The Waldorf Astoria Osaka has officially opened its doors, marking the iconic brand’s debut in Japan. Situated in the trendsetting Umekita District within the Grand Green Osaka development, this 252-room hotel offers panoramic views from its position on floors 28-38 of the South Park Tower. The opening coincides perfectly with cherry blossom season and comes just in time for the upcoming Osaka-Kansai Expo, positioning the Waldorf Astoria Osaka as the newest must-visit luxury destination in Japan.
A masterclass in design fusion
Five years in the making, the Waldorf Astoria Osaka showcases the vision of internationally acclaimed architect André Fu, known for his work on Upper House Hong Kong and Capella Singapore. Fu has reimagined Art Deco sensibilities with distinctly Japanese elements, creating spaces that feel both familiar to Waldorf Astoria loyalists and deeply connected to Osaka’s identity. The Waldorf Astoria Osaka stands as a testament to thoughtful design that honours both tradition and innovation.
The hotel’s Peacock Alley, a signature Waldorf Astoria space, welcomes guests with dazzling panoramic views of the cityscape and river. The journey continues through an airy corridor featuring Art Deco hallmarks and culminates in a seven-metre-high lantern – a contemporary take on traditional Japanese lamps that pays homage to the original Tiffany lamp in New York. Water features and glass-encased gardens with Tsubaki trees enhance the serene yet sophisticated atmosphere.
Residences, not rooms
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“Residences, not rooms” could well be the Waldorf Astoria Osaka’s unofficial motto. With the largest room dimensions in the city, even standard accommodations feel like junior suites, featuring separate living areas, spacious walk-in closets and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the spectacular cityscape. For those seeking the ultimate experience, 29 corner suites offer exceptional views, particularly during the annual summer fireworks festival.
Attention to detail defines the Waldorf Astoria Osaka experience. Rooms come equipped with plush white pyjama sets, luxurious bathrobes, artfully designed jewellery boxes and minibars stocked with local delicacies. Each space showcases beautiful works by local artists and intricate Kumiko woodwork – a traditional Japanese method using no nails, glue or screws.
The marble bathrooms feature premium Aesop toiletries and Toto fixtures, while modern conveniences include intuitive lighting systems and fully integrated technology. For the ultimate indulgence, the hotel offers two penthouse suites and a 193-square-metre Presidential Suite between the 31st and 38th floors, providing 360-degree views of the city.
A culinary destination in its own right
Carrying forward Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of gastronomic excellence, the hotel presents four distinctive dining concepts that showcase both global flavours and local culinary traditions.
Tsukimi stands out as an exceptional Japanese restaurant focused on exclusivity and quality. The teppanyaki experience features purebred Tajima Kuoge wagyu beef, aged a minimum of 36 months and supplied to only a select number of restaurants worldwide. Even the steak knives are special creations by Ryusen Japan, a fourth-generation family of craftsmen once known for samurai sword making. With a moon-inspired design offering stunning views, the omakase experience is led by the talented chef Junichi Yoshida.
For fans of French cuisine, Jolie Brasserie serves elegant dishes using fine local ingredients. Signature offerings include Kyoto Nanatani duck confit and Kumamoto Akaushi steak frites. The venue also hosts the daily breakfast service, where the French toast comes highly recommended.
Beyond its stunning design, Peacock Alley serves an indulgent afternoon tea featuring luxurious items like lobster rolls and Oscietra caviar alongside handcrafted desserts. In April 2025, it was one of the few places in Japan offering the newly released Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame 2018 vintage. As evening approaches, the space transforms into a sophisticated venue for handcrafted cocktails and fine wines.
Completing the culinary lineup is Canes & Tales, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar with magnificent views. Here, skilled mixologists prepare classic cocktails from the Waldorf Astoria Bar Book alongside hard-to-find sake selections, with many presentations executed tableside.
Exceptional experiences beyond the ordinary
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The Waldorf Astoria Osaka upholds the brand’s century-long tradition of legendary hospitality through intuitive service. Each guest enjoys access to a dedicated Personal Concierge who can arrange everything from bespoke cultural experiences across Japan to managing every detail of their stay.
For those seeking relaxation, the Waldorf Astoria Osaka’s spa draws inspiration from Japanese healing traditions, offering tailored treatments, a serene indoor pool and rejuvenating thermal experiences. The hotel is also preparing to launch special experiences that immerse guests in local culture, further connecting visitors to the essence of Osaka.
With 33,000 square metres of elegantly designed event spaces, including an intimate chapel, Waldorf Astoria Osaka is poised to host gatherings ranging from small meetings to grand celebrations. The dedicated events team ensures every occasion reflects the brand’s legacy of hosting royalty, cultural luminaries and industry leaders.
Forward-thinking luxury
Beyond its luxurious offerings, Waldorf Astoria Osaka demonstrates a commitment to sustainability through Hilton’s LightStay platform. Efforts include reducing single-use plastic with wooden key cards and glass-bottled water. The hotel also features thoughtfully designed accessible rooms to support guests with disabilities.
Strategically located at Grand Green Osaka South Building in Kita-ku, the Waldorf Astoria Osaka offers unrivalled access to the city and beyond. It sits just steps away from JR Osaka Station, providing seamless high-speed rail connections to Kyoto, Nara and Kobe – making it the perfect base for exploring the wider Kansai region.
The Waldorf Astoria Osaka represents a new chapter in Japan’s luxury hospitality landscape, offering an experience that honours both the rich legacy of the brand and the cultural depth of its new home.
