My First Trip to Japan – Luxury Hotel Experience with InterContinental Osaka
I initially wanted Japan to be my last country to visit, but I had the time and decided to make this my country #142 when I booked my flight to visit my family in the Philippines,
From Manila, I started my 2020 with a solo journey to Japan where I visited Osaka and Tokyo then to Seoul, South Korea. Luckily, I got a Japan Tourist Visa that has validity for 5 years so Jonathan and I have plans of traveling here again in the near future.
During my first trip to Osaka, I was hosted by the luxurious InterContinental Osaka Hotel. My flight was in the early morning from the Philippines and arrived in Kansai airport before lunch then took the airport bus before I was picked up via Range Rover of the hotel.
Before going to my room, I was fortunate to have lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant that’s located in the hotel. I enjoyed my Osaka trip and I met old and new friends, too! Here’s what I can say about InterContinental Osaka and my experience with them!
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Table of Contents
About InterContinental Osaka
InterContinental Osaka is a 5-star, highly awarded hotel with 272 luxurious rooms located at the Umeda’s Grand Front Osaka complex. It won Japan’s Leading Hotel in 2019 and Asia’s Leading Luxury Business Hotel from 2017-2019 by the World Travel Awards.
They also have restaurants, one is a one-Michelin starred. With a fitness center, swimming pool and spa, this is also a great place to relax. InterContinental Osaka is also a walking distance to the subway and Osaka station that is a gateway to tourist spots.
The Room
I stayed at a Deluxe King Room that’s very spacious and lets you get a stunning view of the city. The luxurious king bed was very comfortable for sleeping. The bathroom is elegant with a large bathtub.
There’s an area for relaxing, a walk-in closet and a study area where I can work. The lighting and the ambiance are so sophisticated. Since Jonathan (my husband) wasn’t able to come, InterContinental Osaka’s management was kind enough to add my friend Tina (who is pursuing her PhD in Nagoya) as a plus one. The room is comfortable offering you a great place to relax after a long day of shopping and sightseeing.
Here are also rooms available in InterContinental Osaka:
- Premium King Rooms – a 57 m2 room complete with a lounging area, bathroom, study, area, and a king bed
- Deluxe King Room – a 50 m2 room with the same facilities as a King room with a panoramic view of the city
- Deluxe Twin Room – a 50 m2 room with 2 twin beds and the same facilities; like a bathroom, lounging area, closet, and a study area
- Three Bedroom Executive – 181 m2 room with facilities of a two-bedroom executive plus another bedroom with a queen bed and a separate bathroom. It can accommodate up to 8 persons.
- Residences – if you want a home-away-from-home complete with a living room, kitchen, dining area as well as bedrooms and bathrooms. You may choose from the following;
- One-bedroom superior residences (60 m2);
- One-bedroom deluxe residences (74 m2);
- Two-bedroom superior residences (90 m2);
- Two-bedroom deluxe residences (108 m2);
- Three-bedroom premium residences (127 m2); and
- Three-bedroom deluxe residences (166 m2).
The Food
When I arrived in Osaka, I was welcomed at the reception floor at the 20th floor which is the same floor of the hotel’s two restaurants.
I was invited to have lunch at Pierre. Pierre is a French styled-restaurant with Japanese touches. It has been awarded a one-star Michelin-star rating. I had a seven-course French-Japanese lunch; the presentation and the taste are world-class! It was so pretty; I just want to look at it. But since I was hungry from my flight, lunch was exceptional aside from the incredible hospitality of the staff!
I had my first day breakfast on my own at the Noka Roast & Grill restaurant then the next day, my friend (Tina) and I also had breakfast at the same restaurant. It was buffet-style different cuisines like Japanese, American, Chinese, and many more. The presentation of the food is impressive and also very tasty. I could stay in the breakfast buffet all day to eat everything, but they are only up to 10:30 in the morning. Japan is a paradise for foodies.
Facilities
The InterContinental Osaka has a floor dedicated to fitness and relaxation. The fully-equipped gym is open the whole day with free training attire in case you didn’t bring one. There’s also Meguri Spa and Wellness a spa suite that offers massages and facial treatments. They are also using signature treatments with Osaka Honey enriched with vitamins and minerals and local ingredients like flowers. They are open from 11 AM to 10 PM.
