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Planning Your Trip
Whether traveling on business or for pleasure (or a bit of both) there is so much to see and do in Osaka. From exploring the vast city and its many restaurants, museums, shops and historic sites to spending a quiet day at the resort enjoying the spa and fine dining, here’s what to pack to make the most of your visit.
Osaka is home to so many Instagrammable moments, from unique street food options like takoyaki and okonomiyaki to colorful and vibrant neighborhoods. Bring a selfie stick to capture the best shots.
Resort Essentials
- While there is so much to do just beyond the walls of the resort, a relaxing day spent enjoying the many in-house amenities can be in order. Pack for comfort and bring one elevated outfit for a special dining experience.
- Spend an afternoon at the spa and be sure to pack a comfortable outfit and perhaps a book for relaxing in the tranquil sanctuary-like space after your treatment.
- Enjoy a special meal at the hotel’s Michelin-starred signature restaurant, La Baie, for traditional French fare. Just be sure to pack elegant attire — more casual attire like shorts and T-shirts are not permitted.
- Bring a bathing suit for enjoying the indoor heated pool with its views of a tranquil garden or the outdoor whirlpool in a serene courtyard hidden away from the bustle of the city.
Day Trips
- While you could easily spend a week in Osaka alone, there’s so much to see and do just beyond the city limits, too. Bring along a few essentials to make the most of your travels.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes for trips to nearby cities like Nara, Kyoto and Hiroshima, which are home to UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning shrines and elaborate gardens.
- If visiting in the summer, don’t forget sunscreen — this part of the country can get quite warm.
- While Osaka is a decidedly stylish city, you’ll want to be comfortable when out exploring, so pack casual options in addition to your more formal attire.
Exploring the City
- The city — Japan’s second largest after Tokyo — has so much to offer any visitor: centuries-old sites, stunning waterfront vistas (it’s known as “the Water Capital” for a reason) and a vibrant culinary scene. Bring a few essentials to be ready for anything.
- Pack a comfortable pair of shoes — even with an extensive railway system, be prepared to do a lot of walking. One of the best ways to experience the city is by foot.
- Bring along a lightweight backpack and your shopping list if you plan on going to Tenjinbashisuji Shotengai, where you can explore Japan’s longest arcade or visit the popular Kuromon Ichiba Market for a variety of street food. Another popular destination is “Dotonbori” where you can enjoy an abundance of restaurants and shops.
- Surprisingly, not many areas in Osaka have Wi-Fi. If you plan on conducting business on the go, it is strongly recommended to purchase a SIM card or rent a portable modem at the airport.
Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, is known globally as a center of commerce just as much as it’s known as a culinary destination (it has been touted as the food capital of the world). Centuries-old sites exist amid a gleaming, modern skyline, and many more compelling destinations lie just a short trip beyond its borders. Before your visit, make a few reservations to be sure and experience a bit of everything Osaka has to offer.
Arrange to spend part of your visit at the tranquil spa oasis — a perfect escape from the harried pace of the city. Inspired by samurai lord Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s love of gold, two of the spa’s signature treatments incorporate the precious material. The Goldstone Crystal Facial uses warmed red goldstone to gently stimulate the skin and promote prosperity and rose quartz crystals to soothe the eye area. The Goldstone Crystal Reflexology treatment begins with a foot cleansing and massage and finishes with a final relaxing treatment for feet and legs using a warmed red goldstone.
Known as the “nation’s kitchen,” it’s no surprise that Osaka has many compelling culinary offerings on hand. Arrange for a table at the Michelin-starred La Baie for traditional French fare with a Japanese twist like bouillabaisse consommé with fennel, poached scorpion fish and prawn, and an award-winning wine list. At Hanagatami, a 23-foot cypress sushi counter overlooks a Japanese garden and delicacies from five varieties of Japanese cuisine — sushi, sumibiyaki, teppanyaki, kaiseki and tempura — is on offer and thoughtfully paired with fine sake and other beverages.
