Latest news with #FourSeasonsOsaka

The Age
02-05-2025
- The Age
How to do Japan better than the rest, according to an expert
Day 9 & 10, Osaka Japan's second city Witness the monks' pre-sunrise prayers, complete with drumbeats, chanting and incense burning before a gold altar. After breakfast, head back down to earth on the cable car – and travel by train to Osaka. Heaven for foodies, Japan's second-biggest city is famed for its down-to-earth atmosphere and boisterous nightlife. It's also the setting for Osaka Expo 2025, running from April 13 to October 13. Head to Yumeshina on Osaka Bay to explore a string of international pavilions wrapped in a giant wooden ring designed by architect Sou Fujimoto (be sure to book tickets in advance). Check into the Four Seasons Osaka for a cloud-brushing taste of luxury; or Zentis Osaka for a less-pricey design hotel experience. Cookery, culture and karaoke Learn how to make Osakan street food – from okonomiyaki pancakes to udon noodles – at an Eat Osaka cookery class run by local mothers. Nakanoshima is also worth exploring – home to a growing hub of museums and culture spots. Take your pick from the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics and the Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest, a library designed by legendary Osakan architect Tadao Ando. In the evening, drink beer with locals in an izakaya-style pub, before letting off steam at karaoke. Day 11, 12 & 13, Naoshima Island life Next, head out to sea. Take two trains to Uno port in Kagawa prefecture, and then a private boat to Naoshima. A contemporary art mecca, this small fishing island is a textbook template of how to revitalise an ageing rural community through art. This year, the acclaimed (and ever-growing) Setouchi Triennale returns, a 100-day contemporary art festival spanning 17 islands and coastal areas, which started on April 18 ( The best place to stay is Benesse House a sleek minimal concrete space by the architect Tadao Ando. Check in for two nights before exploring the subterranean Chichu museum, with its treasured Monet Water Lilies, art installations on local wooden houses, and the abstract rock installations in the Lee Ufan Museum. Loading Remote beaches and rural creativity Hop on a local ferry to neighbouring island Teshima. Here, hire an electric bicycle at the port and cycle across the hilly rural landscape, soaking up the creative atmosphere – from the minimal white Teshima Art Museum, inspired by a drop of water, to Christian Boltanski's installation on a remote beach where visitors can record their own heartbeat. Return to Naoshima and finish up with a muscle-warming soak at I Love Yu, a kitsch bathhouse in Miyanoura Port. Art experiences Take a ferry back to Takamatsu Port. Next stop: Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum. It was in the tiny village of Mure that the sculptor built his home and studio, both painstakingly preserved – in a beautiful natural setting (an advance appointment is essential). Take a 20-minute train ride to Furutakamatsu Minami and a 10-minute taxi, before being escorted through the intimately scattered abstract artworks. Head to Takamatsu airport and fly to Tokyo Haneda. For a final touch of luxury, check into the Palace Hotel, which fuses contemporary comforts and quality design with legendary hospitality, in a prime location overlooking the Imperial Palace moat. Day 14, Tokyo - Final farewell Request a table on the terrace for your final breakfast (looking out for passing swans). If you have time, enjoy some last-minute shopping – from the boutiques and flagships of Omotesando to the department stores of Ginza. The details When to go Autumn is perhaps the best time of the year to visit, with mild weather, blue skies and vivid landscapes of fiery-leafed trees. From late December and early January, temperatures drop – making it a good time to head to a northern ski resort or south for some Okinawan winter sunshine. Spring brings the iconic cherry blossom season (and lots of crowds). Golden Week around May is best avoided as it's so busy. July and August are uncomfortably hot and humid in Tokyo and Kyoto – making it a good time to escape to the cooler green mountains of northern Japan. Tour Among the best independent Japan travel specialists is InsideJapan ( with its vast network of contacts and expertise for all budgets. It offers a 14-day Japan Unmasked small group tour costing $7130pp (excluding flights). The trip passes through Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kurashiki, with the price including 13 nights accommodation, transport, some private guiding and experiences such as a walking tour through Gion (geisha district) and a cycling tour of the Kibi Plain. Loading Ultimate luxury At the more luxury end of the spectrum, Black Tomato ( can curate a high-end bespoke itinerary from $124,000 for a group of four people (excluding flights), including top accommodation (including Benesse House on Naoshima and Beniya Mukayu), a string of curated experiences and private guiding. On a budget If your short on time and money, Intrepid Travel has a nine-day 'Japan Express' tour taking in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka by bullet train, starting from $2556 per person excluding flights. Insider tips If you're travelling independently and taking more than one bullet train trip, it's worth investing in a Japan Rail Pass, purchasing it ahead of arrival, so you can travel anywhere on the JR network. If you have large suitcases or ski equipment, there is a nationwide service which can deliver your luggage ahead of you – to hotels and airports, for example – typically arriving a day after sending. It can be organised by most hotels or at 7-Eleven convenience stores. Otherwise, it's worth bearing in mind that on bullet trains, you have to book space on board for large luggage. Pick up a bento box to savour while on board bullet trains: most train stations offer a wide range of bento boxes, often showcasing regional ingredients. Cash is still used far more widely than in many other destinations; for ATMs that are compatible with international bank cards, head to any 7-Eleven or post office. Don't open or close taxi doors; the white-gloved driver may be a bit upset (they pride themselves on operating the doors). And there is no tipping culture. Bring nice socks, ideally without holes, as you will be slipping your shoes on and off repeatedly, particularly in temples and ryokan inns. In winter, especially if it's chilly in rural spots such as Mount Koya, pick up some 'kairo' heat pads in the local convenience store to warm you up.

