I’ve recently returned from my first-ever trip to Japan, and, like the rest of Australia, am now obsessed. The bright flavour of dashi, chew of udon and crunch of tonkatsu! Shiny white Shinkansens! 7-Eleven’s soft-sweet egg sambos! Vending-machine ramen! The pulsating late-night energy! Sake! You get the gist.
I’ve written about how Jetstar offers business class flights to the Land of the Rising Sun (complete with free-flowing bubbles, super comfy seats and top-notch meals) at a fraction of the cost of other airlines. I’ve covered the Very Exciting News that Time Out has launched the first-ever market in Asia Pacific, aptly called Time Out Market Osaka – which brings together the city’s top chefs and restaurants under the one roof. And, I’ve covered the best things to see and do in Osaka. But, if you're heading to Osaka, also known as Japan’s kitchen (and I really recommend that you do so), where should you stay? I’m so glad you asked.
I spent three nights at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, and can truthfully say it’s one of the best hotels I’ve been to. Here’s everything you need to know.
Why stay at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda?
Welcoming guests from September 2024, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is the first hotel of the brand to open in Asia outside of China. The five-star hotel is inspired by Osaka’s cultural heritage and vibrant, eclectic energy, with playful local art and motifs featured throughout.
Expect Hilton’s signature hospitality and premium offering, delivered with a fresh, playful wink. Found in a shiny high rise in cosmopolitan Umeda, the glistening hotel overlooks the brand-new Grand Green Osaka complex, so glittering cityscape views are paired with lush, green parkland. Being a five-minute walk from Osaka/Umeda train station, the hotel’s location is also bang on, making Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda not only a comfortable and stylish base for your Osaka stay, but a convenient one too.
What are the rooms like at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda?
From minimalist Canopy Rooms to expansive Panorama Suites, all 308 rooms across 13 floors exude calm sophistication and Japanese aesthetics – with warm woods, clean lines and earthy tones throughout. I stayed in the King Canopy Corner Suite (63 sqm) and woke up feeling like I was floating in a glass box above Osaka, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a plush, cloud-like bed, a comfy living area and sweeping cityscape views. I had to dig deep to get myself out of bed each day, using thoughts of hot ramen, coral-toned sashimi and vintage gems.
What are the food offerings like?
Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is home to a trio of dining spots worth checking out. Downstairs, Bean There, Umeda is a leafy café serving local coffee and fresh pastries. Upstairs, CC:Carbon Copy is the go-to place for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with both local and international options.
One morning I had a perfectly cooked omelette, another I had udon noodles with a delicious broth, and on my last day I had a savoury and rich Japanese curry and rice. There are no rules at the breakfast buffet – and the one at CC:Carbon Copy is one of the best I’ve experienced! At night, I enjoyed the chef’s choice set menu, which celebrates flavours from around the world. Stone-baked bread with seaweed butter was a highlight, as was the fresh, citrusy tuna tartar on a crisp rice cracker and tender grilled Japanese beef with an umami miso sauce.
If you feel like a drink – and if you’re on holidays, that may be a given – Ja Ja Bar is your place. The rooftop bar serves street-food snacks, fun cocktails and late-night vibes.
What is the service like at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda?
Service is Hilton-style good – friendly, professional and happy to assist. There’s a 24-hour front desk, concierge, room service, EV charging, and they even offer complimentary vintage bike rentals for exploring the neighbourhood. Have a furry best friend? Good news – the hotel is pet-friendly.
What is the gym like at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda?
Some hotel gyms feel cramped and like an afterthought. The one at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is not that. It’s spacious, boasts beautiful views of Grand Green Osaka and offers TechnoGym equipment and everything you need for a full-body workout, including lots of free weights. Hot tip: if you like to run, the hotel has curated scenic running routes, including a 10 km round trip to Osaka Castle – just download the Rungo app and off you go.
What’s the area like around Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda?
There are many things to like about my stay at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda – and its location is one of them. It’s right in the action, surrounded by green parks, vibey izakayas, a shopping mall and heavy hitters like Nike, Zara and Uniqlo alongside smaller boutiques. You’re a short walk to Time Out Market Osaka, home to 17 delicious food stalls from the city’s best chefs and restaurants under one roof. And as mentioned, it’s a short walk to Osaka Station, so you can explore the best of the city with ease. Be sure to also check out nearby Nakazakicho, home to charming cafés, quirky vintage stores and old houses repurposed into fun shops and delicious restaurants.
Why should you book a stay at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda?
If you’re after a hotel that’s chic, convenient and comfortable, then Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda ticks all the boxes. It’s got a prime location, the rooms are spacious and stylish and the Japanese curry at the breakfast buffet really is delicious.
Address: 6-38 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan
Price per night: From ¥40,000
Closest transport link: Osaka Station
Book now: hilton.com/en/hotels/osapypy-canopy-osaka-umeda