On the banks of the Daini Neya river, a short, quiet walk from Osaka’s famous 16th-century landmark, New Otani Osaka offers guests a bubble of tranquillity in an otherwise bustling city. And for those spending their evenings partying – or, to use a local expression, ‘eating themselves bankrupt’ – in Dotonbori, Osaka’s nightlife and street food hub, a return to the calm and quiet of the New Otani Osaka feels like a blessing.
The emphasis here is very much on comfort. From the superior rooms with their views of Osaka Castle to the extra spacious deluxe rooms, the accommodation is always elegant, tastefully furnished and very comfortable. A series of renovated new options call on ancient Japanese style, with delicate paper screens, beautiful hinoki baths and a suite of welcome amenities including locally made sake.
The hotel is ideally located for the city’s most popular tourist attractions and eateries, although hungry guests don’t need to leave the hotel’s spacious grounds – there are more than a dozen restaurants on-site, including upscale French eatery Sakura, elegant Chinese venue Taikan En and no fewer than six Japanese places specialising in everything from tempura to soba and sushi to sukiyaki. Keyaki, a teppanyaki restaurant on the top floor where skilled chefs flip meat and fish on the grill to a stunning backdrop of the Osaka skyline, is the highlight.
The Osaka Expo runs until October 2025, and New Otani Osaka is ideally located for the mega-event. The journey on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line from Morinomiya Station, close to Hotel New Otani Osaka, to the newly built Yumeshima Station, at the entrance to the Expo site, is simple, direct and takes around 40 minutes. Another major attraction, the Universal Studios Japan theme park, is only 30 minutes away by public transport.
Neighbourhood
There’s a distinct lack of green spaces in Osaka, but the hotel is right next door to the vast complex of parks, gardens and shrines that surround Osaka Castle. There are plenty of activities in and around the castle; the Osaka Museum of History is also nearby, and there are lots of excellent eateries on the other side of the Daini Neya.
Nearby
Osaka Castle The city’s iconic landmark, with an observation deck offering views of the metropolis, and stories to tell from its 400 years of history.
Ichizan Excellent low-key ramen haunt, where the speciality is the rich, creamy-white chicken paitan broth.
Gyoza no Kacchan No frills gyoza – grilled or fried – and draft beer at a low price.