‘Dinner in Sky’ opens in Osaka; meals 40 meters above ground

Media representatives attend a “Dinner in the Sky” promotional event on Oct. 9 in Osaka’s Nishi Ward. (Akari Uozumi)

OSAKA–A restaurant that offers diners the thrill of eating and drinking while suspended 40 meters above ground is now taking reservations in the city’s Nishi Ward.

Located at Nakanoshima Gate South Pier, the “Dinner in the Sky” restaurant will operate for only a limited time until the end of the year.

The concept that began in Belgium in 2006 has been held in 65 countries to date. In Japan, it was previously held in Tokyo. This is the second time for it to come to the country.

At a media preview on Oct. 9, guests boarded a gondola where the seats and table are integrated. After sitting down and fastening seatbelts, a crane gradually lifted the gondola.

At its highest point, it reaches the equivalent of the 13th floor of a building, offering views of the surrounding skyscrapers and distant mountains. While the open-air sensation felt like being thrown into the sky, the thrill made it difficult to concentrate on the meal.

The price, including food and drinks, starts at 22,000 yen ($145). The event organizers anticipate demand not only from domestic customers but also foreign tourists seeking unusual experiences.

Services include offering specially packaged sake labeled “Sky” and lending traditional Japanese “happi” short jackets.

“We hope this becomes the next entertainment attraction after the Osaka Kansai expo ends,” said Takuya Ogawa, 49, of the operator, Knot Co.

The restaurant operates six times a day between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., with each session lasting 30 minutes. The last day is Dec. 28. For information, visit the website (https://dinnerinthesky.co.jp/).