Are you thinking of visiting the iconic Ferris wheel and riding it?
What to know about HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel before going?

This article is going to introduce you to the detailed information such as the size, price, opening hours, and most importantly, riding review.

Hope you will find it helpful for your trip!

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel basic information

＜HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel Overview＞
Height: 106m above ground
Diameter: 75m
Duration for 1 ride: About 15 min.
Opening hours: 11:00~23:00 (Last ride at 22:45)
Ticket price: JPY800 (Free for children under 5)
*Reservation is not required.

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel is a symbolic Osaka landmark of Osaka. The bright red color structure made it easy to be noticed even among all tall buildings in the Umeda area. Featured by its location built on top of a shopping mall, HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel has become a popular scenic spot to visit.

From HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, you are able to overlook the mountains, Osaka Castle and railways from afar. Get a breathtaking view of the Osaka cityscape, and enjoy the romantic night view.

A Bluetooth speaker and air-conditioner is provided inside the gondola to make sure you can have a great time whether it’s summer or winter.

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel review

Now, after knowing all that information, are you ready to take a ride? This time, our writer from China rode the HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel for the first time just like you. Hope you will find the following experience helpful!

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel, located in the popular Umeda area in Osaka, has a stunning all-red structure which stands out among the tall buildings around. The bright red and clear blue sky intertwines to form a spectacular picture.

When entering HEP FIVE mall, there is an information counter on the left side. If foreign tourists show passports to the staff, a JPY500 coupon is offered which can be used for shopping and dining in the mall.

Next, on the right side is an elevator that can take you directly to the 7th floor where the Ferris wheel terminal is located. Also, an escalator is close to the entrance and is recommended when the elevator is crowded.
Before going up, don’t forget to take a picture with the large whale at the entrance!

Ticket counter is right in front after getting out of the elevator. You can purchase a ticket from the ticket machines next to the counter but please note that only cash is accepted. In addition to Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean instructions are provided by the ticket machines. Next to them is a currency change machine which accepts 14 kinds of foreign currencies.

For those who have an Osaka Amazing pass, the Ferris wheel ride is free.

Once you have the ticket, follow the line and head to the boarding area. It’s time to ride the Ferris wheel!

The Ferris wheel gondola is painted in beautiful red both outside and inside which is really romantic and photogenic, especially during sunset and at night.

Inside the gondola, there is a Bluetooth speaker and air-conditioner facilities that promise you a pleasant riding experience even on the hottest day in summer. The instruction of the speaker is written in both Japanese and English.

The windows of the gondolas are clean enough for you to see the beautiful view no matter if it’s day or night and you can find coupon information inside.

With the Ferris wheel slowly going up, you can see the most prosperous area in Osaka at a glance.

Plenty of photo opportunities available that seem as though you are floating in the air. When getting close to the top spot, look around so you can find the famous Osaka Castle if visibility is good enough.

Strolling through the air in the gondola is sure to be an unforgettable and special experience.

However, riding at night is a quite different experience from the day. After the sun goes down and everything else seems to loosen up a little, the red color structure is particularly eye-catching against the dark night. Thousands of buildings are illuminated by surrounding lights, creating this stunning scene.

Ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy the terrific night view with your favorite song played as background music during the 15-minute’s ride, what a perfect ending of the day!

When the ride comes to an end, you can follow the exit sign and go back to HEP FIVE mall. But before that, who not take a photo with the photogenic Ferris wheel as background! Compared with the time when getting into the gondola, you can have enough time to take individual photos when you get off!

Food options after taking a ride

Once you follow the exit sign and go back to the mall, it leads you to the food floor “TAMLO”.

Here you may find not only chic cafes, but also Tonkatsu restaurants. Also, there are lunch and dinner menus offered by restaurants such as hamburg shops in colorful decorations. If you want some Osaka local snacks, go to the 1st floor of HEP FIVE where there is a Takoyaki store.

▼Check this article▼
Osaka Umeda’s newest gourmet spot, HEP FIVE “TAMLO” is perfect for lunch and a cafe!

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel vs. Tempozan Ferris Wheel

There is another famous Ferris wheel called Tempozan Ferris Wheel. For those who are hesitating which one to visit, you may check the comparison chart below.

*Information by July 2024

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel is recommended if you prefer:
・A more convenient location to different transportations
・Open until late night
・A breathtaking city view

Tempozan Ferris Wheel is recommended if you prefer:
・A bigger size of the Ferris wheel
・Not only the city but a beautiful ocean view
・A bigger gondola which can hold for more than 5 people

Since either Ferris wheel is very popular and worth riding, you may choose according to the traveling schedule and numbers of passengers.

Transportation from HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel to other major tourist attractions in Osaka

Last but not least, the following is going to introduce you to the transportation access to the main sightseeing spots from the Ferris Wheel.

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel to Tsutenkaku Tower

Time: About 30 min.
Access: Take Osaka Metro Midosuji Line from Umeda Station, get off at Dobutsuen-mae Station and walk about 7 minutes.

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel to Umeda Sky Building

Time: About 12 min.
Access: By walking

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel to Osaka Castle Museum

Time: About 35 min.
Access: Take Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line from Higashi-Umeda Station, get off at Tanimachi 4-chome Station, and walk about 18 minutes.