Sydney Morning Herald
02-05-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
How to do Japan better than the rest, according to an expert
Day 9 & 10, Osaka Japan's second city Witness the monks' pre-sunrise prayers, complete with drumbeats, chanting and incense burning before a gold altar. After breakfast, head back down to earth on the cable car – and travel by train to Osaka. Heaven for foodies, Japan's second-biggest city is famed for its down-to-earth atmosphere and boisterous nightlife. It's also the setting for Osaka Expo 2025, running from April 13 to October 13. Head to Yumeshina on Osaka Bay to explore a string of international pavilions wrapped in a giant wooden ring designed by architect Sou Fujimoto (be sure to book tickets in advance). Check into the Four Seasons Osaka for a cloud-brushing taste of luxury; or Zentis Osaka for a less-pricey design hotel experience. Cookery, culture and karaoke Learn how to make Osakan street food – from okonomiyaki pancakes to udon noodles – at an Eat Osaka cookery class run by local mothers. Nakanoshima is also worth exploring – home to a growing hub of museums and culture spots. Take your pick from the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, the Museum of Oriental Ceramics and the Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest, a library designed by legendary Osakan architect Tadao Ando. In the evening, drink beer with locals in an izakaya-style pub, before letting off steam at karaoke. Day 11, 12 & 13, Naoshima Island life Next, head out to sea. Take two trains to Uno port in Kagawa prefecture, and then a private boat to Naoshima. A contemporary art mecca, this small fishing island is a textbook template of how to revitalise an ageing rural community through art. This year, the acclaimed (and ever-growing) Setouchi Triennale returns, a 100-day contemporary art festival spanning 17 islands and coastal areas, which started on April 18 ( The best place to stay is Benesse House a sleek minimal concrete space by the architect Tadao Ando. Check in for two nights before exploring the subterranean Chichu museum, with its treasured Monet Water Lilies, art installations on local wooden houses, and the abstract rock installations in the Lee Ufan Museum. Loading Remote beaches and rural creativity Hop on a local ferry to neighbouring island Teshima. Here, hire an electric bicycle at the port and cycle across the hilly rural landscape, soaking up the creative atmosphere – from the minimal white Teshima Art Museum, inspired by a drop of water, to Christian Boltanski's installation on a remote beach where visitors can record their own heartbeat. Return to Naoshima and finish up with a muscle-warming soak at I Love Yu, a kitsch bathhouse in Miyanoura Port. Art experiences Take a ferry back to Takamatsu Port. Next stop: Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum. It was in the tiny village of Mure that the sculptor built his home and studio, both painstakingly preserved – in a beautiful natural setting (an advance appointment is essential). Take a 20-minute train ride to Furutakamatsu Minami and a 10-minute taxi, before being escorted through the intimately scattered abstract artworks. Head to Takamatsu airport and fly to Tokyo Haneda. For a final touch of luxury, check into the Palace Hotel, which fuses contemporary comforts and quality design with legendary hospitality, in a prime location overlooking the Imperial Palace moat. Day 14, Tokyo - Final farewell Request a table on the terrace for your final breakfast (looking out for passing swans). If you have time, enjoy some last-minute shopping – from the boutiques and flagships of Omotesando to the department stores of Ginza. The details When to go Autumn is perhaps the best time of the year to visit, with mild weather, blue skies and vivid landscapes of fiery-leafed trees. From late December and early January, temperatures drop – making it a good time to head to a northern ski resort or south for some Okinawan winter sunshine. Spring brings the iconic cherry blossom season (and lots of crowds). Golden Week around May is best avoided as it's so busy. July and August are uncomfortably hot and humid in Tokyo and Kyoto – making it a good time to escape to the cooler green mountains of northern Japan. Tour Among the best independent Japan travel specialists is InsideJapan ( with its vast network of contacts and expertise for all budgets. It offers a 14-day Japan Unmasked small group tour costing $7130pp (excluding flights). The trip passes through Tokyo, Nagano, Matsumoto, Takayama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Kurashiki, with the price including 13 nights accommodation, transport, some private guiding and experiences such as a walking tour through Gion (geisha district) and a cycling tour of the Kibi Plain. Loading Ultimate luxury At the more luxury end of the spectrum, Black Tomato ( can curate a high-end bespoke itinerary from $124,000 for a group of four people (excluding flights), including