The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka

The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka is a one-of-a-kind hotel in the city. When the property opened in 1997, it was the first Ritz-Carlton in Japan – and while the rooms have been completely renovated in 2024, the lobby retains its original opulence. It’s essentially a time capsule that harkens back to the classic European luxury that defined the aesthetic of 1990s Japan.

With its rich wood paneling and ornate chandeliers, the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka’s lobby floor draws inspiration from the grandiose style of a British aristocrat’s manor. Adjacent to the reception is a lounge complete with sofas in brocade upholstery and a working fireplace, from which corridors branch off towards the hotel’s various facilities. 

The interior looks and feels like a private estate: long hallways, cabinets filled with antique china, tabletops graced with decorative arts, and walls adorned with classical paintings from the owners' private collection. On first impression, the hotel possesses a warm, lived-in character that stands in stark contrast to the clean, modern minimalism of today’s hotels. 

What are the rooms like at the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka?

To reflect the times, the hotel’s rooms and suites (all 287 in total, excluding the Japanese Suites and the Ritz-Carlton Suites) have undergone a complete makeover. While they still exude the brand’s classic European elegance, the design has been updated to meet the expectations of modern travellers. The rooms are now dressed in calming off-white, soft grey and earth tones to create a soothing ambience, while strategically placed mirrors complement the large picture windows in enhancing the overall spaciousness.

Our Club Deluxe corner room was sumptuous. Plush bedding ensured a restful night’s sleep. Ample charging points with USB ports were always within reach. The expansive white-marble bathroom featured a double vanity and a walk-in shower, while the minibar included a Nespresso machine and a Japanese tea set. The well-appointed room was a joy to return to after a full day of exploring Osaka.

What about the facilities at the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka?

The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka truly lives up to its five-star status. The gym is well-equipped with free weights and cardio machines, and right next door, a temperature-controlled lap pool makes it easy to get a swim in regardless of the season. Even if you’re just looking to unwind, there are two Jacuzzis – one indoor and another outside in the garden. 

Additionally, the gender-separated wellness areas each come with a steam room and sauna, as well as hot and cold baths. However, do keep in mind that guests are requested to cover their tattoos with tape or rash guards, which are available at the spa reception.

What are the food and drink options at the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka?

Of the hotel’s six food and drink outlets, two stand out. The signature French restaurant La Baie – whose name means ‘the bay’ in French, a direct reference to its seafood-driven menu – has been awarded one Michelin star for 14 years.

Hanagatami, on the other hand, is an all-round Japanese restaurant made up of five distinct sections, each showcasing a key culinary style: sushi, tempura, teppanyaki, sumibiyaki and kaiseki. The tempura speciality, in particular, is included in the recent Michelin Select list.

The tempura omakase dinner we had here was a highlight of our stay. The meal naturally celebrated the season’s freshest ingredients, but what truly impressed us was the impossibly light and crisp batter. It’s the chef’s signature – a painstaking technique where the flour is chilled to sub-zero temperatures and then mixed with iced water to create the airiest of coatings.

If we had to single out just one dish, it would be the tempura seaweed topped with uni and seasoned with snow salt from Hiroshima. It was an exquisite taste of the ocean: sweet, briny, creamy and crispy all in one mouthful.

What is the service like at the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka?

Service at the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka is impeccable – no surprises there. But what’s truly memorable are the little touches of thoughtfulness, like receiving a pot of freshly brewed coffee delivered to our room alongside our morning wake-up call.

We also thoroughly enjoyed the Club Lounge, which was included in our Club Room stay. A serene space perched on the 34th floor with breathtaking views over Osaka’s dynamic skyline, the lounge has been aptly described as ‘a hotel within a hotel’. 

We felt so comfortable that we parked ourselves here for an entire day, catching up on work while being pampered with five daily food presentations. We enjoyed afternoon tea at check-in, followed by evening hors d’oeuvres, and finally, a nightcap with sweets. The evening sessions even come with a free-flow of alcoholic beverages including champagne. During the day, the lounge also serves breakfast and a light lunch.

Moreover, Club Lounge guests are privy to a selection of complimentary Japanese cultural activities. We participated in a tea ceremony, a furoshiki (wrapping cloth) session and a guided sake tasting. That’s three things ticked off our Osaka list, without leaving the hotel.

What is the area like around the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka?

The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka occupies a convenient location in the bustling shopping district of Umeda. The hotel is connected to an elaborate underground pedestrian network, leading directly to nearby landmarks such as the Kitte Osaka mall and several key metro stations including Osaka-Umeda and Hanshin-Umeda.

More importantly, it connects you to the city's main transport hub, Osaka Station. Once there, you can easily hop on a train to explore nearby destinations like Kyoto, Kobe and Himeji on day trips.

Why you should book a stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Osaka

After all the legwork you’ll be doing exploring the vibrant streets of Osaka, you’ll want to come back to a hotel that’s relaxing and indulgent in equal measures. The spacious, newly renovated rooms and the comprehensive wellness facilities will make sure you’re very well taken care of. Moreover, having Michelin-rated dining just a few floors away – and access to the elevated perks of the Club Lounge, if you choose – means you’ll always have a luxurious experience, even on days you feel like staying in.

Address: 2-5-25, Umeda, Kita, Osaka

Closest transport link: Hanshin-Umeda Station, JR Osaka Station

Book now: ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/osarz-the-ritz-carlton-osaka

The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka is currently offering a limited-time Sakura Kaiseki Stay Package until April 15. Priced from ¥109,790 per night, the package includes breakfast and a kaiseki lunch or dinner at Hanagatami. More details here.