W Osaka: Japan’s First W Hotel That Encapsulates Flamboyance Behind A Minimalist Facade

W Osaka, Japan’s 1st W hotel

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In January 2018, Marriott International announced plans to debut a W Hotel in Japan, in collaboration with Osaka-based Sekisui House – one of Japan’s most influential property developers. After 3 years, W Osaka finally opened its doors on 16 March 2021, joining the family of W Hotels from over 50 other destinations globally.

With a distinguished contrast between its minimalist exterior and the vibrant interior, W Osaka has a thoughtful design that embodies the Osaka spirit – one that is both humble and exciting. The hotel also offers a luxurious night of rest thanks to its multitude of facilities that lets guests live the life of a royalty.

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Concept behind the hotel’s design

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Image credit: @concreteamsterdam

It is hard to miss the stark black exterior of W Osaka when you pass by Midosuji Boulevard. The minimalist appearance of the 27-storey building alludes to the humbleness and simplicity of the Edo Period, when people kept things simple in public and didn’t dress up excessively.

Image credit: W Osaka

However, things were different behind closed doors. People could let loose in private, unveiling a wilder side of the society. The interior design captures just that, with its elaborate interior decor and colourful neon lights. The neon lights are also a reference to the characteristic neon-lit streets of Osaka, particularly in Dotonbori (道頓堀) at night.

Image credit: @sho7_7sky

The beautiful hotel is made possible through the efforts of several renowned parties. Notably, the exterior is designed by internationally acclaimed Osaka architect Tadao Ando. He won the 1995 Pritzker Architecture Prize, which is regarded as the Nobel Prize for architecture.

Meanwhile, concrete, an Amsterdam-based studio, brought the interior to life. Their goal is to visually portray an invigorating city spirit that is “truly Osaka”.

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Spending a time of luxury with cozy rooms, soul food & more

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Image credit: Akira Yamazaki

W Osaka offers 337 rooms and 7 room types, ranging from Cozy guest rooms to Fantastic suites. Each room is exquisitely furnished and lit with stylish neon hues. Some rooms also offer a skyline view of the gorgeous Osaka streets. 

Image credit: concrete

Located on the top floor of the hotel is the exclusive Extreme WOW penthouse suite. It boasts a zen garden concept, a DJ booth, floor to ceiling windows, and a champagne bowl bathtub. Rates start from ¥1,000,000 (~USD9,164.48) per night.

Champagne bowl bathtub in the Extreme WOW penthouse suite
Image credit: W Osaka

To check the rates and availability of the rooms, click here. 

Dining at Teppanyaki MYDO
Image credit: W Hotels

W Osaka also offers plenty of food options. You can find international cuisines at Oh.lala… and sushi at Sushi UKIYO. 

If you’d like to taste the heart of Osaka, consider Teppanyaki MYDO, which serves up the city’s soul food against a backdrop of illustrations by 82-year-old Osaka artist Seitaro Kuroda.

The WET BAR
Image credit: W Hotels

After your meal, you can head up to the 4th floor to the ocean-themed WET BAR, where you can enjoy innovative cocktails created by a skilled mixologist.

Note: The WET BAR is slated to open in the summer. Keep a lookout for the opening date on W Osaka’s official website.

Image credit: W Osaka

The indoor pool WET Deck is conveniently located right beside the bar. You can complete your night with a therapeutic rest amongst the warm waters and allow your tired mind and body to drift into comfort.

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Spend a night in W Osaka

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Image credit: @marriottintl

W Osaka captures the spirit of Osaka with its exciting contrast of minimalism and vibrancy. It also offers a whole package to its guests, from delicious food to a slew of facilities, that will make your next trip to the city a memorable stay.

Getting there: The hotel is about a 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station.

Address: 4 Chome-1-3 Minami Semba, Chuo-ku, 542-0081 Osaka
Telephone: 06-6484-5355
Website

Teppanyaki MYDO
Opening hours: 11.30AM-3PM (Last order at 2PM) | 5.30PM-11PM (Last order at 9PM), Daily
Telephone: 06-6484-5355
Website

WET Deck
Opening hours: 6AM-10PM, Daily
Admission: ¥6,325 (~USD57.96) per adult per session

For more locations to visit in Japan, check out:

• Otaru Canal in Hokkaido
• Tozan Shrine in Arita
• Awashima Shrine in Wakayama
• Suganuma Village in Gokayama
• My Cat Yugawara ryokan

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Cover image adapted from: W Osaka and W Hotels