🗺️ Tower of the Sun (inside Expo '70 Commemorative Park)太陽の塔（万博記念公園内）

The Tower of the Sun stands approximately 70 meters tall and was built as a symbolic facility for the Japan World Expo (Osaka Expo) held in 1970, the first of its kind in Asia. It was designed by the artist Taro Okamoto. Today, it has become a symbolic presence in the Osaka Expo Park and was registered as an Important Cultural Property in August 2020. Out of approximately 64.21 million total visitors to the Osaka Expo, over 9 million entered the theme pavilion, making it the most popular exhibition hall. Contrary to initial plans, the pavilion was preserved intact after the Expo closed. Although it was not open to the public for many years, after seismic reinforcement and restoration of the exhibits inside the Tower of the Sun, it opened for public visits on March 19, 2018. At the top of the tower is the "Golden Face," symbolizing the future; the front features the "Sun Face," representing the present; the back displays the "Black Sun," symbolizing the past; and beneath the ground lies the "Underground Sun," which guards the roots of humanity. Additionally, the interior showcases the "Tree of Life and Ecosystem," depicting the evolution of life over four billion years. While the "Underground Sun" was dismantled after the Osaka Expo closed, its whereabouts later became unknown. Therefore, after the tower underwent seismic restoration, it was opened for public visits. Admission is prioritized by reservation, which can be made from 120 days to the day before the intended visit. Reservations can be made after registering as a member on the official Tower of the Sun website.

Taro Okamoto's representative work. The Tower of the Sun has four faces starting from the "Golden Face" at the top. The "Underground Sun" inside is currently missing. After restoration work, it opened to the public in March 2018. Interior visits are prioritized by reservation, which can be made starting 120 days in advance.