Discover a Modern Ryokan Experience with Four Seasons Hotel Osaka

On August 1, 2024, Four Seasons came to Osaka — and so did the city’s first contemporary ryokan experience.

Unveiling a pitch-perfect modern take on the traditional Japanese inn, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka invites travellers to immerse in authentic local customs, elevated by all the comfort and care synonymous with the world’s premier hospitality brand.

“We are delighted to introduce GENSUI, a dedicated Japanese floor where guests can experience the timeless soul of Japan while still enjoying access to our Hotel’s exceptional facilities, including extraordinary dining outlets, a destination bar, and a sky-high wellness zone,” says General Manager Alastair McAlpine. “Marking a milestone in Osaka’s rise as a global destination, GENSUI offers an unforgettable stay for both international and domestic travellers.”

Guests can also divide their stay across the tatami and regular accommodations — an excellent way to make the most of their experience at Four Seasons Hotel Osaka.

Modern Ryokan Escape

Housed across the 28th floor, GENSUI offers 21 tatami rooms and suites, meticulously curated by local design studio SIMPLICITY to reflect the essence of Japanese living. As the elevator doors slide open, guests will find themselves in an unexpected realm that looks and feels distinctly different from the rest of the Hotel (even the attire of Four Seasons staff on this floor is more traditional). A dedicated check-in experience, elevated with Japanese tea service, sets the stage for immersion.

Formalities complete, guests are invited on a journey of contrasts. Walk through the darkened hallways, hushed and deep-toned, to arrive at the bright, spacious accommodations, flooded with natural light and framed by sweeping Osaka views.

Embodying a thoughtful expression of Japanese lifestyle aesthetics, GENSUI’s rooms and suites are rooted in tradition yet very much of the 21st century. Mirroring the layout of local homes, a doma entrance area welcomes guests to remove their shoes and step inside to discover the pleasure of walking barefoot or slipper-clad on the rush-grass tatami flooring.

Tatami mats hold a vital place in Japanese life and have customarily been used for everyday activities such as dining, working and sleeping. GENSUI provides travellers the opportunity to experience this beautiful facet of local culture as authentically as possible, without having to give up modern comforts.

Signature low-slung chairs, custom-designed by SIMPLICITY, allow guests to sit closer to ground level. Thanks to the chair’s circular shape, one can even try sitting cross-legged — a good way to gently stretch the muscles and improve flexibility.

Drift into tranquil dreams on futon bedding, placed on raised platforms to ensure convenient access for guests of all generations. A fine Japanese sensibility reveals itself at every step: note the sliding doors, washi paper headboards and sudare blinds. Soft pools of light evoke the allure of Japanese lanterns, creating a sense of warm intimacy, enhanced by the room’s curved lines and rounded corners.

Each accommodation comes with comfortable yukatas (relaxed cotton kimonos) and an exclusive Japanese minibar. The bathroom includes both a large bathtub and a shower area with a low stool, a typical Japanese feature.

In the Grand Tatami Suite, families can share the joy of modern ryokan living together. The suite includes a sunken dining table for four, a bathtub with city views, a walk-through closet, and an outer-connecting room.

Local Flavours

Guests staying at the GENSUI floor enjoy exclusive access to SABO lounge, where they can start the day with bento-style breakfast. Freshly brewed Japanese tea selections and locally-inspired snacks are available throughout the day from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. During evening drink hours, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm, enjoy a curation of beverages with a distinctly Japanese twist; think local sakes, spirits, wines and more.

The GENSUI story

At the creative heart of GENSUI are the twin concepts of “GEN” and “SUI,” unfolding across the 28th floor through carefully chosen design elements.

GEN refers to the coloured tints found in the deepest of blacks, evoking the hidden meaning behind the darkness — an ancient idea embedded in Japanese culture. Channelling GEN, the elevator lobby and hallway areas conjure a sense of drama and discovery through the use of dark hues and subtle detailing.

The carpets resemble a Japanese ink painting, characterized by a fine gradation of black hues, while the washi-clad ceilings are decorated with calligraphy ink. The hexagonal wooden tiles reflect the beloved Kikko (turtle’s back) pattern, symbolizing good luck.

SUI means water, a nod to Osaka’s identity as Japan’s “City of Water.” The essence of SUI comes to the fore via flowing lines and curvilinear shapes, backdropped by spectacular vistas of Osaka’s famed rivers and waterways. Notice the gentle interplay of light and shadow, echoing the naturally harmonious relationship between water and land.

The GENSUI floor offers 18 tatami rooms and 3 tatami suites. To book a modern ryokan stay, call +81 (6) 6676-8682 or email: reservations.osaka@fourseasons.com.