top accommodation (including Benesse House on Naoshima and Beniya Mukayu), a string of curated experiences and private guiding. On a budget If your short on time and money, Intrepid Travel has a nine-day 'Japan Express' tour taking in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka by bullet train, starting from $2556 per person excluding flights. Insider tips If you're travelling independently and taking more than one bullet train trip, it's worth investing in a Japan Rail Pass, purchasing it ahead of arrival, so you can travel anywhere on the JR network. If you have large suitcases or ski equipment, there is a nationwide service which can deliver your luggage ahead of you – to hotels and airports, for example – typically arriving a day after sending. It can be organised by most hotels or at 7-Eleven convenience stores. Otherwise, it's worth bearing in mind that on bullet trains, you have to book space on board for large luggage. Pick up a bento box to savour while on board bullet trains: most train stations offer a wide range of bento boxes, often showcasing regional ingredients. Cash is still used far more widely than in many other destinations; for ATMs that are compatible with international bank cards, head to any 7-Eleven or post office. Don't open or close taxi doors; the white-gloved driver may be a bit upset (they pride themselves on operating the doors). And there is no tipping culture. Bring nice socks, ideally without holes, as you will be slipping your shoes on and off repeatedly, particularly in temples and ryokan inns. In winter, especially if it's chilly in rural spots such as Mount Koya, pick up some 'kairo' heat pads in the local convenience store to warm you up.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Four Seasons Osaka review: An oasis of calm in a manic city
Walking into the Four Seasons Osaka is a calming experience. The lobby features stacks of metre-high stone cubes, as well as my favourite of the hotel's many sculptures, Gwenael Nicolas's Stone's Dream, a large black lacquered disc suspended over a pool of water and with plants growing out of the top. The tranquillity of the art and the space given to it is echoed in the design of the whole property, often bestowing a sense of peace wherever I go. The hotel only opened in August 2024 and is located just a short walk away from Umeda, an entertainment and shopping district which is conveniently close to the majority of Osaka's many LGBTQ+ venues. On my first night, I stay in one of the hotel's modern rooms, which is elegantly furnished with blonde timber furniture, including a plush chaise lounge fitted against the large windows. The marble bathroom, with its walk-in shower and deep bath, is also a delight to use. The spa and wellness floor is uniquely cavernous, with arched halls that include five treatment rooms, a well-equipped 24-hour gym, and a 16-metre indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows. After my workout and swim, I enjoy the men's ofuro hot bath and sauna. In the evening, I visit the 37th floor to dine on magnificently presented five courses of dim sum at the Cantonese restaurant . On the same floor is , which offers a fusion of haut cuisine of Alléno's two-Michelin-starred L'Abysse Paris with the skill of sushi chef Yasuda Itaru. Beyond these two gastronomic powerhouses is , where I sip a cocktail inspired by the local chestnuts while looking out at the evening cityscape. In the morning, I visit Jardin, the ground-floor all-day bistro, where the breakfast buffet offers another Franco-Japanese fusion. There's also an open kitchen, so I can watch the bustling chef and his brigade get to work. For those who want something quick and light, the adjacent Farine has a glass cabinet of artisan bakes – and they serve coffee and tea too. For my second night, I switch to the GENSUI floor. Upon exiting the lift, it is immediately clear that I am on a special level. It is very dimly lit, and the flooring is made up of black hexagonal wooden tiles. There are 30 rooms and suites on this floor offering Osaka's first contemporary ryokan, or Japanese inn, experience. In the living area, my room has a woven tatami flooring and I have to take off my shoes to walk on it. The soft futon bed is low to the ground, and beyond a sliding door is a bathroom decked out in black tiles and dark timber. The GENSUI floor can only be accessed by guests staying in one of its rooms. This exclusivity extends to SABO, a tea and saké bar. After checking into my room, I am offered a complimentary tea service, and in the evening before going out for dinner, I sample some sakés, including a sparkling variety. Breakfast for GENSUI floor guests is also served in SABO, and I feast on a huge bento box with nine compartments of goodies, which I wash down with miso soup and green tea. It is another moment of calm before I head out into the busy streets of post Four Seasons Osaka review: An oasis of calm in a manic city appeared first on Attitude.