Osaka is a large port city and business center on the Japanese island of Honshu. It’s known for its modern architecture and nightlife. The 16th-century shogunate Osaka Castle has undergone several restorations and is the city’s prominent historical landmark. A moat and park with plum, peach, and cherry blossom trees surround it. Sumiyoshi-Taisha is among Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines and is worth a visit.
1. Four Seasons Osaka
2. St. Regis Osaka
3. Imperial Hotel Osaka
4. W Osaka
5. Conrad Osaka
6. Hotel New Otani Osaka
7. The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
8. The Osaka Station Hotel
9. InterContinental Osaka
1. Four Seasons Osaka
The Telegraph writes, “Four Seasons Osaka is housed in a 47-floor tower in the Dojima neighborhood, a 12-minute walk from the railway station. The hotel offers a range of luxurious diversions, including an in-house bakery, three restaurants, an entire wellness floor and another floor designed to offer the traditional ryokan experience.”
Forbes Travel Guide adds, “Those seeking a Japanese ryokan experience should look no further than Four Seasons Hotel Osaka’s 28th-floor Gensui floor. This level features a contemporary take on the traditional Japanese inn with tatami floors, sliding screen doors, low-slung pale wood furniture and yukata cotton kimonos. Thanks to the Osaka hotel’s perch on the top floors of the newly constructed Dojima building, the views are stunning from just about every angle. For vistas of Osaka Castle, request an east-facing room, though west-facing rooms offer spectacular skyline sunsets. The entire 36th floor is dedicated to serenity with a sprawling spa, a swimming pool that overlooks the city and both public and private ofuros (Japanese-style baths).”
Presidential Suite
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide this 3,203 sq. ft. two-bedroom suite with sweeping views from its 34th floor perch.
More suites at Four Seasons Osaka.
2. St. Regis Osaka
The Telegraph reports, “The St. Regis is a convenient, elegant option in central Osaka, with big, well-appointed rooms in calming neutrals and fine city views. The large, high-spec bathrooms offer relaxation at the end of a busy day’s sightseeing or shopping, and the European-style restaurants are good quality.”
Michelin Guide writes, “Right on Midosuji, a grand, tree-lined boulevard that’s regarded as the local answer to the Champs-Élysées, is one of the city’s grandest hotels: the St. Regis Osaka. In typical St. Regis style it’s got a pronounced European vibe, and the style is a bit on the traditional side, though more timeless than retro. Comforts, naturally, are top shelf, from the black marble bathrooms and walk-in closets in the guest rooms to the Sothys spa. Restaurants and bars include the Northern Italian La Veduta, a Parisian bistro called Rue d’Or, and a highly regarded teppanyaki restaurant called Wajo, as well as a classic cocktail bar.”
Royal Suite
The 2,121 sq. ft. Royal Suite features a living room with fireplace, separate dining room with seating for eight and a private office.
More suites at St. Regis Osaka.
3. Imperial Hotel Osaka
Forbes Travel Guide says, “The Imperial Hotel is something of an institution in Japan — its very name conjures up images of royal visits by important dignitaries and world-famous guests from the realms of politics, film and music. Imperial Hotel, Osaka, an outpost of the venerable brand, was built in 1996 and continues in the same tradition of meticulous service and luxury. It’s conveniently situated in a scenic location on the cherry-blossom-lined banks of the Okawa River, only a short stroll away from Osaka Castle Park. A bastion of peace and tranquility, Imperial Hotel, Osaka is an ideal place to unwind and recharge in one of the quieter corners of this sometimes-frenetic city.”
Imperial Suite
The east-facing windows of this 1,150 sq. ft. suite offers views of the distant Ikoma Mountains, and the Okawa River below.
More suites at Imperial Hotel Osaka.
4. W Osaka
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Fair warning: if you’re a bore, don’t stay here. Once you head through the glittering color-changing entrance tunnel – the hotel’s most Instagrammed spot – and into the neon-backlit lift (glowy pink lights flick on one-by-one as you go up each floor), you’re immediately transported into a rainbow-toned playground, from which point onwards your only goal is to have fun. You can get started straight away in the Living Room, which houses a cocktail bar, stand-up comedy stage and squishy colorful sofas, from where you can enjoy seasonally-themed afternoon teas and punchy zero-waste cocktails. A young, stylish crowd gathers, ready for a good time.”
