Museum & venue · Osaka
Tower of the Sun
太陽の塔
The Tower of the Sun is the giant figure that artist Taro Okamoto made for Expo '70 in Osaka. It stands about 70 metres tall in Expo '70 Commemorative Park and has three faces: a golden face at the top, a face on the front and a black sun on the back.
You can go inside on a booked tour. The Tree of Life rises up through the hollow body, a tall red sculpture covered in creatures from single cells to dinosaurs. Stairs lead up past it. It is strange and powerful, and one of the most surprising art visits in Kansai.
What to see and do
The Face of the Future at the top, the Face of the Present on the front and the Black Sun on the back each stand for a different time.
Inside, a tall sculpture traces the story of life from simple cells to dinosaurs and humans.
The underground area includes the 'Sun of the Earth' zone.
Combine the tower with the park's Japanese garden and wide lawns.
Good to know
- Interior visits need a reservation made by the day before, even for free-entry visitors.
- Photos are allowed only in limited areas on the first floor; no flash, tripods or selfie sticks.