Tower of the Sun

In short

A tower designed by artist Okamoto Taro and built as a theme pavilion in the Symbol Zone of the Japan World Exposition (Expo '70 Osaka), held in 1970. It stands approximately 70 meters high, and even after the exposition, it has remained as the symbol of Expo '70 Commemorative Park. The tower's interior remained closed to the public for nearly 50 years after the expo's closing, but it was opened to the public in March 2018. In 2025, it was designated as a national Important Cultural Property.

• ​Four Faces​​: At the top is the "Golden Face" symbolizing the future, on the front is the "Face of the Sun" symbolizing the present, and on the back is the "Black Sun" symbolizing the past. The fourth is the "Sun of the Underworld," which symbolizes the human spiritual realm
• ​Tree of Life​​: The approximately 41-meter-tall "Tree of Life" rising inside the tower has models of living things attached, from protozoa to dinosaurs and humankind, illustrating the evolution of life
• ​Climbing Inside the Tower by Stairs​​: The Tree of Life exhibit is viewed while climbing 145 steps across six floors. The viewing takes about 30 minutes, and admission to the interior requires an advance reservation made by the day before

History and Highlights

The ​Tower of the Sun​ was designed by artist Okamoto Taro as a theme pavilion for the Symbol Zone of the Japan World Exposition (Expo '70 Osaka), held in 1970. It stands approximately 70 meters high, with a base diameter of about 20 meters, and each arm extends about 25 meters in length. During the exposition, it pierced through the Grand Roof, towering upward and welcoming visitors with its arms outstretched to the left and right.

Although the Grand Roof was removed after the exposition, the Tower of the Sun remains preserved today as the symbol of Expo '70 Commemorative Park. The tower's interior remained closed to the public for nearly 50 years after the expo's closing; however, along with earthquake-resistance works, the interior exhibits "Tree of Life" and "Sun of the Underworld" were restored, and it was opened to the public in March 2018. In 2025, it was designated as a national Important Cultural Property.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Four Faces​​: At the top is the golden "Golden Face" symbolizing the future, on the front is the "Face of the Sun" symbolizing the present, and on the back is the "Black Sun" symbolizing the past. The Black Sun on the back is covered with black Shigaraki ware ceramic tiles. The fourth face is the "Sun of the Underworld," which symbolizes the human spiritual realm. The whereabouts of the original Sun of the Underworld from the exposition remain unknown to this day, and it was reconstructed during the regeneration of the tower's interior.
• ​Tree of Life​​: Inside the tower rises the "Tree of Life," an approximately 41-meter-tall structure made of steel. Models of various creatures of all sizes are attached to its trunk and branches, illustrating the evolution of life from protozoa such as amoebae to dinosaurs and ultimately to humankind.
• ​Climbing Inside the Tower by Stairs​​: The Tree of Life exhibit is viewed by ascending 145 steps across five staircases covering six floors up to a height of 30 meters, after which visitors descend via a separate staircase. The viewing duration is about 30 minutes.

Tips for Visitors

Admission to the interior of the tower requires an advance reservation made at least one day prior. Reservations are also required for infants. Entering the park through the Central Gate after crossing the Chuo Bridge from Bampaku-kinen-koen Station on the Osaka Monorail, the Tower of the Sun stands directly before your eyes. The entrance to the interior is located at the back of the tower, beyond the stairs descending underground. Taking photos inside the tower is permitted only on the 1st floor.

Approximately 340 meters north of the tower lies the Japan Folk Crafts Museum, Osaka, beyond which stretches the Japanese Garden. For highlights across the entire park, please also refer to the guide for Expo '70 Commemorative Park.