KKR HOTEL OSAKA is situated on the south side of Osaka's iconic Osaka Castle, right next to Osaka Castle Park.

With the concept of being a 'hotel that falls in love with Osaka Castle,' the hotel offers incredible views of the castle's main keep and the surrounding park. The outdoor terrace is even considered one of the best spots for viewing Osaka Castle.

Inside the hotel, you'll find various designs and paintings inspired by the castle, making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of Osaka Castle.

Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most iconic castles. Built in 1583 by the warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period, it served as the base for his efforts to unify Japan.

One of the highlights of the castle is its breathtakingly grand exterior, often regarded as one of the most magnificent in Japan. The current main keep, rebuilt in 1931, features white walls, greenish-blue tiles, and golden decorations, all adding to its luxurious and imposing design.

Surrounding the castle is Osaka Castle Park, known for its beautiful natural landscapes that change with the seasons. It's also a famous spot for cherry blossoms and plum blossoms, making it a popular destination throughout the year.

The lobby of KKR HOTEL OSAKA is a spacious, open area that spans from the 1st to the 3rd floor, bathed in soft natural light. The upper part of the windows features a decorative glass wall called 'COLORATO,' with vibrant colored glass.

The cozy atmosphere of the lobby immediately sets the tone for an exciting stay.

Upon check-in, I received a quick explanation at the front desk and was given my room key card. The design on the card features Osaka Castle, beautifully illustrated from the same angle you can see it from the hotel. The front desk staff can assist in English and Chinese.

Amenities are neatly arranged at the front desk for guests to pick up as needed. The self-service setup includes items like toothbrushes, cotton swabs, hairbrushes, razors, and shower caps. There are also amenities for children, like kid-sized slippers and toothbrushes.

At the elevator hall on each guestroom floor, you'll find a large mural of Osaka Castle. Each hall features a different seasonal theme, with artwork depicting the castle in spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The lighting in each hall is also adjusted to match the mood of the season.

In the 'Spring' hall, the castle is surrounded by blooming cherry blossoms, with soft pink lighting that creates an elegant and vibrant atmosphere.

KKR HOTEL OSAKA has a total of 136 rooms, including 'Single Rooms,' 'Twin Rooms' (including Universal Twin Rooms), and 'Superior Twin Rooms.' The rooms offer two types of views: a Castle View and a City View.

The room I stayed in was a Castle View Single Room. The walls were a bluish-green color, reminiscent of the greenish tiles on Osaka Castle's roof. On the wall, there was a photo of the castle’s stone walls.

The 140cm double bed is from the globally renowned Simmons brand. By the window, there's a writing desk.

Bath amenities, green tea, and hojicha are provided in the room. Additionally, you can wear either shoes or slippers inside the room — both are allowed. The room also includes nightwear and towels. The bathroom and toilet are in a unit-style setup.

Of course, the highlight of the Castle View room is the stunning view of Osaka Castle! The Castle View rooms at KKR HOTEL

OSAKA offer a close-up experience, with Osaka Castle seeming just within reach. You can enjoy a wide, open view of the moat, stone walls, and the lush greenery of Osaka Castle Park, making for a refreshing, expansive view.

The charm of the view of Osaka Castle changes depending on the time of day. For example, at sunset, the castle takes on a reddish hue, shimmering with a golden glow, creating a beautifully soft atmosphere. At night, when the castle is lit up, its white walls stand out against the night sky, giving it a majestic and imposing presence. (The lights are on from sunset until midnight.)

Being able to leisurely enjoy the castle's changing expressions throughout the day is a unique pleasure of staying in a Castle View room.

I was also given the chance to experience the City View. From this side, you can see iconic landmarks like Abeno Harukas, the tallest skyscraper in the Kansai region, and Tsutenkaku, the symbolic tower of Osaka, along with the Osaka cityscape.

On clear days, you can even see the mountains including Mount Kongozan, the highest peak in Osaka. At night, the city's shimmering nightscape stretches out before your eyes.

The walls of the Twin Room are adorned in a rich gold and black color scheme. The combination of black with gold accents is said to have been favored by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and it can also be seen on the exterior of Osaka Castle's main keep.

