Osaka, Japan’s vibrant metropolis, is a dynamic destination where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern innovation. A treasure trove of cultural landmarks, the ‘City of Water’ is also a major economic hub and home to Japan’s main port. Travel blogger Ruchir Bansal from Travel at First Light visits the chic new Four Seasons Hotel Osaka and shares four reasons why this luxurious hotel is the perfect spot for visitors to relax, unwind, and explore the city’s enduring charm.
Signature Experiences:
“At Four Seasons Hotel Osaka, we’re all about sharing the city’s treasures and top-tier hospitality,” says General Manager Alastair McAlpine. Indeed, the hotel’s friendly concierge team offers a myriad of signature experiences to explore the essence of the city. A stroll around the Dojima neighborhood, where the hotel stands tall, reveals department stores, popular restaurants, and vibrant entertainment venues. For a deeper dive, a private shopping and cultural excursion to Minami showcases Osaka’s renowned shopping, dining, and nightlife scene. In nearby Shinsekai, an old neighborhood modeled after New York and Paris in 1912, the energy is palpable, and the culinary delights are endless.
For those with a penchant for history, the concierge will suggest a visit to Osaka Castle, one of the country’s most prominent landmarks. Dating back 450 years, the main keep of the castle spreads over approximately one square kilometer, surrounded by towering walls of meticulously cut rock. The five floors of the castle hold a variety of artifacts detailing its extensive history and role in unifying Japan. Ascending to the 5th-floor observation deck offers a panoramic view of Osaka, extending out to the horizon in a whole new light.
For those who relish the spiritual serenity of nature, the concierge recommends a visit to Katsuoji, an 8th-century Buddhist temple nestled in the dense foliage of a national park in the north. Revered for its association with victory, this is where shoguns sought blessings for triumphs in battle and found mercy at the feet of the thousand-armed statue of the goddess Kannon. An adjacent Samurai Garden enhances the ethereal atmosphere with carefully placed rocks, trees, and a serene lake. The garden’s design celebrates the ever-changing tapestry of nature through its seasons, with ginkgo trees glowing in hues of gold and Japanese maples blushing red in the fall.
The fragrance of incense wafts through the air, mingling with the resonant sound of monks chanting sutras. Following tradition, I make a wish by coloring one eye of a small, wooden daruma doll painted in bright red and leave it resting by the temple’s wall. Rows of these dolls, some only a few inches tall, can be seen on the temple’s boundaries, rocks, and tree branches. If my wish comes true by the grace of the temple deity, I am to return and color the other eye in! Another reason to visit Osaka is always welcome, I think.
Refined Comfort:
Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is a haven of warm luxury, bridging the city’s rich heritage and modern skyline. Nestled in the 195-meter-tall One Dojima Tower, the 49-storey property boasts an impressive entrance lobby that sets the tone for a luxurious stay. The newly opened hotel combines elegance with intuitive functionality, creating a unique hospitality experience. Guests can choose from two distinct room styles: modern Western or traditional Japanese. Both are meticulously crafted by leading Japanese design studios—Curiosity, Simplicity, and Design Studio Spin—offering a perfect urban retreat in the heart of Osaka. Inspired by elements of Osaka Castle, the distinguished interiors feature light cypress woodwork and slatted accents. Bright and spacious, they offer sweeping views of the city’s dynamic skyline, fringed by verdant mountains on the horizon.
The “GENSUI” Modern Ryokan Floor features 21 exclusive rooms designed in the spirit of a traditional Japanese ryokan, providing a meaningful cultural experience. Guests may also visit the SABO Lounge and enjoy the art of Japanese tea traditions. At Four Seasons, excellent service is standard, making my stay feel like an immersive retreat in refined comfort.
Culinary Excellence:
For food lovers, Osaka is a gastronomic paradise, known as the “Kitchen of Japan,” offering everything from mouthwatering street food to world-class dining experiences. Four Seasons Hotel Osaka doesn’t disappoint. Head Chef Raymond Wong Wai Man serves Cantonese cuisine with a modern twist at Jiang Nan Chun, blending traditional and contemporary flavors with seasonal ingredients to create an exceptional dining experience paired with spectacular views. Beautifully plated, my dinner delights my eyes as much as it does my palate.
The hotel’s all-day bistro Jardin offers a taste of France in the heart of Osaka and becomes my go-to on this whirlwind visit. The vibrant eatery offers outdoor seating on a landscaped terrace or indoor seating in an airy dining room. I make a note of the other fine culinary offerings of the hotel that promise to tantalize the tastebuds—Sushi L’Abysse Osaka Yannick Alléno, the third L’Abysse establishment following the two-Michelin-starred L’Abysse Paris, and Bar Bota, which serves up delectable signature cocktails at its dramatic circular bar. Just another reason to return to Osaka!
Wellness With a View:
With fitness and wellness now making a big entry onto most travel agendas, the hotel’s 24-hour fitness center on the 36th floor proves to be a big boon. Fully equipped for a vigorous workout regimen, the floor-to-ceiling glass windows offer panoramic views of downtown Osaka, so you can soak in the city even while on the treadmill. The indoor 16-meter swimming pool, housed under soaring ceilings, offers a serene setting, while traditional Japanese baths, or ofuros, both public and private, invite relaxation. The spa offers an array of treatments, including full-body and head massages that help knead away the knots from your busy day.
Blending Osaka’s rich cultural heritage with its modern high-rise skyline, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka serves as the perfect gateway into the heart of Japan. Whether you’re exploring its historical sites, savoring its culinary wonders, or soaking in the vibrant cityscape, Osaka promises an unforgettable holiday filled with wonder and excitement. Pack your bags and get ready to immerse yourself in the city’s enchanting charm—where every corner has a story to tell.
