Hilton has officially unveiled the highly anticipated Waldorf Astoria Osaka, marking the luxury brand’s debut in Japan. The 252 room property is located in the city’s Umekita District and blends Waldorf Astoria legacy with Osaka’s vibrant culture. The property has opened just in time for peak tourism season in Japan as the cherry blossoms begin to bloom.
Waldorf Astoria Opens its First Location in Japan
Soaring above the skyline with sweeping city views, the hotel offers guests easy access to the sights, sounds, and flavors of Osaka along with landmarks like Osaka Castle. The hotel is located near JR Osaka Station which provides seamless connections to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and other destinations across Japan.
Alan Watts, President of Asia Pacific at Hilton, said this about the brand’s debut in the country:
“Japan is unquestionably one of the world’s most compelling and sophisticated destinations. As Hilton celebrates more than 60 years of legacy in this remarkable country, we are proud to debut our iconic Waldorf Astoria brand in Osaka and elevate the benchmark of luxury in this cosmopolitan city. This is a historic year for the brand worldwide, as we mark the growth of luxury travel here in Asia Pacific and set the course to more than double our Waldorf Astoria portfolio in this region over the next two years.”
The property opens as part of the Umekita 2nd Project which is also home to the Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka Guest Rooms
The interior of the property, designed by André Fu, is meant to reimagine the brand’s residential style by blending Eastern and Western themes. According to the press release, the decor is meant to echo the legacy of the original Waldorf Astoria New York. Based on the photos, the rooms certainly appear warm and inviting.
The property’s 252 rooms and suites are spread across the top floors of the South Park Tower at GRAND GREEN OSAKA. Each guest room, including the two 1,571 square foot Penthouse Suites and 2,077 square foot Presidential Suite, are located between the 31st and 38th floors of the building. This provides panoramic views of the city, from the bay to the mountains.
Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Hilton Luxury Brands, said this:
”The opening of Waldorf Astoria Osaka marks an exciting step forward in the brand’s evolution as we continue to redefine luxury for the modern traveler. As one of Hilton’s most anticipated openings in the region, this remarkable property embodies the spirit of Waldorf Astoria, offering a seamless blend of distinguished luxury and sincerely elegant service. We look forward to welcoming guests to discover a bespoke connection to the vibrant spirit and rich history of Osaka.”
Waldorf Astoria Osaka Food and Beverage
In keeping with the brand’s tradition as a culinary pioneer, the property features four dining concepts led by chefs and mixologists that vary based on the season.
Peacock Alley, a hallmark of the Waldorf Astoria brand, is located front and center at the property. The bar offers stunning views of the city below via the two story, floor to ceiling, windows. Guests can pair the spectacular views with pastries, light lunches, and an afternoon tea with champagne, served via trolley service. At night, the bar promises to be a great space to enjoy handcrafted cocktails and the property’s large selection of wines.
If you’re looking for a more cocktail forward experience, Canes & Tales might be more your speed. The cozy cocktail bar pays homage to Waldorf Astoria’s legendary drink history with a menu pulled from the Waldorf Astoria Bar Book. Drinks are mixed tableside for some extra flair.
There are two full service restaurants on property, Jolie Brasserie and Tsukimi. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, Jolie Brasserie features modern French cuisine offering classic dishes crafted with traditional Japanese techniques. At Tsukimi, guests can experience the signature sushi and teppanyaki counters or opt for a private or semi-private dining setting.
Waldorf Astoria Osaka Amenities
In addition to the food and beverage offerings, the property features dedicated personal concierges, 24-hour in-room dining, indoor pool, Japanese inspired spa and wellness studio, fitness center, and more.
If you’re looking to host an event or celebration, the hotel has more than 355,000 square feet of event space. This includes everything from large ballrooms to a private chapel depending on your needs.
Reservations can be made via the hotel’s website or on the Hilton HHonors app. Special introductory pricing is available for guests who book and complete a two night stay before July 3, 2025. Mrs. ATX and I are headed to Osaka later this year and will just miss the promotion but, I may have to check out this property anyway during our visit.
Summary
Hilton Hotels has just opened its first Waldorf Astoria in Japan by unveiling the all new Waldorf Astoria Osaka. I was somewhat surprised when I learned that this was the first property for the brand in Japan given the number of high end hotels we see there.
Based on the photos, the property looks stunning and I’m considering a stay here when we travel to Japan later in the year. Unlike the upcoming Waldorf Astoria Texas Hill Country, this one is a little further from home.