Extreme Wow Suite
The 2,300 sq. ft. suite is on the top floor with 15-foot high ceilings and sweeping panoramic views of Osaka that. Five seamlessly connected spaces, including a sleek dining area, fully stocked bar, and open kitchen, make it perfect for entertaining.
More suites at W Osaka.
5. Conrad Osaka
The Telegraph says, “Contemporary, playful and unapologetically urban. The mood is set the moment the lift doors swing open at the 40th-floor apex of the skyscraper – revealing a large, curved double-height wall of windows framing panoramic views across the city. A white, minimal staircase, whose curves are inspired by a ribbon, leads to lower-level event spaces. The scene-stealer, however, is the lobby, which resembles a luxury playground for contemporary artworks – from the large white bubble-like sculptures by Kyoto artist Kohei Nawa, to a shimmering curtain of sparkling reflections by Matsuo Takahiro (to name just a few of the 389 artworks scattered throughout the hotel).”
Conrad Penthouse
The 2,368 sq. ft. features a lounge, dining/bar area, pantry, oversize bedroom with walk-in closet and views of the river.
More suites at Conrad Osaka.
6. Hotel New Otani Osaka
Forbes Travel Guide says, “You won’t go hungry during a stay at Hotel New Otani Osaka. The luxury hotel boasts 14 dining venues ranging from French to Japanese. A breakfast buffet featuring a wide variety of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes as well as Osaka’s unique specialties is served every morning. There’s also a patisserie with mouthwatering house made cakes, breads and more and seasonal treats like the autumn mont blanc chestnut cake. Request a room facing Osaka Castle to enjoy one of the city’s most iconic views. During the end of March and early April, you’ll also be able to see the cherry blossoms in bloom in the park. Book your stay during the summer to bask in not one but two shimmering swimming pools. In addition to its glass-enclosed indoor pool and full thermal facilities, the Osaka resort boasts a rooftop pool that’s well equipped for soaking up both sun and skyline views. See Osaka Castle lit up at night at the 18th-floor bar The Four Seasons. A wall of windows allows you ample opportunities to admire the historic monument over cocktails and beer. Teppanyaki restaurant Keyaki and French spot Sakura also overlook the castle from their top-floor perches.”
New Otani Suite
The 1,850 sq. ft. 17th floor suite features views of the castle from its spacious living room.
Mores suites at Hotel New Otani Osaka.
7. The Ritz-Carlton Osaka
Forbes Travel Guide reports, “Six different dining venues and bars ensure that you’ll never go hungry at this luxury Osaka hotel. The massage rooms offer a range of services, including facials, aromatherapy and reflexology treatments by ESPA. Fitness fanatics will enjoy the state-of-the-art gym complete with sauna and steam rooms for some post-workout relaxation. A large indoor pool provides the opportunity to swim some laps, no matter the weather. The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka is the first hotel in the city to house a vintage antique and art collection for the benefit of guests and visitors alike.”
The Ritz-Carlton Suite
The 2,650 sq. ft. suite features a living room, dining room, bedroom, parlor, and kitchen.
More suites at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka.
8. The Osaka Station Hotel
Michelin Guide says, “The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection occupies the first, seventh, and 29th to 38th floors of the gleaming JP Tower Osaka, which stands on the site of the former Osaka Central Post Office. There are nods to the neighborhood’s history throughout the hotel, from art installations inspired by railroad tracks to a secret bar hidden behind a door marked “Stationmaster’s Office.” Rooms and suites are modern and spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows and large, luxurious bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. Japanese-style baths and a sleek fitness center overlook the city skyline and the mountains beyond.”
The Suite
This 1,711 sq. ft. one-bedroom suite has a separate living and dining area with floor-to-ceiling windows.
More suites at The Osaka Station Hotel.
9. InterContinental Osaka
Forbes Travel Guide says, “At a towering 32 stories, InterContinental Osaka makes a dazzling first impression. Boasting skyline views, an internationally acclaimed French-Japanese fusion restaurant and one of the city’s only full-size hotel pools, the luxurious outpost delivers on all counts. Where the hotel impresses in stature, it is equally as mindful of the smallest details. Signature scents permeate gathering spaces and a thoughtful tea amenity is provided in every room. And in a thoughtful nod to Japanese culture, each accommodation boasts a bathtub.”
3 Bedroom Residence Top Floor
This 1,850 sq. ft. three-bedroom apartment-style residence features an outdoor terrace is on the hotel’s top floor. It is equipped with a full kitchen, a spacious living room and dining area.
More suites at InterContinental Osaka.