Trying to immerse yourself in the unique offerings of a foreign city can be quite daunting—and when visiting Osaka, Japan, you would most definitely want to be at the center of it all. A quick web search will point you to the direction of Namba: the heart of Osaka where the food, nightlife, and shopping scenes thrive, and the point where you can easily access the city’s famous attractions. There’s a bevy of hotel options in this busy district, but if you’re an especially finicky globetrotter looking to explore Osaka in style, you might want to stay at the lovely Swissôtel Nankai.
Situated at the top of the Nankai Railway Namba Station, Swissôtel Nankai offers direct access not only to Osaka’s most vibrant tourist spots, but also to the Kansai airport line and the trains going to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. The 36-storey hotel boasts of 546 rooms, 6 dining venues, and a host of business amenities. With its elegant and stately interiors, travelers would feel as if they were transported in an instant from the neon-studded, tourist-filled streets to a quiet haven where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a slice of luxury.
Read on to find out more about Swissôtel Nankai Osaka.
The Room
My arrival at Swissôtel Nankai started with warm greetings from the hotel staff, and within minutes, I had my keycard ready and I was accompanied to my room at the 27th floor. I loved the grand lobby with its thick pillars and gold trimmings, but I loved my room more—as you would see in a bit.
Walking into my Swiss Select Room (check rates), I was welcomed by a Japanese sake set with delicious edamame and a plate of housemade Swiss chocolates—the best of Japan and of Switzerland, where the hotel brand originated. The sake set came with shallow, horn-type cups, which are said to be perfect for appreciating the aroma of the sake. Indeed, this premium sake boasted of a floral scent—and I got to feel its kick too because of the thinness of the vessel.
The chocolates? OMG. They’re really good—I usually eat only the dark variety but I can’t say no to Swiss sweets. In fact, what I ended up liking the most was the white chocolate filled with nuts and fruits—they call this type of bar the frischschokolade, or fresh chocolate. LOVE!
The room has the softest King-size bed (with a pillow menu), a workstation, a Nespresso machine, bathrobes and bed slippers, and an en suite bathroom. It is dominantly colored with white, gray, and brown, but splashes of orange and indigo brighten up the neutral scheme. The design treads the line between East and West aesthetics—and as a tribute to Japan’s beautiful autumn season, artwork showcasing interpretations of gingko leaves festoon the wall, further sprucing up the space.
The bathroom is compact and modern, with a high-tech toilet characteristic of Japan (button-controlled spray, seat warmer), a walk-in tub and shower, and a marble vanity space. Provided are Pürovel Spa toiletries, which are made with essential oils from flowers and herbs in the Swiss Alps.
Another favorite of mine is the large window offering a view of Osaka. I was up at 5:00AM one time and witnessing the below scene was simply breathtaking.
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Dining
Tavola36
Breakfast is served at the Tavola36, which sits at the topmost floor. With its sweeping windows, the restaurant showcases amazing city views any time of day. I highly recommend sitting somewhere near the window as you enjoy freshly made breads, salads, soups, American morning staples, cold cuts, and healthy options like oats, muesli, and fresh fruits.
Visit for lunch and enjoy an Italian menu consisting of salads, soups, cold cuts, fresh seafood, pasta, and gourmet pizzas. Dinner, on the other hand, features a Mediterranean selection. Every Thursday evening (6:00 to 10:00 PM), the restaurant holds a Swiss buffet as a tribute to the hotel’s origin (read my full Swiss Buffet experience here). Enjoy traditional Swiss food like rösti, bündnerfleisch, älplermagronen, and papet vaudois—alongside delicious cheeses and chocolate, of course. I highly recommend coming at 5:00 PM to partake of the Happy Hour, which offers 50% off on food (pizzas, bar bites) and drinks (draft beers, selected wines and cocktails, juices, teas).
Minami
If you’re looking to indulge in some premium teppanyaki, book a seat at Minami and relish a fine lunch or dinner consisting of the finest beef and seafood. The restaurant serves Kagoshima beef—awarded as one of the best types of beef in Japan—and fresh, seasonal ingredients including fish. Each teppanyaki set meal showcases the best of various prefectures—for instance, they serve scallops from Hokkaido, prawns from Okinawa, and fish from Wakayama, to name a few. Check out the link below to read about my Minami experience.
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Other Dining Outlets
Hana-Goyomi (shown above) is where guests could go for traditional Japanese fare, while Empress Room Restaurant caters to those who are craving for Chinese cuisine; both are in the 10th level. If you’re looking to sit back with some skewers and wine, head over to SH'UN Wine and Dine. Swiss Gourmet (shown below), on the other hand, sits on the lobby level carrying an array of delicious breads and pastries—try the croissants and kouign-amann, which was wonderful. I bought snacks here to bring to Osaka Castle.
Pürovel Spa & Sport
Swissôtel Nankai’s premier wellness facility occupies the 11th level—featuring a fully-equipped gym, a sauna, indoor onsen baths, Jacuzzis, a spa with luxurious treatment rooms, and a mammoth, gorgeous indoor swimming pool. Early risers can wander to the gym and squeeze in a quick workout before enjoying the hotel’s breakfast buffet—a great way to start a day of exploring Osaka. In the evening, wander into the spa if you’re craving for a relaxing massage, or simply do some laps in the pool to wind down.
The Vicinity
A quick peep around the property takes you immediately to the center of lively Osaka. Whether by train or by foot, the city’s highlights are within easy reach, and you will never run out of things to do. Food? Dotonbori is overflowing with restaurants, stalls, and alleys selling all kinds of food from the Osaka signatures takoyaki and okonomiyaki to other Japanese specialties. Drink? Shinsaibashi has a few secrets up its sleeve. Shopping? The super-long Ebisubashi-suji is sure to provide your much-needed dose of retail therapy.
Below are some places of interest around Swissôtel Nankai:
• Kansai International Airport – 45 min by train (direct line – Nankai Limited Express)
• Dotonbori – 8 min walk
• Shinsaibashi – 11 min walk
• Ebisubashi-suji Shopping Street – 5 min walk
• Takashimaya Department Store – 1 min walk
• Kuromon Ichiba Market – 9 min walk
• Men No Youji (my favorite ramen place) – 18 min walk
• Makotoya (gyukotsu/beef broth ramen) – 10 min walk
• Ramen Zundoya (tonkotsu/pork broth ramen) – 16 min walk
• Osaka Castle – 40 min by train
• Sakuranomiya Park – 40 min by train (beautiful in spring for cherry blossoms viewing)
• Universal Studios Japan – 45 min by train
• Umeda Sky Building – 27 min by train
• Kyoto – 55 min by train
• Nara – 1 hr by train
• Kobe – 50 min by train
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Read also: 15 of the Best Things I Ate in Japan
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A Restful Stay in Bustling Osaka
If you’re looking for a lavish holiday at the center of Osaka, where the best of the city’s cuisine, nightlife, and entertainment are within easy reach, I highly recommend staying at the Swissôtel Nankai in Namba. Combining Swiss hospitality and Japanese excellence, the hotel gives you the comfort of home while allowing you to get immersed in the culture of Osaka. Its superior location makes it very easy to head out and explore the surrounding areas, but that is if you can find the energy to leave your cozy room.
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Swissôtel Nankai Osaka
5-1-60 Namba Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0076, Japan
+816.6646.1111
Book your stay here
Have you stayed at the Swissôtel Nankai? How was your experience?
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