Osaka is – even by Japan’s idiosyncratic standards – a thoroughly singular city. It thrums with a restless energy, and its denizens are often blunter, brusquer and (dare we say it) edgier than their countrymen. It’s apt then, that a place as characterful and dynamic as Osaka should have a hotel as brilliantly unique as OMO7.
For the uninitiated: Hoshino Resorts is a national chain of hotels with a laudably creative streak running through it. Want high-end Japanese luxury? Hoshino do that. Want family-friendly environments and fun activities? They do that too. Desperate for blissed-out onsens and peaceful wooden ryokans? That’s also Hoshino. Feel the need to stay in an old American 1950s theme park or a tower surrounded by nothing but snow? For some reason, they do that as well. It’s all done with an unwavering eye for detail and quality, all delivered with and underpinned by the notion of omotenashi – basically the gold standard of hospitality.
OMO7 is Hoshino’s big, bold and beautiful Osaka property. Like all of the hotels in the OMO sub brand (Japan loves a sub brand), it's intended to be a super-fun base for city breaks. Formerly some kind of huge corporate monolith, the building has been remorselessly repurposed and reimagined as a place where families can come on holiday. In the best possible way: it feels like a child with magical powers has charged into an office block, waved a wand, and transformed it into a place where they’d want to stay. The grounds, presumably once a concrete nothingness, are now an undulating green wonderland. The lobbies, hallways and meeting rooms of the building’s ground floor are now cafes, library lounges and bars. Everywhere you look families are hanging out, enjoying quality time with each other.
The rooms are functional, sleek and stylish. Like with everything at OMO7, colour abounds. Chequered tatami mats are a lovely touch, one which elevates the experience, making it feel genuinely special. The fact the building is so damn huge also affords guests fantastic views of the city. Watching the sunset over Osaka’s grimy and gorgeous sprawl is a genuine thrill.
The best way I can describe OMO7 is like a cruise ship mixed with London's Barbican centre. It’s a fun, vibrant place with a playful, free-spirited atmosphere. Meals take place in the bustling canteen (don't sleep on the sensational Japanese breakfast buffet featuring fresh udon and awesome potato salad) and the hotel also has a nice open-air bathhouse that's open until midnight.
Neighbourhood
Slap bang in the middle of Osaka, OMO7 is ideally located for travellers wanting to check out the city. Perhaps most enticingly is the Shinsekai (or New World) district, just a 10-minute walk away. Built in 1912, with the Tsutenkaku Tower a centrepiece, it’s an old-world entertainment district, build to somehow resemble both New York and Paris. These days Shinsekai is bustling, seedy and sensational. You’ll find all manner of kushikatsu joints, pachinko parlours and battered arcades jostling for space. And if that doesn’t float your boat, the tourist destination Dotonbori is just a few short stops on the Osaka Loop train. And if this all sounds like a lot to take in, fear not: OMO7 helpfully employs OMO Rangers – specialist guides who are hireable for guests. They’ll gladly show you around town and have you feeling like a local in no time.
Nearby
Tennoji Zoo Spend some quality time around lions, polar bears, elephants, and – maybe most excitingly – red pandas. Free entry to boot.
Time Out Market The latest (at the time of writing) food market from the people that bring you this very website. All of the city’s best cuisine under one roof.
Nipponbashi Denden Town Nicer, less sleazy and just as well-stocked as Tokyo’s more famous Akihabara district, this Osaka neighbourhood has you covered for video games, comics, toys and more.
Time Out tip At night guests can watch the gently psychedelic ‘pika pika light display’, which is projected onto the side of the building. It’s all explained in the thoroughly charming guide that all guests are issued.