Osaka was the very last stop of our family’s DIY vacation to Japan. The very last visual memory I have of this wonderful country was not a bowl of steaming Ramen or a plate of fresh succulent sashimi. Nope, given that we travelled in June, it was also not of the pretty cherry blossom trees. Instead, it was the sight of a hotel bell hop, a pint sized Japanese lady (yes, lady!) pushing our luggage from the Swissotel Nankai, Osaka Hotel lobby, accompanying us all the way past the subway’s ticketing counter right to the Rapid train which will take us direct to the airport.
The comfortable and clean ‘Nankai Rapid Train‘ that takes us from Osaka Namba Station direct to Kansai International Airport in just 35mins!
Right at the train platform, the bell hop unloaded our luggage without batting an eyelid, straightened her well-pressed vest before bowing and bidding us farewell. At our insistence, she left after we have settled in our seats. Otherwise, it seemed she was prepared to wait for the train to depart before taking her leave. This hotel staff delivered a personal touch which left us in admiration for the famed Japanese hospitality we’ve always heard about.
Not bad for our ‘last glance’ of Japan…something to remember this beautiful country by – her beautiful people.
Midnight at Namba Train Station: A tired young traveller and an enthusiastic Japanese hotel staff who personally delivered our luggage into our train cabin!
In fact, long before we check-in the hotel, upon hearing that our flight out of Japan was late in the night and that we have a baby with us, the hotel had generously offered for us the use of the Executive Club facilities to make our wait more comfortable. They could have easily asked us to loiter in the adjoining mall since the official check-out time was noon but no, the Swissotel Nankai, Osaka surpassed our expectations of a large, business hotel. They were constantly busy but never impersonal…they are Swissotel.
One of THE best hotels we’ve stayed in this DIY Japan trip – the location itself is a winner and the warm service a bonus!
Swissotel Nankai, Osaka offers the best in Swiss luxury with Japanese hospitality in an unsurpassed location. Our Executive Club Suite came complete with all the pampering you would expect from an international 5 star hotel – luxurious king-sized bed, a wide living area, comfortable working desk with free and fast WiFi, bespoke bathroom and plush linens. To top it off, the room offered a commanding view of downtown Osaka that stretches far till the clouds meet land. What a view in this last leg of our inaugural visit to Japan. More than just the luxurious experience, this hotel is incredibly convenient. You will never find another hotel as central as this in Osaka. When travelling with kids and family, convenience really is key.
Upgraded to this Executive Suite with a good view of downtown Osaka…
The splendid view from our room and the Executive Club Lounge…
Mesmerizing Osaka Sunset…
Situated right above the Nankai Railway’s Namba Station – one of the busiest subway stations in Japan (and the world!), it connects us to virtually everywhere in Osaka and the rest of Japan. The convenience of never having to worry about catching a ‘feeder train/bus’ or walking through blocks of buildings and narrow alleys with kids in tow is certainly a boon. Moreover, before reaching the hotel lobby, you’d walk past a large multi-storey shopping mall (Takashimaya!) sandwiched between the hotel and the subway, to either grab a bite or if you still have the energy, spend more time on shopping – what unparalleled convenience! Our stay at the Swissotel Nankai, Osaka helped us save heaps of time when travelling to the outskirts such as Nara and to Universal Studios Japan – not mentioning the luxurious rooms and amenities guaranteed us all a well-rested nights’ rest after each day of sightseeing.
Take an escalator down from the hotel lobby and there are plenty of train options to bring you anywhere and everywhere!
We love its Executive Club Lounge which serves a wide selection of breakfast, canapes, drinks and cocktails at different hours of the day. Ideal for resting our tired feet and just enjoying a cold drink from all the walk-about.
It’s pampering to have beverages and snacks all day at our disposal when we travel…that’s why we’re fond of Executive Club Lounges.
If wandering on the streets is your preference rather than down into the subways, you’ll be pleased to know several of the popular tourist attractions in Osaka – Dontonburi, Shinsaibashi, Den Den Town and Kuromon Ichiba Market are mere 5 minute walk from the hotel. On our visit, we found ourselves stepping 200 year-old back in time at the legendary Kuromon Ichiba Market which is nicknamed ‘Osaka’s Kitchen’ with about 150 shops selling fresh seafood, veggies and meats. These days, with the influx of tourists, there are also shops selling more souvenir sweets, snacks and cakes.
Osaka’s Kuromon Ichiba Market is just 5 mins’ walk from the hotel…
During our afternoon walk, we were still able to savour some fresh Japanese seafood, fresh local produce (the purple potato was seriously sweet) and other local Japanese snacks. There was still a small crowd but mainly tourists in the afternoon. To see the place in all its ‘glory’ and ‘actions’, one should visit early in the morning. Something we would do the next visit…which we would no doubt stay at the Swisshotel Nankai, Osaka again.
SWISSOTEL NANKAI OSAKA
5-1-60 Namba Chuo-ku ▪ Osaka 542-0076 ▪ Japan
Tel: 
+81 6 6646 1111 ▪[email protected]
Sayonara Osaka, till we meet again. I hope it won’t be long!
Our DIY Japan Trip 2015 (Summer):
Post 1: Tokyo in a Heartbeat: Tsukiji Market and CupNoodle Museum
Post 2: From Medieval to Manga – Touring Asakusa, Sumida and Odaiba
Post 3: DIY Japan – Maximising Your Day at Tokyo Disneyland
Post 4: DIY Japan – Maximising Your Day at Tokyo DisneySea
Post 5: Hakone Part 1: Naked Truths from the Onsen
Post 6: Hakone Part 2: Enchanting Botanical Garden of Wetlands & The Little Prince Museum
Post 7: Osaka Part 1: Nara Park and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Post 8: Osaka Part 2: Maximising Your Day at Universal Studios Japan
We stayed at Swissotel Nankai previously too! One of the hotels that is spacious enough for 3 adults and a baby then. Love the location, everything is so accessible. And we hope that one day, we will be back there too!
Oh my, oh my! I have always wanted to travel to Japan and Osaka is one of the cities I have in mind… but the hubby is reluctant to go because of the Fukushima Accident. He’s the cautious traveller so it looks like I have to shelf my wanderlust plans for now. But when we do go, I would definitely consider Swissotel Nankai! Thanks for sharing the lovely post and photos 🙂
Impeccable service! What a beautiful end to the trip 🙂 Definitely bookmarking and recommending this hotel to anyone who is looking for accommodation in Osaka! Oh, and beautiful photos, as usual always 🙂
Wow, it looks really good! Osaka is on my list of to-dos so I will definitely keep this in mind. Thanks for sharing!!
Nice hotel! Would definitely consider this if I have a chance to visit Osaka again!
I still remember my trip to Osaka 5 years ago. We didn’t stay at swissotel but because I was a staff in the Raffles group, we get to dine or stay at swissotels at 50% off. I went there with the family for dinner hosted by the GM and the food was fantastic. Beautiful, delicious food. And with a little bit of fate, he was transferred to Singspore Raffles and became my boss haha memories! Thanks for bringing back fond memories for me.
The Japanese hospitality is definitely memorable! I remember how helpful strangers were when we were struggling with our luggages, but we did not have the benefit of a personal escort though. Haha… Thanks for your post. We will definitely look into Swissotel when we make plans to travel to Osaka. Loving all your beautiful photos.
What impeccable service and hospitality. We are definitely plan a holiday to Japan soon and hope to visit Osaka too! Keeping the Swissotel hotel in mind if we go as the location is so convenient.