Marriott Miyako, Osaka

Location

If next-door Kyoto is Japan’s cultural capital, Osaka is the country’s capital of commerce. Between its okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) houses, all-night karaoke bars, backstreet sake joints and neon streetscapes, much of Japan’s domestic business is conducted in its third largest city. And, the Marriott Miyako is just around the corner from Osaka’s train station epicentre, a few minutes’ walk from the temples, shrines and zoo of Tennoji Park. A few subway stops away you’ll find further retreat in the green, moated grounds of Osaka Castle.

Accommodation

Stylish, contemporary rooms make the most of their skyscraping perch with floor-to-ceiling windows meaning excellent views of Osaka’s Blade Runner skyline. Muted colour schemes and clean, ultra-modern lines are offset by delicately patterned carpets while complimentary high-speed WiFi, iPod docks and 32” satellite TVs remind that you’re in high-tech Japan. Newspapers can be delivered to your room on request. Perhaps consider upgrading to an upper floor room for a better view or look to a corner position for wraparound windows. Club rooms are particularly accommodating with complimentary breakfasts, cocktails, snacks, afternoon teas and hors d’oeuvres in the Club Lounge.

Dining

As you’d expect from this international heavyweight, food from around the world is available for all three meals. Start the day with a buffet, continental or full American breakfast before moving into one of the hotel’s three restaurant offerings for lunch or dinner. In its signature ZK, a combination of Western favourites and Japanese delicacies are served to breathtaking city views. It specialises in teppanyaki with chefs skilfully blending fresh flavours on traditional teppan iron griddles. In Cooka – a buffet style restaurant – international cuisine is crafted in front of diners at multiple live, open cooking stations while the more casual Lounge serves up a wide range of lunches and dinners in an open, relaxed atmosphere.

Facilities

Whether it’s the 58th-floor open-air plaza, the 60th floor observation deck or simply your room, there’s every opportunity to take full advantage of the building’s 300 metre high vantage point of the city and its surrounding plains. Even the cardiovascular machines and free weight areas of the hotel’s gym come with an excellent view. As does the hotel’s bar where expert mixologists serve a wide range of cocktail favourites along with premium spirits, wines and beers. Don’t miss out on a warm sake at Japan’s highest man made point.