For decades, the Michelin Guide has been regarded as one of the world’s most trusted authorities in dining, dishing out one-, two- and three-star distinctions to the best restaurants in selected cities. Last year, the prestigious guide expanded its scope to include hotels, awarding keys instead of stars to recognise those with exceptional design, amenities, service and overall stay experience.
In 2024, the Michelin Guide’s inaugural hotel selection awarded a total of 108 properties across Japan. This consisted of six three-key hotels, 17 two-key hotels and 85 one-key hotels. Of these exceptional accommodations, four were found in Osaka: Conrad Osaka, InterContinental Osaka, the Ritz-Carlton Osaka and W Osaka.
This year, those four hotels maintain their one-key distinction and are joined by two of the city’s most luxurious new openings, namely Patina Osaka and Four Seasons Hotel Osaka. With that, the city now boasts a total of six Michelin Key hotels, all holding a one-key rating.
Photo: Patina
In its assessment of Patina Osaka, the Michelin Guide praised the hotel for its ‘warm-toned quiet-luxury aesthetic’. Aside from its enviable position overlooking the majestic Osaka Castle, Patina Osaka distinguishes itself with a strong focus on wellness. Its spacious, elegantly appointed rooms use natural materials such as wood, stone and washi paper to create a calming environment, while the entire fourth floor serves as a wellness sanctuary offering state-of-the-art health-tech treatments. There’s even an indoor pool overlooking the city’s iconic castle.
Photo: Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is just as lavish. Despite its location in an ultra-modern skyscraper in the city’s Dojima district, the newly awarded one-key hotel features a unique Gensui floor, where the entire 28th level has been transformed into a modern ryokan. Here, tatami floors, futon-style platform beds and sliding screens blend in seamlessly with luxurious modern comforts. Rooms and suites on the other floors are equally sophisticated, with some even boasting soaking tubs overlooking the city skyline.
For a memorable stay in Osaka, the 2025 Michelin Key list is a great place to start. Check out all 128 Key hotels in Japan here.
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AloJapan.com