Reviewed by Tanya Joslin
At a glance:
Discover vibrant Osaka from Zentis Osaka, right in the heart of the city. Richly detailed yet highly functional with a warmly muted palette and plenty of textural charm (think exposed brick, timber beams and exquisite local artworks), it captures the essence of modern Japan.
The debut property of Palace Hotel Group’s new Zentis label, Zentis Osaka delivers an artful, relaxed, and industrial-chic vibe in the middle of the urban bustle. When honeymooning through Japan, it offers a stylish base for couples, with refined luxury in even the smallest of details.
The location:
Zentis Osaka can be your own urban oasis in one of Japan’s most popular cities — located at the intersection of the riverside Dojimahama area and the high-end entertainment district of Kita-Shinchi that so many come to Osaka to enjoy. This boutique 16-storey hotel offers easy access to everything on your Osaka travel itinerary, either by foot or public transport.
You’ll find Nakanoshima, a central islet with an array of exciting attractions, just a three-minute stroll away. This is where the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, the Osaka Science Museum, and the National Museum of Art, Osaka, can all be found. And don’t miss the fascinating nightlife in the high-end district of Kita-Shinchi, where restaurants and other entertainment options will tantalise your senses. Fancy going further? JR Osaka Train Station is a 12-minute walk away (or five minutes by taxi), making it easy to explore even more.
Inside Zentis Osaka itself, you’ll discover one of Osaka’s best restaurants, a chic bar/lounge area where you can enjoy creative cocktails, an outdoor terrace, laundry facilities and a gym among the amenities.
Food & drink:
The hotel’s well-equipped guest lounge is a wonderful space to unwind, indulge, and plan your next adventure. A self-service beverage area provides local craft beers, teas, and coffees for your enjoyment while comfortable couches and a fireplace invite you to get cosy. Spend a moment perusing the locally made pottery pieces, curl up with a good book (they have a brilliant library of design tomes), or follow the city views out to the terrace.
The hotel’s signature restaurant, UPSTAIRZ, is available for all-day dining on the second floor. It is led by Executive Chef Shinya Otsuchihashi, who brings his exceptional skills in both French and Japanese cuisine from Michelin-starred CRAFTALE in Tokyo to Zentis. Cementing its spot as one of the most popular destinations for foodies, you can stop in for a nibble and afternoon tea, grab a full meal for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, or fuel your city escapades with bespoke seasonal cocktails.
UPSTAIRZ offers culinary masterpieces that incorporate local and seasonal ingredients in various forms, beginning with their exceptional breakfast, where guests can choose from Western and Japanese set menus. We opted for the Japanese breakfast, which looked like a piece of art with its delicately crafted dishes and delivered a taste sensation that urged us to slow down and savour every bite. Although the breakfast menu may change, it usually includes seasonal soup, Japanese omelettes, and other chef-crafted selections. Coffee lovers will delight in starting their day with fresh-brewed coffee made from premium local beans.
Lunch offers à la carte and prix fixe menus with familiar favourites including pasta, hamburgers, and Japanese comfort foods. For dinner, dive into Hokkaido scallops, premium Japanese beef, and other delicacies to delight your palate. Osaka is known as a foodie city, so no doubt you’ll want to sample different restaurants in the Kita-Shinchi district. But take our tip, and don’t miss your chance to taste the UPSTAIRZ offerings.
Best room for two:
The hotel’s interiors and 212 rooms and suites were designed by renowned UK-based interior architectural design firm Tara Bernerd & Partners. Every detail — from bedside tables crafted in the kilns of Shiga to locally commissioned artworks and shodo-inspired charcoal art installations — has been carefully considered to create an upscale, authentic feel.
Choose a Studio, Corner Studio or Suite, with the latter offering the most space at 57 square metres. However, every room (even the bento box-inspired Studios) boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, which make them feel much larger. You’ll also enjoy a 4K TV with Apple TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and mineral water, a rain shower, plush bath linens, cotton pyjamas and slippers. For a couple’s escape, we highly recommend upgrading to the Corner Studio or Suite for the large soaking bathtub.
Japan’s functional sensibilities take an artistic and design-led turn in Zentis Osaka. A hotel that offers the perfect retreat for relaxation, and a prime location that is absolutely ideal for exploring.
Ready to explore? Check out our Couple’s Guide to Osaka
Couples will love:
If you choose Zentis Osaka for your holiday or honeymoon, you’ll enjoy a brilliant location right in the heart of Dojimahama, close to many great restaurants and bars and with easy access to the subway and trains. The guest rooms are pretty spacious by Japanese hotel standards and offer a beautiful place to unwind after exploring the exciting sites and bustling streetscapes. With easy access to the best of Osaka, this noteworthy hotel is sure to become one of your favourite stays during your travels through Japan.
Find out more at Zentis Osaka.
