Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda captures everything we love about the city. Buzzing with rebellious energy, friendly locals, and amazing street food (hence its nickname as the nation’s kitchen), Osaka is regarded as Tokyo’s easy-going sibling.
As the hotel would have you believe, Osaka also has a playful spirit. At its entrance, circular lights glimmer from semi-spherical holes in the ceiling, evoking delicious daydreams filled with takoyaki balls.
Further in, a mirror shaped like a speech bubble greets you as you enter the lift or elevator, since the Japanese learn US English in school. Besides referencing Osaka’s reputation as a city of comedy, it pokes fun at how chatty the locals can be.
Meanwhile, the reception area is designed to resemble a futon daiko, a large float carried on the shoulders of participants during festivals. On the same floor, a wall mural with abstractions of summer festival goers accentuates this ready-to-party vibe.
You also cannot miss the Umekita Park-inspired feature wall, filled with foliage and overlaid with a neon sign of two hands reaching for each other. In front of this, a large wooden see-saw beckons your inner child.
As the first Canopy by Hilton lifestyle boutique hotel outside of China, where there are four properties, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda marks its expansion across Asia. A seven-minute walk from JR Osaka station, it lies within Grand Green Osaka, a sprawling mixed-use development with 45,000 sq m of Umekita Park, shops, restaurants, and co-working spaces.
“With its thoughtful design, locally inspired food and beverage, and deep community connections, we provide an elevated yet approachable experience that resonates with today’s travellers,” says Andrew Ling, Senior Director, Lifestyle Brands Management and Strategic Planning & Innovation.
Fukusuke dolls decorate the 308 rooms, including 53 suites and 19 connecting rooms. These traditional Kansai charms wearing red and white kimonos with signature polka-dot patterns are revered by the locals as symbols of good fortune.
During my four nights there, I stayed in a 63-sq-m Corner Suite, which is located on the corner of each level, as the name suggests. Natural light streams in abundantly through large corner windows and scenic views create a feeling of spaciousness.
Warm wood tones, harking back to the Chinese teahouse Tai-an, a national treasure designed by Japanese tea master Sen no Rikyū, add to the relaxed atmosphere. Curated amenities such as locally sourced bath salts complete the comfort and tradition-fusing experience.
INSPIRED BY THE PAST
According to Ling, the team delved into Osaka’s rich history and contemporary culture to design a hotel that feels both sophisticated and welcoming, blending a modern aesthetic with traditional Japanese influences. For instance, the hotel references Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s legendary horse insignia Sennari Byotan extensively. As a result, the design has a greater historical and cultural significance.
Many thoughtful odes to the city’s culinary scene are influenced by its reputation as a gourmet to-go destination. Along with takoyaki-shaped lighting, guests will also find standing lamps shaped like deep-fried kushikatsu skewers.
Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda’s dining options are also worth exploring. At all-day dining restaurant CC: Carbon Copy, enjoy Western-style dishes with Japanese ingredients such as sea urchin and Hokkaido scallops. If you’re craving something hearty, the menu likewise includes Peruvian Aji Verde Chicken or Artichoke Lemon Risotto.
!Ja!Ja Bar serves elevated versions of street food with its cocktails. Can’t decide? Order the signature Ohkini!, a homegrown take on the classic daiquiri. Coffeeholics should try the local coffee at Bean There, Umeda, whose range of roasts, includes a blend created by Lilo Coffee Roasters.
This strategy not only encourages collaborations within the community but also provides a place for locals and travellers to meet. Additionally, it ensures that Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda “is not just a hotel, but a part of the neighbourhood as well,” says Ling.
low-priced clothes and homeware.
Five fun things hotel guests can do
- See Tadao Ando’s notable work
A stone’s throw from Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda is VS, a museum designed by the acclaimed architect, in Umekita Park, Grand Green Osaka. The “Tadao Ando Youth” exhibition, on until July 2025, explores his journey as a self-taught architect. A 15-m tall projection space displays his most iconic works.
2. Shop for tenugui hand towels
These cotton hand towels feature vibrant patterns created by chusen, a traditional technique of pouring dye over multiple layers of fabric. For the hotel, Kyoto tenugui specialist Nijiyura created an exclusive design with Osaka icons. Visit the hotel reception’s merchandise section to purchase yours.
3. Eat delicious kushikatsu
Osakan cuisine isn’t just takoyaki. Shiru Hisa Sonezaki Honten has been serving kushikatsu for over 80 years. Crispy on the outside and perfectly juicy inside, these breaded meat and vegetable skewers are perfect with cold beer. It is a leisurely 18-minute walk from the hotel.
4. Explore the market
More than 150 stalls sell seafood, sweets, and other items at Kuromon, Osaka’s most famous fish market. Conger pike is most popular in the summer, and fugu in the winter. By car, it takes 15 minutes.
5. Watch a traditional performance
For more than a century, Umeda Gofukuza Theatre, about a 15-minute walk from the hotel, has entertained locals and tourists. With expressive moves and elaborate costumes, performances are non-verbal but enthralling. Check out Gekidan Jouya, Sawamura Jouya, a lively production running until 29 April.
Photos: Canopy By Hilton Osaka Umeda
