Wheel Price | ¥1,000 per person (children under 5 free) |
Shop Hours | 11:00–21:00 |
Restaurant Hours | 11:00–22:30 |
Ferris Wheel Hours | 11:00–22:45 (last ride) |
Amusement Hours | 11:00–23:00 |
Tax-Free Shopping | 89 stores — show passport at 1F information counter |
Tourist Perk | ¥500 shopping/dining coupon for international visitors (show passport at 1F) |
What Is Hep Five?
Hep Five is a shopping and entertainment complex in Umeda, Osaka's main commercial district. "HEP" stands for Hankyu Entertainment Park - it's operated by the Hankyu Hanshin group, the same company behind the big railway and department store empire that dominates this part of the city.
The mall opened in November 1998, and the Ferris wheel was the big talking point right from the start. It was the world's first Ferris wheel to be built as part of a building structure - groundbreaking at the time. The gondolas even have air conditioning, which makes it more comfortable than most outdoor wheels.
It has just reopened again in April 2026 having been closed for a while for a bit of a refurb.
Right next door is HEP Navio, a boat-shaped building with Hankyu Men's clothing, Toho Cinema, and more dining. The two together form the broader Hankyu Entertainment Park complex.
The ferris wheel: is it worth it?
On a clear day, you can see surprisingly far - Osaka Castle to the east, Osaka Bay towards the west, and apparently as far as the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge on a really good day (we've never been so lucky). It's a popular date spot at night and seeing the city lights from the top is pretty romantic. The wheel itself is lit up by computer-controlled floodlights after dark.
Each gondola is also equipped with Bluetooth, so you can play your own music while you ride - a small touch, but a nice one.
To board, make your way to the 7th floor - you can take the elevator near the 1F entrance directly up. Tickets are ¥1,000 per person (children under 5 free). You can buy them from machines at the 7th floor counter (note: the machines accept cash only) or book them advance through Klook:
If you're planning to pack in a few other activities in Osaka, you could consider the Osaka Amazing/ Osaka e-Pass. The pass includes the Hep Five ferris wheel together with more than 25 other tourist attractions. Check it out on Klook:
Worth it? We say yes - once, at least. And absolutely if you have the Osaka e-Pass and it's free anyway. In any case, it's cheap and quick, so it's easy to slot into a Umeda afternoon without it eating your whole day. The Japansophy kids were very enthusiastic.
Shopping and the rest of the Hep Five mall
The shopping is aimed squarely at a young, fashion-conscious crowd. Floors B1 through 6F are packed with around 140 stores across women's and men's fashion, accessories, shoes, beauty, and character goods. You'll find Sanrio, Marvel, Disney and similar brands here alongside independent Japanese boutiques.
If you're visiting Japan and want to do some tax-free shopping, Hep Five has 89 stores that offer it. You can process tax exemptions at the dedicated Tax-Free Counter on B1 (open 11:00–21:00) or sometimes directly at the individual store — check when you're there. Either way, show your passport at the 1F information counter when you arrive; international visitors get a ¥500 coupon to use on shopping or dining in the mall.
The upper floors have a different vibe: 7F is restaurants and cafes, 8F has photo sticker booths (purikura — a very Japanese experience), and 9F is an amusement area with the Bandai Namco Cross Store, capsule toys, and arcade games. The amusement floor stays open until 23:00, which makes it a good option for a late evening if you're still buzzing after dinner.
How to get there
Hep Five is easy to find - you'll spot the red Ferris wheel from quite a distance away. From JR Osaka Station, use the Midosuji Exit and it's about a 6-minute walk. From Hankyu Osaka-Umeda Station, it's just across the road to the east. There are also metro connections from Umeda (Midosuji Line), Higashi-Umeda (Tanimachi Line), and Nishi-Umeda (Yotsubashi Line) within a 5–10 minute walk.
Hep Five: FAQ
How much does the Hep Five Ferris wheel cost?
¥1,000 per person. Children under 5 ride free. It's also included in the Osaka Amazing Pass and Osaka e-Pass.
How long does the Ferris wheel ride take?
One full revolution takes about 15 minutes.
Is Hep Five worth visiting if I don't want to ride the Ferris wheel?
Probably not worth a dedicated trip, but it's a decent stop if you're already in Umeda. The fashion and character goods shopping is good, and the tax-free setup is convenient. The amusement floor on 9F is also fun if you want a very Japanese experience. This is also a pretty good destination on a rainy day, since you can access Hep Five and other shopping/dining destinations in the area all via the underground arcades.
Is Hep Five suitable for kids?
Yes - kids under 5 ride free, and the amusement and capsule toy floors are popular with children. The mall also has private nursing rooms and other family facilities.
What is the best time to ride the Hep Five Ferris wheel?
We've only ever been during the day, but some would argue that the night view is the best. Last ride is at 22:45. It can get crowded on weekend evenings when the teenie crowd is out for date night.
Does Hep Five offer tax-free shopping?
Yes. 89 stores participate. Show your passport at the 1F information counter or at individual stores. The Tax-Free Counter is on B1.
How do I get to Hep Five from Umeda Station?
If you're in Hankyu Umeda Station, you can enter the Hep Five building via the underground Whity shopping mall. Head for exits H28 or H30. Otherwise follow the signs for the Sanban-gai exits, turn right when you're out on the street and walk south under the tracks. You can't miss the giant ferris wheel on the top of the Hep five building.
Is Hep Five ferris wheel free with the Osaka Amazing Pass?
Yes, the Hep Five ferris wheel is free with the Osaka Amazing Pass and the Osaka e-Pass.
Is the HEP ferris wheel closed?
The ferris wheel was closed for refurbishment in 2025 but reopened in April 2026. Opening hours are: 11 am to 11pm (last ride at 10:45pm).
What is the nearest station to Hep Five?
Hankyu Umeda Station is definitely the closest but Umeda Station on the Midosuji subway line is just a few 100 metres further and JR Osaka is only about 6 mins walk.
How long is the Hep Five ferris wheel ride?
The full-loop ride takes 15 minutes.
The bottom line
Hep Five is one of those Osaka experiences that's small in time commitment but genuinely memorable. It is a true Osaka icon after all. You'll be in and out of the Ferris wheel in under half an hour — and you'll have a photo from 106 metres above a city centre that most visitors don't bother with. The shopping is solid if fashion and character goods are your thing, and the whole building is worth an hour of your time even if you just want to browse.
If you're in Umeda for an afternoon, it's an easy yes. We might not bother, though, if you're really tight on time. Plus the views are better from the Sky Building Floating Sky Observatory (which is much more expensive, but also included in the Osaka e-Pass) and it's probably not worth doing both, at least not on the same day.
Here are some more Osaka posts to help with your planning:
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