Osaka is often overlooked as a Japanese city, but I’d describe it as Tokyo & Kyoto’s cooler younger sister city complete with great food, buzzing nightlife and modern Japanese skyscraper metropolis, but at a manageable size.
Known as Osaka’s ‘Champs Elysées’, the St.Regis Osaka is located on the historic Midosuji Avenue, just north of the bustling Dotonbori district. Having opened in October 2010, the hotel has made its mark as one of Osaka’s leading luxury hotels.
The hotel features 160 rooms and suites, spread across different categories, with each exuding the signature St. Regis sense of sophistication and elegance in the decor that included Japanese motifs like cherry blossoms and silk elements. The bathroom is packed with amenities and features a shower cubicle and a large bathtub.
Another thoughtful touch to the hotel is the small cubbyhole that connects your room to the hallway and is only accessible by staff from the outside. This means you can get food and beverages delivered to the cubbyhole without having to answer the door. This is all part of the St. Regis’ Signature Butler Service – a bespoke amenity which offers guests everything from packing and unpacking services, garment pressing and a personalised beverage service.
One of the prettiest areas of the hotel is on the ground-level at Rue d’Or. The French bistro, charcuterie and bakery looks like you’ve stepped into an elegant Parisian Cafe, with red velvet seats and monochromatic flooring. Whilst around the corner from the main reception is La Veduta – here breakfast is served. Expect a buffet spread with international delicacies along with an a la carte menu.
For a special celebratory meal, Wajo, is the hotel’s Teppanyaki restaurant, which serves generous portions of the Kobe meat, grilled to perfection and can be paired with sake, recommended by the sommelier. Don’t forget to try the Shogun Mary, which blends yuzu, wasabi and soy sauce into the classic cocktail.
Osaka is a foodie city, and native dishes like okonomiyaki which is a delicious savoury pancake dressed with a special sauce is not to be missed. Try it at Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant in Dotonburi. Speaking of Dotonburi, a visit to Osaka wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the famous Dotonburi bridge, which is home to neon lights and gaudy signs or the Shinsekai market area, both which have a ton of restaurants nearby, serving local delicacies.
Make sure to include Osaka Castle within your itinerary – one of Japan’s most famous landmarks – as well to Hozen-ji temple. If you have some extra time, it’s worth a visit to Japan’s Universal Studios, as well as to the TeamLabs garden, which is outdoors and opens in the evening subject to weather conditions.
Price: Rates start from JPY 55,860. marriott.com/en-us/hotels/osaxr-the-st-regis-osaka
3-6-12 Honmachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0053, Japan
