Tatami Corner Suite
Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
Osaka has long been touted as a go-to destination for food and nightlife. And with two international airports and its proximity to Kyoto, the city is one of the most popular destinations amongst visitors to Japan. Now, for hotel enthusiasts and luxury travelers, there’s even more of a reason to stay a night or two in the vibrant city thanks to Four Seasons Hotel Osaka.
Admittedly, Osaka’s luxury hotel scene has long been stagnant. But things began to shift this past year, with Four Seasons leading the charge. Opened last August, this property marks the brand’s fourth in Japan (two can be found in Tokyo, another in Kyoto), cementing its presence in the country’s triumvirate of most-visited cities.
The entrance
Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
Located in Dojima district, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is just a stone’s throw away from Umeda Station. Once you step into the sleek, sailboat-inspired building (a nod to the city’s nautical heritage), you’re greeted by friendly staff, a soothing water feature, and neutral interiors that are a welcomed contrast to the bustling city’s frenetic energy and bright neon lights. While you’ll still find some action on the first floor thanks to the all-day bistro and a grab-and-go counter with coffee and freshly baked treats, things slow down much more as you navigate the rest of the property.
Deluxe King Room
Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
Like the lobby, the 175 accommodations are a pleasant respite. Similarly decorated in beige hues and a combination of light and dark woods, they’re meant to ease the mind and reflect the country’s general approach to minimalistic decor. Majority of the rooms are more Western in nature, with subtle Japanese touches in the form of shoji-influenced blinds and locally crafted teaware. But for those seeking a greater sense of place, the hotel also offers ryokan-inspired rooms that beautifully blend traditional Japanese archetypes with modern conveniences.
Tatami Premier Corner Suite
Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
Located on what is dubbed the Gensui floor, it’s only accessible to guests staying in one of the 21 ryokan-like accommodations. The dimly lit corridors set a moody tone for this “if you know, you know” space. This partly translates to the contemporary digs’ bathrooms, where you’ll find dark stone and marble, a stark contrast to the rest of the room’s light interiors with tatami mat floors and white futon bedding, made all the more brighter thanks to large picture windows that offer up panoramic views of the cityscape.
Arguably the best part of booking one of these coveted rooms, though, is exclusive access to Sabo. Modeled after a ryokan tea lounge, this is where Gensui guests check in, enjoy a welcome matcha, savor complimentary local snacks and tea throughout the day, and sip on sake and Japanese spirits in the evenings. Once morning comes around, slip into your yukata and savor a traditional Japanese breakfast.
The 52-foot indoor pool
Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
For the ultimate relaxation, the full-service spa offers a variety of treatments that include massages, facials, scrubs, and more. And you’ll want to carve some time out for the facilities, which include a sauna and both public and private ofuro (Japanese baths). Prefer to stretch your limbs with a few laps? Fret not, there’s also a 52-foot indoor infinity pool, with jaw-dropping views of the city to boot.
Bar Bota
Photo: Ken Seet / Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
And while there are certainly plenty of places to eat in Osaka, the hotel’s two fine-dining restaurants are worth the visit. For a unique omakase experience, Sushi L’Abysse Osaka is unlike anything you’ll find in the country. A concept by Yannick Alléno, the celebrated chef marries haute French fare with the artistry of sushi chef Yasuda Itaru for a one-of-a-kind menu that celebrates both cuisines in unexpected ways. But if you want to switch things up, Jiang Nan Chun dishes out some of the best Cantonese food in the country thanks to the incredibly talented Hong Kong–born chef Raymond Wong Wai Man. Just don’t forget to grab a drink at Bar Bota, where inventive cocktails bear names like Tomato & Cheese, Hinoki & Shiitake, and Sakura & Calamansi. Plus, they have a wide range of Japanese whiskies, naturally, and uninterrupted views of the city.
AloJapan.com