5 ideas for an Indulgent Stay in Osaka, Japan

While Kyoto might attract more tourists with its rich history, it is Osaka that is truly Japan’s second city. It is not short on interesting history itself, but is better known for its vibrant street food scene and for being the financial and business hub of Western Japan. With lots of wealthy visitors coming to the city to make deals, it is an excellent place for a spot of indulgence and to enjoy some of the finer things away from the bustle and noise of the capital. 

Here are just some of the ways you can enjoy an indulgent stay in this unique and vibrant city. 

Book a Luxury Hotel

The cornerstone of any indulgent break is the accommodation, which needs to be first class. Fortunately, there are plenty of luxury hotel suites to choose from in Osaka, with several high-end international hotel chains having a presence there. These include Swissotel, Conrad, St. Regis, and Intercontinental.

While all offer the impeccable service and luxurious living areas that you might expect from a five-star hotel, you can also enjoy some spectacular views depending on which one you choose. Some offer magnificent views of Osaka Bay, while others allow you to enjoy the city’s skyline or the nearby Mount Ikoma. 

Enjoy Some Fine Dining

Osaka is most notable for its street food, but if you are more into fine dining then you are in luck too. The city is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants, including Hajime which boasts not one but three Michelin stars. Hajime focuses on innovative fusion dishes that are designed to look as interesting as they taste, but there are other high-end establishments serving local luxuries such as super-fresh sushi and wagyu beef. 

Enjoy an Onsen

Osaka is not known for its hot springs, but onsens are part of the culture there just as they are across Japan and so there are plenty of places for you to choose from. Some hotels even have an onsen in your room that you can use to relax and soak whenever you please, but if you are not planning to use it often then choosing a different room and heading to a spa outside your hotel might help make your trip more affordable. 

One popular destination is Arima Onsen, which is a town with natural hot springs around an hour’s drive from Osaka. This is a great place to go if you want to enjoy some pampering in a more relaxing and natural setting. 

Do Some Luxury Shopping

Something else that Osaka is known for besides street food is shopping. In particular, it is notable for its high-end boutiques and the presence of various international luxury brands. Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton all have stores in the city’s Shinsaibashi shopping district, along with lots of local designers. There are even more to be found at Herbis Plaza, a luxury shopping complex near to Osaka-Umeda train station. Besides clothes, accessories, and perfumes, you can also find premium cosmetics at the city’s Daimaru department store.

Charter a Boat Along the River

Osaka has a fascinating history and many of its historical buildings, including its castle, have survived up to today. A unique way to soak up some of the historical and cultural sights of the city is to take a cruise along the river. This takes you past landmarks like the castle as well as through the heart of the city and all its skyscrapers. The sights are usually accompanied by gourmet food and sake tastings on-board, as well as traditional entertainment like geisha dances and shamisen music. 

Closing Thoughts

With a more relaxed atmosphere than Tokyo, Osaka is the perfect spot for some fine dining and to enjoy some of life’s luxuries. From five-star hotels to spas and Michelin-starred restaurants, it has everything you need for an indulgent break.

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