There are so many fantastic sites within minutes of the hotel, thanks to its prime location near Dotonbori, Namba, Osaka Station and more. Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan — one of the largest in the world with more than 30,000 specimens; arrange a tour of the 400-year-old Osaka Castle and the spectacular 106-hectare Osaka Castle Park with its 3,000 cherry trees; arrange for a water cruise in Dotonbori to take in the vibrant, massive billboards and the bustle of the many small bars and restaurants that line the streets; and much more.
There are seemingly endless opportunities for exploration in the area surrounding Osaka. Just a 30-minute train ride away, Kyoto is home to stunning architecture and Japanese gardens, as well as 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Japan’s first capital city, Nara, is full of rich history, like the Horyu-ji temple, which is famous for hosting the country’s rarest treasures. High up in the Kii mountains sits Koyasan, a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists, and a beautiful destination all its own. Hiroshima’s Itsukushima Shrine is a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima that is home to several buildings and landmarks that have been declared national treasures. Be sure to purchase a Shinkansen train and bus ticket to cover as much ground as possible.
Osaka’s mix of old and new — a bustling metropolis mixed with a centuries-old culture — makes it a thoroughly enjoyable destination. In a city known for its food, you’ll want to dine your way through, trying plates of regional dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. But be sure not to miss Osaka’s beautiful sites, which include ancient castles, parks, temples and shrines that give you a peek into the region’s past. And, in between it all, set aside some time for a little relaxation at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka.
24 Hours
Osaka is a city with an intangible energy and liveliness that permeates through everything: the people are friendly, the food is delicious and unique, and the shopping is unique and abundant. If you only have one day, here’s how to experience the best of what the city has to offer.
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Morning
- Rise and Shine. Experience the excitement of an authentic Japanese tuna auction at Osaka’s Central Fish Market. In just 30 minutes, hundreds of tuna will be sold, the best pieces going for thousands of dollars.
- Traditional Breakfast. Located just outside the fish market, Endo Sushi has been serving some of Osaka’s finest fish for more than a century. It’s widely considered to be the best sushi in Osaka. Getting there early ensures you won’t have to wait for long.
Midday
- Wander Through Osaka Castle. Surrounded by moats and protected by the greatest stonewall in Japan, this centuries-old castle looms large over Osaka Castle Park and the 3,000 nearby cherry blossom trees.
- Explore the Osaka Museum of History. Opened in 2001, each floor of this immersive museum displays a different period in Osaka’s 1,400-year history. You’ll see everything from a full-size recreation of the inside of the ancient Naniwanomiya Palace to a reconstruction of a Kabuki Theater to life-size models of 20th-century city streets.
Afternoon
- Ancient History. Founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, Shi-Tennoji is believed to be Japan’s oldest temple and the country’s first Buddhist temple. Explore the grounds, which include the Gokuraku-Jodo Garden, a treasure house that displays sacred objects and a five-story pagoda that is open to the public (as long as you put on slippers before entering). The temple is famous for its basking turtles — try to spot one if you can.
- Time to Shrine. Dedicated to three gods that protect sea voyages, the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine is a stunning example of traditional Japanese style. Built in a certain style of architecture called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, it’s one of the few styles that is considered purely Japanese.
Evening
- Relax and Recharge. After having explored Osaka, enjoy a few hours of downtime at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Osaka, where treatments are inspired by the deep-rooted belief that one needs to stop, recharge and reconsider to progress. Soothe yourself with The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka’s original facial and foot treatments using crystal sticks containing gold powder, which is designed in commemoration of samurai lord Hideyoshi Toyotomi’s love for gold.
- Meander Through Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi. These lively districts are known for their shopping, nightlife, street food and neon lights. Osaka is particularly famous for its street food, especially takoyaki (grilled octopus) and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake). Don’t miss the matcha soft serve for a sweet treat.
- Evening Stroll. At the end of the Shinsaibashi shopping arcade, you’ll find the Tonbori River Walk, where on any given evening, you may run into live music, performers, events or a festival. Right alongside the water, it’s a perfect place to take a walk after dinner to end your evening.