The amenities and room features are the same as those in the Single Room.

The Superior Twin is perfect for those looking for a luxurious stay! This upgraded room features premium amenities and a more luxurious design.

The interior is decorated in black and gold, with a rich vermilion accent. Vermilion is a traditional color used in the interior decorations of Osaka Castle, so this room truly reflects the essence of the castle.

The bathroom is a separate-style layout, offering plenty of space for families to comfortably use.

The room boasts a Castle View, and since it's located on the top floor of the hotel, it's the perfect spot to fully enjoy the view of Osaka Castle.

Additionally, the Superior Twin offers a special exclusive package: the 'Stay Plan with Two Meals and Traditional Japanese Kaiseki in the Hotel's Authentic Tea Room.'

The dining venue for the special plan is the hotel's authentic tea room, 'Seihoan.' This tea room was designed in honor of the 400th anniversary of the passing of the renowned Osaka-born tea master Sen no Rikyū, under the supervision of the 15th-generation headmaster of the Urasenke school, Sen Soshitsu.

Urasenke is one of Japan's most prestigious tea ceremony schools, known for carrying on the teachings of Sen no Rikyū.

Out the window, you can see Osaka Castle. There's a wooden platform by the window, designed as a viewing spot, where you can sit back and enjoy the view at your leisure.

The entrance to the tea room is adorned with bamboo crafts made by artisans, decorative clouds and willow branches, and stone-paved paths that evoke the image of a stone garden, adding to the room's charm.

There are few tea rooms with a view of Osaka Castle, and the chance to reserve the space for a private dining experience is a rare opportunity. This is definitely an experience worth reserving.

During my stay, I dined at Jurakuan, a Japanese restaurant located on the top floor of the hotel. It is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The restaurant offers traditional Japanese cuisine, including kaiseki (multi-course meals) and other classic dishes. The staff can assist in both Japanese and English.

Hours:
・Breakfast: 7 AM – 9:30 AM (last order 9 AM)
・Lunch: 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (last order 2 PM)
・Dinner: 5:30 PM – 9 PM (last order 8:30 PM
・(Note: Mondays, breakfast only)

All the window-side seats at Jūrakuan offer a Castle View. Reservations for these window-side seats are also available. (For lunch reservations, a minimum order of 2,500 yen per person is required.)

One highly recommended dish at Jurakuan is the 'Osaka Castle Gozen' (4,000 yen), available for both lunch and dinner.

'Gozen' is a term used to describe a carefully prepared meal. Typically, it refers to a set of multiple dishes, including rice and soup, all served on a single tray.

When you line up the boxes of the Osaka Castle Gozen, you can truly appreciate its luxurious presentation and generous portions! One of the highlights is that the menu changes slightly with the seasons, adding a unique touch each time.

A standout item is the chirimen sansho rice, served in a gourd-shaped container. Chirimen sansho is a traditional dish made with young sardines simmered with sansho (Japanese pepper), that has a delicate, soothing flavor.

Other dishes include sashimi, tempura, simmered vegetables, and chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), all traditional Japanese favorites.

As an exclusive service for hotel guests, the meal ends with 'mizumono' — a traditional Japanese dessert consisting of moisture-filled sweets or fruits.

KKR HOTEL OSAKA offers a buffet-style breakfast, which is so popular that it attracts not only hotel guests but also many visitors specifically coming for the meal. (Adults: 2,500 yen, Elementary school students: 1,100 yen, Preschool children: Free)

With over 50 different dishes to choose from, the variety is impressive — there are so many options that it's impossible to try them all in one visit!

One of the most popular sections is the 'Seafood Rice Bowl' corner. Here, you can create your own custom seafood donburi using fresh ingredients sourced from Osaka's famous Kuromon Ichiba Market.

If you're looking to enjoy authentic local flavors, head over to the specialty food section. You'll find Osaka's soul food, including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, along with Kansai-specific dishes like niku-sui (beef soup) and beni-shoga tempura (pickled ginger tempura) — perfect for savoring the true taste of Osaka.

