HEP Five

The Hankyu Entertainment Park, fondly known as the HEP Five, is a shopping complex that doubles up as the symbol of Osaka owing to a giant crimson Ferris Wheel located on top of the structure. With as many as nine floors, HEP Five is a fantastic retail destination, and witnesses millions of visitors every year. Apart from the aforementioned wheel, this mall also houses a display of a gigantic red whale that is suspended in mid air and is a brilliant illustration of all the eccentricities that the Japanese seem to love. The seventh floor of this exciting galleria is home to an elaborate gaming centre, and is therefore extremely popular amongst children and teenagers. A great place for people watching, you can also get your hands on some cute Disney merchandise at HEP Five, apart from the usual clothing and accessories. And once you’re done with all that shopping, make sure you pay 500 Yen to get on the iconic Ferris wheel, and relish the arresting views of Japan’s commercial hub.
If you unfortunately have to miss out on this unparalleled experience, the Laforet Mall in Tokyo’s Harajuku area is eerily similar to HEP Five. This giant is less than 5 minutes away from the Osaka Station, and is open to shoppers from 11 am to 9 pm. The entertainment section, however, shuts at 11 pm.