Don't let Osaka-born architect Tadao Ando's sleek black facade trick you — the interior of W Osaka proves bright, vibrant and full of color. Located in the center of the city’s nightlife and party scene on Midōsuji Boulevard, the hotel embraces the electric vibe of all things art, music, dancing and fun. In fact, to enter the property, you must walk through a lit-up, cutout-covered tunnel inspired by origami and kirigami (an art form that involves cutting and folding paper) that changes colors as you head to the lobby. There, a vividly hued space with kawaii kokeshi wooden dolls awaits.
Japan’s first W hotel offers also offers a respite from the busy city in crisp, minimalist rooms ensconced in luxury. The 337 accommodations have floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the city and skyline. Take in the view while sipping a cocktail, which you can mix up yourself from the personal mini-bar. Or let someone make it for you at one of the two onsite bars and four restaurants.
- Tap into the contemporary culture of the Osaka hotel by lounging in the Living Room (the lobby), a social hub of live DJ performances, great cocktails, afternoon tea and people from around the world milling about. The rainbow-hued chairs and couches mixed with bright light installations and modern art add to the festive vibe.
- While bursts of color, light and art permeate the communal areas and restaurants, the guest rooms are less busy. The color palette remains neutral throughout most of the space. However, expect lively pops of neon in the rugs, art, light displays and accent pillows.
- Visit AWAY Spa for a massage, facial, body scrub and more. Like the rest of the hotel, the spa incorporates modern touches and artsy installations throughout. It comes complete with a heated pool and a fully equipped fitness center.
- The WET pool area has its own bar. The pool is inside under a glowing LED ceiling, but floor-to-ceiling windows open up onto the patio so you can walk right in from the water to the alfresco bar.
- Sitting on top of the 27th-story building, the 2,000-plus-square-foot penthouse comes with a DJ booth, kitchen, study area, living room and panoramic view of Osaka. There's also a unique 6-foot-diameter chrome bathtub in the bathroom that looks like a giant silver saucer, perfect for two people.
- Book a reservation at Oh.lala, an innovative eatery run by chef Yusuke Takada. All three meals are served here, and the food centers around traditional French cuisine mixed with Japanese ingredients.
- At Teppanyaki MYDO, the décor was all done by a local Osaka artist and includes unique wooden accoutrements with whimsical pictures painted on them. The food hews more traditional and is centered around teppan, a style of Japanese cuisine where meat, noodles and seafood get grilled on a hot iron plate.
- MIXup is the hotel's casual spot for picture-perfect sweets, coffee, tea and champagne.
- When in Japan one must get sushi, and Sushi UKIYO serves amazing dishes in an intimate setting right in the hotel. The type of sushi is called edomae, which refers to Tokyo Bay, where the fish is caught. Order the sake pairing to go with it for a truly special evening.
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