Culinary Tour
Osaka has long been known as The Water Capital, thanks to the region’s many rivers which have served as a major means for passenger and freight transport for more than 400 years. Water is an integral part of life in Osaka, and the rivers are heralded for bringing an abundance of food to the city. Osaka has such a special relationship with food that the city is unofficially referred to as the Kitchen of Japan. And though the city is home to many Michelin-starred restaurants, Osaka’s approach to food is decidedly down-to-earth — its food culture is built on street food and home cooking. Whether it’s a refined multi-course dinner or some simple takoyaki to go, there are culinary delights to be found around every corner — and every river bend.
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Morning
- Start With Coffee. Osaka’s burgeoning coffee culture has become ubiquitous. Skip the chains and convenience stores and head to Coffee and Bar Lupin for a gourmet pull of espresso or a delicious latte.
- Try a Traditional Japanese Breakfast. Though pancakes and western foods can be found everywhere in Osaka, head to Nakanoshima Nadaman for a taste of local culture. Enjoy a kaiseki breakfast and be amazed as beautifully plated dishes of foods are placed in front of you: rice porridge, grilled fish, root vegetables and miso soup to name a few.
Midday
- Take a Distillery Tour. Learn about the craftsmanship behind some of Japan’s finest whiskies at Yamazaki Distillery, just 18 miles from town. Enjoy a taste of the unblended whisky that goes into their signature single malt product as you meet the makers. Advance booking is required, so be sure to ask the concierge at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka for assistance with arranging a tour.
Afternoon
- To Market, to Market. For more than 170 years, Kuromon Ichiba Market has been luring locals and visitors with the sights, smells and tastes of Japanese food. Take your pick from the stalls of takoyaki, grilled scallops, kushiyaki, tempura, sushi, udon and pickled vegetables.
Evening
- Pre-dinner Drinks. Japan may be known for its sake, but whiskey is definitely having a moment. The dim 20-seat Bar K in the Kitashinchi district specializes in whiskey-based cocktails, using only the finest bottles and batches. If you’re not a whiskey drinker, there are many cocktails to choose from like the Nightcap in Osaka, made with cream, matcha, red bean and cognac.
- The Art of Cooking. Enjoy a sublime culinary experience at the three-Michelin-starred Koryu restaurant. Only 12 guests are seated at a time, so reservations are an absolute must. Using local and seasonal ingredients, Chef Matsuo creates refined Japanese food, made even more beautiful by its artful presentation.
Morning
- Sharpen Your Skills. The Sakai region has been producing katana (Japanese sword) since ancient times and is now home to a vast production of kitchen knives. Take a trip to the Sakai Hamono Museum for a chance to view the manufacturing processes performed by professional craftsmen. Seasoned artists offer live demonstrations of the final stage in the process, known as togi (sharpening), on Saturdays and Sundays.
Midday
- Late Lunch. For your midday meal, head to the Michelin-starred soba restaurant, Takama, located in an alley behind the Tenjinbashisuji shopping arcade (which so happens to be the longest arcade in Japan). Choose from two kinds of noodles — mori or inaka — and whether you’d like it hot or cold. Highly recommended is the Tenzarusoba, a cold soba meal with assorted tempura.
Afternoon
- Tea Time. Retreat back to The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka for afternoon tea served in the Lobby Lounge. Enjoy English and Chinese teas paired with live classical or jazz music.
Evening
- Epicurean Oasis. Dinner at Hanagatami allows you to experience the best of Japan’s varied cuisine, under one roof. Choose from sushi, teppanyaki, tempura, kaiseki and sumibiyaki and marvel at the handiwork of the chefs behind the sushi counter. Each feast can be paired with an accompanying beverage, making for a perfect finale to your time in Osaka.
Activities
Ritz Kids
From the moment of arrival, we welcome kids to The Ritz-Carlton by encouraging them to explore the sights and sounds of the hotel and its environment. Guided by playfulness and a sense of wonder, Ritz Kids delights and engages your children to interact with their surroundings in a fresh and exciting way, while introducing them to the four important pillars of Ritz Kids' discovery: Water, Land, Environmental Responsibility and Culture. The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka offers junior guests a variety of special services and amenities, including, baby beds upon request, children's pajamas, bathrobe, slippers and a toothbrush. Ritz-Carlton Osaka provides a Ritz Kids' dining menu also.
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