This tranquil hotel in Osaka was so relaxing I didn’t want to leave

In the Four Seasons Osaka, Niki Cottrell enjoys unrivalled views of the city and exceptional wellness facilities

This tranquil hotel in Osaka was so relaxing I didn’t want to leave

Located at the heart of Japan’s famous foodie city, Four Seasons Osaka is a stylish city hotel and wellness retreat with amazing views from every angle


Location

Located within the One Dojima skyscraper, in the upscale Dojima district, Four Seasons Osaka offers a quiet sanctuary only minutes from some of the Japanese city's most high-end spots. Kitashinchi, famous for its exclusive nightlife and fine dining, is only a five-minute walk from the hotel, while a five-minute walk over a bridge leads to the scenic and sophisticated Nakanoshima district, a three-kilometre island between the Dōjima and Tosabori rivers.

If arriving by air, from Kansai International airport (KIX) the drive is around 50 minutes while the train is 45 minutes to JR Osaka Station followed by a three-minute taxi ride. From Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), expect a 25-minute drive to the hotel.

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The vibe

Set within the 49-storey One Dojima skyscraper, and occupying 12 floors, this urban sanctuary feels residential yet elevated in style. The ground floor sets an intentionally grounded tone with curated art pieces, a light-filled arrival lounge and Jardin, its open and airy French bistro, which is surrounded by greenery.

On the top 10 floors, public lounges and guest accommodation offer panoramic views of the Dojima River, the cityscape and Osaka Castle.

Bathe with a view at Four Seasons Osaka

Bathe with a view at Four Seasons Osaka (Four Seasons)

A fusion of French and Japanese style is woven into many aspects of the hotel, from Jardin to the interior design, which is a collaboration between Tokyo-based Nikken Sekkei and SIMPLICITY, and French-born designer Gwenael Nicolas (of CURIOSITY). The look merges contemporary luxury with traditional elements; milled timber, sliding shoji screens and a dedicated modern ryokan floor with quiet, shoe-free tatami-matted walkways.

The service

The service is impeccable. I found myself enjoying friendly small talk with multiple members of staff on each day of my stay.

From accommodating a takeaway bento box breakfast for an early morning start to suggesting a cocktail that fit my mood at Bar Bota, I felt taken care of throughout the duration of my stay.

Bed and bath

Four Seasons Osaka has 148 guest rooms and 27 suites. The Western-style guest rooms and suites span floors 29 to 35, which are minimalist in design, and feature sliding doors. Oversized bathtubs in full marble bathrooms extend the spa-like experience from the 36th floor wellness facilities into your private space.

Views are impressive from every room

Views are impressive from every room (Four Seasons)

The city skyline is the focal point of each guest room. As you lay in bed at night with the city lit up by the surrounding landscape you’ll feel as though you’re in a movie. If bright lights aren’t for you, the blackout roller shades can turn your room pitch black at the flick of a switch.

On the 28th floor you’ll find the hotel’s modern ryokan-style rooms. There are 21, which feature tatami mat flooring, sliding doors, and low seating. The bathrooms are decorated in stone, with black tiles and dark timber detailing. These rooms are in high demand, and after a night in one of them I understood why. They are designed to foster a feeling of peace and relaxation – exactly what one would want in a hotel room. The communal SABO tea lounge is only steps away and extends the feeling of zen.

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Food and drink

Jardin is the hotel’s French bistro where a buffet breakfast is served. Dishes include taiyaki pancakes, an Osaka-style savoury waffle topped with fried chicken and the Farine croissant Benedict, with a poached egg, avocado, seasonal microgreens, shaved parmesan cheese and a lime wedge (it was one of the best pastries I’ve ever had). As the restaurant works closely with the hotel’s artisanal bakery, Farine, next door, fresh pastries and brioche are a core part of the menu.

Unsurprisingly, the other food and drink spots also live up to Osaka’s reputation as the food capital of Japan. Sushi L'Abysse Osaka Yannick Alléno is an omakase counter that combines French haute cuisine techniques with Japanese sushi artistry.

Jardin, the hotel’s Japanese-French fusion bistro and buffet restaurant

Jardin, the hotel’s Japanese-French fusion bistro and buffet restaurant (Four Seasons)

Jiang Nan Chun is the hotel’s signature Cantonese fine dining restaurant, located on the 37th floor. The high ceilings and dim lighting add a certain moodiness while you enjoy the menu, crafted by executive Chinese chef, Raymond Wong. Standout dishes include the wok-fried A5 wagyu beef and shishito pepper with barbecue sauce, and braised pumpkin soup with black truffle and elm fungus. Next door is Bar Bota, a cocktail bar with panoramic views of the city skyline.

SABO, the tea and saki lounge, is an exclusive experience for guests staying in the Gensui tatami rooms and suites, and is modelled after a traditional Japanese ryokan tea house.

The Four Seasons is thorough in its accommodation of dietary needs. Menus are clearly labelled with everything from preferences (including vegan or vegetarian) to allergens (such as celery and buckwheat), and there are plenty of dedicated plant-based and vegetarian options.

Facilities

Guests can book private ofuros (Japanese soaking tubs)

Guests can book private ofuros (Japanese soaking tubs) (Four Seasons)

The 36th-floor wellness centre is truly something special. The entire floor is a dedicated sanctuary that includes an indoor heated pool with city views from floor-to-ceiling windows, a 24-hour fitness centre, public and private ofuros (Japanese soaking tubs) and five naturally-lit treatment rooms for spa therapies. The pool and ofuros are open for use from 6:30am to 10pm, making them the perfect place to start or end the day.

For events, Four Seasons Osaka also has a grand ballroom and garden terrace, along with an intimate private venue that can be booked for up to 14 guests.

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Accessibility

The hotel has four fully accessible rooms, along with a step-free entryway with gentle slopes and automatic doors. There are wheelchair accessible elevators that connect guests from the main lobby to all guest room levels.

Pet policy

No pets are allowed, except certified service animals.

SABO tea lounge is the best place to take Instagram pictures

SABO tea lounge is the best place to take Instagram pictures (Four Seasons)

Check-in/check-out

Check-in is from 3pm, check-out is noon.

Family-friendly?

The hotel offers a kids’ menu along with babysitting services for a fee. However, the crowd leans more adult, with many people staying for business rather than pleasure.

At a glance

Best thing: The ryokan-style rooms, offering an authentic Japanese experience.

Perfect for: Business travellers and those wanting a relaxing city centre base.

Not right for: A family-focused holiday.

Instagram from: SABO tea lounge with views of city skyline out the windows.

Address: 2-4-32 Dojima, Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0003, Japan

Phone:+81 6 6676 8682

Website: fourseasons.com/osaka

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Niki was a guest of Four Seasons Osaka