Rising above the Dojima River, Four Seasons Hotel, Osaka occupies a sleek skyscraper, but stepping inside one discovers a space whose identity unfolds in unique layers spanning centuries. With an entire floor dedicated to a quintessentially Japanese experience, the hotel fuses immersive, ancient traditions with all the trappings of modern luxury.
At the ground floor lobby, textured stonework and neutral tones inspired by the walls and moat of Osaka Castle, an iconic city landmark, subtly merge contemporary design with history.
The moment I step off the elevator on the 28th floor, there is an immediate transition. I walk through a dimly lit corridor where the vibe is hushed, almost meditative. Shoes are removed at the entrance and I step onto tatami mat flooring, signalling entry into a distinctly Japanese world.
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A Touch Of Tradition
In a rare nod to tradition set within a tall tower, this entire floor called Gensui has been transformed to give visitors the ryokan experience. Dating back to the 8th century, ryokans are inns that immerse travellers into traditional Japanese lifestyle with features such as tatami rooms, futon beds and communal baths – an experience that the 21 rooms and suites here mirror, albeit with a five star twist.
My room is beautifully restrained with a low futon-style bed with an indulgently comfortable mattress, washi-paper headboard, handcrafted ceramics and low-slung furniture. The entire aesthetic is minimal, yet warm. The corner room offered sweeping, floor-to-ceiling views of Osaka's soaring skyline, a striking contrast to the serene interiors within.
Even the black stone bathroom channels tradition, with a deep soaking tub and kimono-style robes that invite one to embrace the ryokan rhythm. Ryokan-floor guests gain exclusive access to Sabo, a serene tea lounge where the day begins with bento-style breakfasts and unfolds through quiet tea rituals, tasting flights and evening sake. It's an intimate cultural refuge.
Culinary Capital Of Japan
When a hotel is located in a city which is the country' culinary hub, its restaurants need to live up to that reputation and each meal at the three here hits the mark.
At Jiang Nan Chun, the elegant Cantonese restaurant, every dish – the wok-fried wagyu beef with shishito peppers, barbecued pork, crab meat fried rice - is refined yet authentic. The expansive dining room comes with private dining spaces and city views, and as I was leaving, I spotted a table indulging in the restaurant's showstopper: Peking duck carved tableside.
A unique experience unfolds at Sushi L'Abysse Osaka by Yannick Alléno, as French precision meets the theatre of Japanese Omakase in an unusual fusion of two very distinct cuisines. Seated inside the sleek private dining room, I watched the culinary artistry of Sushi Chef Itaru Yasuda as he worked with precise, almost hypnotic movements. The meal opened with ‘Emotions', a series of refined plates that included lettuce ravioli with almond cream, egg and caviar, and wagyu beef tartare with ponzu jelly. Servings of sushi and sashimi came next with each course paired with sake.
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At the glamourous bar at Bar Bota on the 37th floor, sweeping skyline views pair beautifully with the craft cocktails, specially at sunset. The circular bar takes centrestage with dramatic lights hanging from the ceiling. Curated in honour of Japanese craftsmanship and art, the cocktail menu is inspired by local botanicals. I opted for Yuzu & Caviar – a gin based drink with Sansho Pepper Vermouth, White Bitter Blend and topped with a decadent spoon of caviar.
Ofuro, Osaka-Style
This is no ordinary spa. Rooted deeply in local culture, the hotel's Ofuro experience – a Japanese ritual bath for healing, celebrates a traditional approach to wellness. There are separate spaces for men and women, along with two private rooms.
The city panorama from the treatment room where I had a massage contrasted paradoxically with the complete tranquillity inside. I chose the Ki Balance signature treatment, and within minutes of the therapist working through every knot with intuitive precision, I nearly drifted off.
My stay here revealed that Four Seasons Osaka is not just another five star address in Japan's third largest city, it is a hotel where contemporary flair merges seamlessly with old traditions.
