As you walk along Midosuji, you'll notice a building towering like a jet-black tower. The white "W" logo shines against the all-black exterior wall. This imposing building is the "W Osaka." It opened in 2021 as the first flagship hotel in Japan for "W Hotels," a luxury lifestyle hotel brand developed by Marriott International. Since then, it has consistently attracted attention for its unique worldview.

The building was designed by Nikken Sekkei, and the exterior design was supervised by Osaka-born world-renowned architect Tadao Ando.

The black exterior pays homage to Osaka merchants

The theme of "W Osaka" is "Simplicity x Extravagance," which expresses the design concept of "a simple exterior contrasting with the interior, which is concealed by colorful neon decorations and boasts a glamorous interior."
The inspiration for this design comes from Osaka's merchant culture. It is said that "Osaka merchants were once prohibited from engaging in excessive luxury under the policy of the Edo Shogunate, but they dressed modestly and quietly in public, while privately enjoying the ultimate in luxury and stylish entertainment," and the design of "W Osaka" reflects the playful spirit of the Osaka merchants of that time.

The moment you step inside, the world changes completely. The "Arrival Tunnel" leading to the lobby is a fantastical passageway enveloped in dazzling neon and light installations. Over 3000 plates are arranged at different angles, and they sparkle subtly in the sunlight and city lights. Their appearance depicts the rhythm of the pulsating city itself.

There are also mechanisms that change color according to the seasons and events, making it truly worthy of being called a "gateway to the extraordinary."

Once you exit the tunnel, you will come to the Arrival Hall, where three-dimensional decorations based on the traditional Japanese pattern of hemp leaves will be displayed.

The design, inspired by Japanese culture such as origami and paper cutting, has been reconstructed with pop colors, creating a modern Japonism that is characteristic of W Osaka. This playful spirit is woven throughout.

The guest rooms also embody the spirit of "simple on the outside, bold on the inside."

The hotel has a total of 337 rooms, with a diverse lineup including "Cozy," "Wonderful," "Spectacular," "Fantastic Suite," "Marvelous Suite," "WOW Suite," and the top-of-the-line "Extreme WOW Penthouse Suite," and the names themselves reflect the playful spirit of the W brand.

The standard rooms, "Cozy" and "Wonderful," are approximately 40 square meters in size. The white-based space is accented with pink and purple colors. After checking in, the moment you open the door, the blinds automatically rise, and the Osaka cityscape suddenly spreads out before your eyes. The view takes your breath away, and your anticipation for your trip rises. At night, the city lights twinkle like stardust, and you can feel the energy of the city from the window.

The suites offer even bolder designs, incorporating a Japanese aesthetic, vibrant colors, and a private bar counter. An extraordinary experience, like a scene from a movie, exists alongside reality.
The Extreme WOW Penthouse Suite, located on the top floor, is a luxurious space boasting an area of ​​approximately 200 square meters. Its iconic bathtub is designed to resemble a champagne bowl, and the night view of Osaka stretches out endlessly outside the window. The time you spend sipping a glass and immersing yourself in the sea of ​​light is the very essence of this hotel.

A "W-only experience" to enjoy with all five senses, with restaurants and bars also a treasure trove of surprises

The new brasserie, Oh.lala..., on the third floor, serves a modern bistro that combines traditional French cuisine with a Japanese sensibility. The interior, with its large windows overlooking Midosuji, changes completely from breakfast to dinner. Particularly popular is the boulangerie lunch, where you can enjoy as much homemade desserts and bread as you like. Reservations are often difficult to get due to the delicacies of the bread and sweets.

On the same floor is the hideaway-like Sushi Ukiyo. As it is a hidden gem, the entrance is so unassuming that it is easy to miss. However, once you step inside, you will find a space where the sushi counter, art, and interior décor featuring Kyoto's Nishijin textiles are in perfect harmony. The time spent savoring the flavors that quietly breathe Edomae techniques is truly the height of luxury.

The social hub, "LIVING ROOM," is a place where you can feel the pulse of the hotel. In addition to being a bar, it also serves afternoon tea during the day, and on weekend nights, a resident DJ plays music. The cocktails, overseen by top bartender Nozato Fumiaki from Japan and overseas, are themed around W's five passion points and are truly like works of art. The music, light, and stories told in the glass invite visitors into a new culture, creating a space where you can have an experience that can only be found here.

The first floor is home to the teppanyaki restaurant "MYDO" and the art pastry bar "MIXup."

"MYDO" is a teppanyaki dining establishment named after the Osaka-style greeting "Maido!". In three areas, you can enjoy teppanyaki, kappo-style cuisine, Osaka soul food, and more, all while enjoying a lively gourmet experience. The adjacent "MIXup" offers original teas and homemade pastries that change with the seasons, as well as a delightful atmosphere and afternoon teas created through frequent collaborations with brands.

Free your mind at WET, a resort in the city

The wellness floor on the fourth floor features a spa, gym, and a resort-like pool area.

AWAY Spa is the only spa in the Osaka area to receive four stars in the Forbes Travel Guide 2025 Spa category, and offers a blissful detox experience.

The indoor pool, "WET," has such a spacious feel that it's hard to believe it's indoors. Continuing beyond the glass, the "WET DECK" offers an outdoor space surrounded by greenery and natural light, making it easy to forget you're in the heart of Midosuji.

A place to unleash your inner passion

I remember an influencer I met during an interview saying it was "his favorite hotel in Japan." The picturesque design and the energy that permeates it are not just "eye-catching," but are "dynamism" that moves the hearts of those who see it.

The contrast between the tranquil exterior and the passionate interior is like that of ourselves, who maintain rationality in our daily lives while harboring dreams and impulses deep within our hearts. A stay at W Osaka feels like a place where you can unleash "another self."