There's even a 'Kuidaore Salad' corner, inspired by Osaka's nickname as the 'city of food indulgence,' where you can enjoy a variety of savory salads.

For something lighter, the 'Ochazuke' corner offers several types of toppings, so you can create your own flavorful rice dish. And it's not just Japanese food — the buffet also includes omelets, bread, and a variety of delicious sweets to satisfy every craving!

There are so many delicious options, it's hard to choose, but everything is definitely worth trying. My personal favorites were the seafood rice bowl, the tender roast beef, and the crispy quail egg kushiage (fried skewers).

There were plenty of other tempting dishes to try, and I left feeling completely satisfied!

One place you definitely want to visit during your stay is the outdoor Martin Terrace, located on the 5th floor of the hotel. The terrace's view was selected as one of the best spots to view Osaka Castle in the '1st View Spot Osaka' event hosted by Osaka Prefecture.

You can visit the terrace from 9 AM to 5 PM by simply asking at the front desk on the 1st floor. However, please note that if the terrace is being used for events like weddings, access may be restricted.

The terrace also hosts various seasonal events throughout the year. One particularly recommended event is the 'Castle View Beer Garden,' held in the summer.

Also, during the 'Tenjin Matsuri,' one of Japan’s top three festivals held every July, a special beer garden is set up where you can enjoy watching the fireworks from the terrace. (Reservations required.)

Here are a few more fun features and recommended spots inside the hotel!

On all four walls of the smoking area, you'll find photos of Osaka Castle's stone walls and cannons printed in vivid detail. The images are so realistic that it feels like you're surrounded by the stone walls of the castle. Even if you're not a smoker, it's definitely an interesting spot worth checking out!

On the 9th floor of the hotel, you'll find a free manga corner in the elevator hall. With about 700 available, you're welcome to take books to your room during your stay. Just be sure to return them to the shelf before checking out.

It's a great spot to casually enjoy Japan's pop culture with free access to a variety of manga. (Please note that the manga is in Japanese only.)

Before heading out for sightseeing, be sure to stop by the Café Lounge Atrium on the first floor of the hotel. (Open from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, with the last order at 5:30 PM.)

There, you can enjoy dishes made with fresh ingredients sourced that very day. The menu changes daily, offering a variety of options.

A popular choice, especially among international guests, is the 'Daily Omotenashi Set' (1,700 yen), a casual Japanese meal featuring home-style dishes that are easy for those unfamiliar with Japanese cuisine to enjoy. Many international visitors return frequently after discovering how much they love the food.

All menu items are available for takeout, allowing guests to enjoy their meal in the park or in the comfort of their room. This is especially convenient as Osaka Castle Park has limited dining options, making it a great idea to bring lunch while strolling around.

For those craving sweets or a café experience, the 'Osaka-style Mixed Juice' (880 yen) is a popular treat. Made with mango and milk, it offers a natural sweetness that highlights the fruit's flavor. Another must-try is the 'Matcha French Toast (with ice cream and drink)' (1,800 yen), which delivers a deep, rich taste of matcha, perfect for anyone craving a true Japanese dessert.

The first must-visit sightseeing spot nearby is, of course, Osaka Castle! It’s just a short walk across the street from the hotel to Osaka Castle Park. The main entrance to the castle is about a 15-minute walk away.

One activity I highly recommend for your visit to Osaka Castle is the Osaka Castle Goza-fune (Royal Boat). It’s a sightseeing boat tour that takes you on a relaxing 20-minute ride around the inner moat of Osaka Castle. You’ll get to enjoy the beautiful views of the castle and the natural surroundings of Osaka Castle Park in a leisurely way.

KKR HOTEL OSAKA is the perfect place to immerse yourself in all things Osaka Castle. From the stunning views right outside your window to castle-inspired room décor, artwork and photos throughout the hotel, and even castle-themed cuisine, you can experience the charm of Osaka Castle from every angle during your stay.

If you're planning a trip to Osaka, be sure to make the most of it at KKR HOTEL OSAKA!

Note: This article is based on information available as of April 2025. Please check the official website for the latest updates.