Whether you’re in Kyoto for the quiet luxury or in Osaka for high-energy thrills, Four Seasons ensures you’ll experience Japan’s best with style, comfort, and a touch of extravagance.
Japan is a country that wears many hats—ancient, futuristic, quirky, and refined, all at once. It’s the only place where you can stroll through centuries-old temples and then jump straight into the fast-paced neon wonderland of modern cities. Kyoto and Osaka are the perfect examples of this.
Kyoto, once the imperial capital, is like the wise old grandparent of Japan. Its cobbled streets, tranquil temples, and peaceful tea houses remind you that sometimes, the best way to experience the world is slowly and thoughtfully. Meanwhile, Osaka, the energetic younger sibling, is all about fun, food, and flashing neon lights. The city’s bustling streets, markets, and shopping districts create a vibe that’s as electric as the city’s lights themselves.
But if you’re going to experience the best of both worlds, you’ll need the perfect place to stay—somewhere that gets the balance between tradition and luxury just right. Enter the Four Seasons hotels in Kyoto and Osaka. Both are stellar examples of how to blend Japanese hospitality with world-class comfort. From peaceful gardens to glittering skylines, these hotels offer an unforgettable stay, no matter which side of Japan you’re on.
Four Seasons Kyoto – Stay, Sip, and Zen Out
Tucked away in Kyoto’s tranquil Higashiyama district, Four Seasons Kyoto is like a love letter to the city’s rich history, blended seamlessly with modern luxury. Perched at the foot of a mountain and surrounded by ancient temples, the hotel feels like a peaceful retreat where culture and nature converge.
The best part? Every season here paints a new picture. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the Shakusui-en Heritage Garden like a delicate watercolor, while in autumn, the garden is bathed in warm hues of red and gold. This is Kyoto in its purest form, inviting guests to connect with its rich history while lounging in an oasis of comfort.
Speaking of the Heritage Garden, it’s hard not to fall in love with this sprawling, 10,000-square-meter masterpiece. Dating back to the Heian Period in the 12th century, it’s a pond garden that invites you to simply stop and breathe. Some of the residential suites even offer direct access to the garden, so you can literally wake up and step into Kyoto’s natural beauty. In case you missed it, you can experience the ancient practice of Zazen meditation right from your suite. For those with a balcony, Four Seasons offers complimentary self-meditation kits supervised by a Zen monk from the iconic Kennin-ji Temple in Gion.
Speaking of the spa, the Four Seasons Kyoto’s award-winning wellness center is the perfect place to unwind after a day of cultural exploration. The spa offers a range of treatments inspired by traditional Japanese healing techniques, such as the “Kyoto Heritage”, a centuries-old well-being technique inspired by the traditions of Kyoto. The therapist uses traditional methods to coax away muscle stiffness and then stimulates key pressure points to optimize the flow of vital energy within the body. As the mind and body are uplifted, chronic fatigue melts away. Performed without oil, this dry massage leaves you feeling light and refreshed. If you want to indulge a bit more, try the “bamboo ritual”. Drawing on traditional Japanese wisdom, this therapeutic treatment is performed with warm bamboo sticks and oil. The result is strong, deep, and even pressure, which is distinctly different from a regular massage.
Just when you started wondering about dining? Four Season Kyoto provides a delicious culinary journey. At Sushi Ginza Onodera, you’re in for an unforgettable authentic Edomae sushi experience. The sushi counter, made from 400-year-old cypress, sets the stage for a sushi session where each bite feels like a celebration of Kyoto’s vibrant market scene (of course they also source fish from the Toyosu market in Tokyo and Hokkaido). And for those who prefer to keep things sizzling, the Emba Kyoto Chophouse serves up premium steaks, fresh seafood, and vegetables, all grilled to perfection with a touch of Japanese umami. If you’re craving a traditional Japanese tea experience, the Fuju Lounge is your spot.
But what truly makes this hotel stand out is the opportunity to dive deeper into Kyoto’s culture, like inviting Maiko and Geiko (Kyoto’s beloved geishas) to perform for you at the Tea House (usually available for residential suite guests). In short, Four Seasons Kyoto is a way to experience Kyoto’s soul, wrapped up in a luxurious, serene package. From the garden walks to the traditional tea ceremonies, it’s a reminder that history and modernity can coexist in the most magical ways.
Four Seasons Osaka – Live The High Life
Nestled in the heart of Osaka, where tradition and innovation converge, Four Seasons Hotel Osaka redefines luxury with 175 impeccably designed guest rooms and suites, all boasting breathtaking city views.
Elevating the experience, the hotel’s exclusive GENSUI ?? floor on the 28th level offers a modern ryokan-inspired retreat—the first of its kind in Osaka. Designed by Japanese studio SIMPLICITY, these accommodations are a modern expression of Japanese customs and design principles, with the added luxury of unobtrusive modern conveniences. Exclusively for GENSUI floor guests, the SABO lounge is another serenity heaven for enjoying Japanese breakfast, tea rituals, and evening sake and wines.
Meanwhile, other floors’ guest rooms’ interior offers an understated palette of harmonious colors, natural wood, and stone finishes, crisp white linens, state-of-the-art technology, and a fully stocked minibar (for when you need that late-night treat) that define an unparalleled stay at Four Seasons.
But, of course, it’s not all about the rooms – though, let’s be honest, they’re hard to leave. The Four Seasons Hotel Osaka is a culinary haven for food lovers, and dining here is an experience in itself. On the 37th floor, Jiang Nan Chun Chinese Restaurant offers a sophisticated setting where guests can enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine paired with stunning city views. If you’re in the mood for something more unique, Sushi L’Abysse Osaka Yannick Alléno is an absolute must. This premier sushi destination fuses the elegance of French haute cuisine with the artistry of Japanese sushi, creating a one-of-a-kind dining experience overseen by the renowned celebrity Michelin star chef Yannick Alléno and Sushi Master Yasuda Itaru.
For those who want to explore a more casual but equally delicious experience, the hotel’s all-day French bistro Jardin is the perfect place to enjoy a vibrant mix of flavors and a light meal while soaking in the surrounding atmosphere. From fresh salads to indulgent pastries, the bistro has something for every mood.
No stay at the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka would be complete without a visit to Bar Bota, a chic cocktail lounge on the 37th floor. With a striking circular bar at the center and panoramic views of Osaka, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. Sip on creative cocktails, enjoy a glass of wine, or simply gaze out over the shimmering city lights.
To unwind and relax, make your way to the Spa on the 36th floor. Whether you’re cooling down after a swim in the 16-meter indoor pool or indulging in a rejuvenating ofuro – a traditional Japanese bath, the spa is the perfect place to recharge. The serene atmosphere and panoramic views of Osaka’s skyline make this the ultimate escape.
