The five-pearl Ritz-Carlton Osaka is housed in a striking tower also home to a shopping center and offices. The hotel itself occupies floors 24 to 37 of the building -- which allows for expansive city views from all rooms, and minimizes street noise. Common spaces are some of the most opulent in town, with a beautiful combination of refined Old World elegance and warm touches that make the property feel exclusive yet welcoming. Dark wood paneling, warm lights, classic paintings with ornate golden frames, and delicate crystal chandeliers lend public areas a decadent air similar to a classic English gentleman’s club, especially the lobby lounge and The Bar. Although in the heart of a bustling neighborhood, the property has a serene feel throughout, but particularly in the lovely garden, which features a whirlpool, several loungers, and lots of plants. This property is a top pick for well-heeled couples and business travelers; families are also drawn to the property for its amenities including an indoor pool. 

This hotel sits above a large shopping mall home to dozens of shops and dining options on a busy street in the bustling Umeda neighborhood. Osaka Station City, one of the city’s main transportation hubs and featuring several malls and restaurants, is just a five-minute underground walk away. There aren’t many major attractions within easy walking distance, but most are within a 30-minute subway ride, including Osaka Castle, Shitenno-ji Temple, and the Osaka Aquarium. This location is also convenient for travelers looking to explore nearby towns such as Kobe, Kyoto, and Nara, as trains depart from the station below. Those taking the Shinkansen may want to note that bullet trains stop at Shin-Osaka Station instead, located one subway stop away. Osaka International Airport is a 20-minute drive away.

Starting at 460 square feet, rooms at the Ritz-Carlton are some of the largest in Osaka. Heavy wood furniture, thick carpets, a beige and pale blue color palette, and cream-colored striped wallpaper make rooms feel elegant and classic, but also may strike some guests as dated. Quality beds are topped with duvets, Egyptian cotton linens, and cute round accent pillows with a blue-and-white design matching the armchairs by the windows. 

Rooms have high-tech and upscale amenities, including large flat-screen TVs, DVD players, free Wi-Fi, espresso machines, and stocked minibars. Rooms start on floor 24 of the building, which combined with floor-to-ceiling windows allows for expansive city views from all units. Bathrooms are large and luxurious, with elegant marble finishes, glass showers, and separate tubs (in all but a few Superior units), double sinks, and Asprey toiletries. Club Rooms are located on the top floors and offer access to the 34th-floor Club Lounge, which provides food and drinks throughout the day, as well as private check-in and checkout service. 

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka is known for its varied and excellent dining options, covering cuisines from France to Japan. The most popular are Xiang Tao and La Baie, while Hanagatami serves wonderful sushi and an array of sakes handpicked by the on-site sommelier. A breakfast buffet is offered daily at Splendido, the hotel’s Italian restaurant. Additionally, there is a high-end pastry shop with excellent wines and chocolates, and a lobby lounge serving afternoon tea and snacks. The exclusive Bar offers a selection of 150 whiskeys and a cigar lounge, but there is a pesky cover charge for access in the evening. 

The fitness center has an array of cardio and strength-training machines, as well as a sauna, a steam bath, and a whirlpool. The heated indoor pool is long enough for a swim, and has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tranquil garden, where there is another small whirlpool and a few loungers. The serene spa offers an array of massages and treatments performed using ESPA products. The hotel is home to 26,000 square feet of meeting space, including large banquet halls and small boardrooms. Catering and secretarial services can be requested at front desk, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.