InterContinental Osaka: A second home in the heart of Umeda

When people think about Osaka, one of the first few things that come to mind might be the bustling Dotonburi street with its vibrant lights, street vendors selling all sorts of delicious snacks and the iconic Glico running man sign. 

On my last trip to Osaka, I had stayed at Shinsaibaishi and thoroughly enjoyed the sights and sounds around the area, but this time around, I knew I wanted to explore a different neighbourhood and was thrilled to find out that InterContinential Osaka was located at Umeda and within the sprawling Grand Front Osaka complex of buildings, which is made up of departmental stores, dining establishments, upscale shopping spots and more, a stone’s throw away from the JR Osaka Station.

The Rooms

Small hotel rooms may be a dime a dozen in Japan, especially in cities like Tokyo, but at InterContinental Osaka, you can look forward to a spacious abode. We stayed in the King Premium City View room, which offered breathtaking views of Osaka, especially at night.

The well-appointed 50sqm room with timbre floors, plush bedding and shades of green, making it a calm respite after a day of sightseeing. Plus points for the walk-in wardrobe, as well as the deep soaking bathtub and rainshower. We also had access to the Club Intercontinental Lounge, which served breakfast, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and champagne.

The Facilities

If you need some down time, there’s a spacious indoor pool you must check out. Perfect for a family swim or simply unwinding on the loungers when you need a break after a full day of walking. Adjacent to the pool is a well-equipped fitness center, offering modern gym equipment, free weights, and a mat-covered area for stretching or yoga. Check out Meguri Spa if you’re in need of a deep tissue massage as well as a Japanese bathhouse with hot spring and dry-sauna, steam and relaxation rooms open from 7am to 10pm.

The Food & Drink

Besides the Club InterContinental Lounge, there are a couple of F&B locations to check out within the hotel. For an after-work tipple or quick business meeting, 3-60 would be your go-to as it’s conveniently located at the lobby.

There’s also STRESSED on the first floor, ironically name as it’s meant to be an oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Noka Roast & Grill is where you’ll go to enjoy the daily buffet breakfast, or indulge in grilled meats and Western-style dishes during lunch and dinner. 

If you’ve got a date to impress, you’ll definitely want to make a booking at one Michelin-starred restaurant Pierre. Start the evening with pre-dinner drinks with a stunning view of the city at the chic bar Adee just next door, before you proceed on a French culinary adventure made even better with the freshest seasonal Japanese ingredients. When we visited, our favourite dishes were definitely the restaurant’s signature Olive Beef (served right after the amuse boche) and the Venison with beets and dates.

The Neighbourhood 

Umeda is located at the northern end of Osaka, and it’s considered the city’s transportation hub. While it may be slightly less touristy than the Dotonburi area, it is no less busy. It’s just a couple of minutes away from the Osaka-Umeda Station, which is well-served by JR lines and private railways. In fact, this prime spot is great if you want Osaka to be your home base for day trips to Kyoto or Nara, for example, as you would be able to take the Hankyu-Kyoto and Kobe line from here.

InterContinental Osaka is located at Grand Front Osaka, North Building, 3-60 Ofukacho, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0011, Japan.