I spent my first-night swimming in their pool as well as relaxing in the Jacuzzi. The swimming pool was 20 meters long and is indoor, it would be freezing if it was outdoor. When I was there, I was alone.
When in Japan, the onsen is a must-do! There’s a traditional Japanese bathhouse inside InterContinental Osaka. It was very amazing and indeed a great place to unwind. Sadly, I couldn’t take a selfie inside as you need to go naked and no photo policy! haha
Aside from those, there’s also a bike rental, if you want to travel Osaka, by bike. I promise you, it’s safe as there’s a bike lane and pedestrians and drivers are very disciplined. There’s also a bar, Adee, where you can have drinks while be stunned by the glorious view Osaka.
Service in InterContinental Osaka
From my pick up service to my Michelin-starred lunch, the tour in the hotel, the turndown service, and check-out, InterContinental Osaka is superb! The staff is very helpful (taking pictures of me) and polite. They were professional and kind; truly world-class!
Location
InterContinental Osaka is stations like Umeda or Osaka. I got to try also the being in Japan’s trains; they were on-time, and people are very disciplined. It’s also near malls, a shrine, and a church.
Staying at InterContinental Osaka is a great choice as it is accessible to spots such as Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan. As you can see, it’s also near the Yodogawa river park and Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. There are also many conbinis that’s just around the area.
Things to do near InterContinental Osaka
1. Umeda Sky Building
Want to see Umeda, Osaka in, and feel like on the top of the world? Then go to the Umeda Sky Building in the Kuchu Teien Observatory. You can see the whole of the city from there. There’s a bridge that connects two buildings which makes this very exciting! The best time to come here is during the sunset.
Suggested Tour: Shigisan Nodokamura Farm, Senbon Torii, Umeda Sky Building, and Takimikoji Full-Day Tour from Osaka
2. Shop at Grand Front Osaka
Find what you’re looking for at Grand Front Osaka. From popular restaurants to international brands, you can see it here! It’s just across InterContinental Osaka. There are about 270 shops you can choose from. On the Umekita Floor, there are about 16 restaurants and can open until 4 am the next day. If you want to go out, shop or eat, you can definitely go at Grand Front Osaka!
3. Visit Osaka Castle
A very popular landmark in Osaka is the Osaka Castle. The five-story-castle is very beautiful especially during spring or autumn season. You can escape from the bustling city and feel like in another era as you come inside the park and see the castle up close.
Suggested Tour: Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, and Museum of Housing and Living Day Tour
4. Buy Souvenirs at Tokyu Hands
If you want to buy items that are unique to Japan; you can shop at Tokyu Hands. There are many things available, such as beauty products, ceramics, art supplies, KitKats, and many more. There is a huge store in Umeda, so go and visit it!
Frequently Asked Questions on InterContinental Osaka
1. How much is the rate in InterContinental Osaka?
To inquire about rates, availability or promo, you may check the following:
Own website | Agoda | Booking.com
2. Do they accept walk-ins?
Yes, they do. However, for peak seasons, it is always best to make reservations.
3. What is the check-in/ check-out time for InterContinental Osaka?
Check-in is at 3:00 PM, while check-out is 11:00 AM.
4. Is late check-out okay?
Yes, you can have late check-out; however, there will be additional charges 30% if up to 3:00 PM, 50% until 6:00 pm, and 100% if beyond 6:00 pm.
5. Are children allowed to stay in InterContinental Osaka?
Definitely! This place is suitable for family staycations as well as business meetings or training.
6. Are there additional charges for my child?
Children under 12 may use the same bed as their parents; however, there may be additional fees for their breakfast.
7. Is there an airport shuttle available for the guests?
Yes, shuttle services are available, but there is also a train from the airport to the hotel.
8. Where exactly is InterContinental Osaka?
3-60 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan 530-0011
Why I Enjoyed My Stay at InterContinental Osaka
InterContinental Osaka is genuinely one of my favorite hotels in Asia. My room was very spacious and comfortable. The bathroom (with the bathtub) was divine, too. In addition, the facilities are clean and well-maintained; the pool and onsen were my favorites. The food was delicious and made me full especially the lunch in Pierre. The staff is accommodating and polite. The location is very accessible. Everything was perfect! I will definitely come back here with Jonathan!
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