One of the world’s hottest architects designed the new W hotel in Osaka. You have to see it

It can be hard to stand out in a frenetic cityscape. But with its stark black monolith façade, the new W Osaka — the brand’s first outpost in Japan, located in the city’s popular Shinsaibashi shopping district — does just that.

The 27-storey building, conceptualized by internationally renowned, Osaka-born architect Tadao Ando, may be minimalist on the outside, but it’s hiding the luxury hotel’s playful and opulent interior.

The W Osaka’s design is described by the hoteliers as “extravagant simplicity.” Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an illuminated tunnel. Covered in 3,000 laser-cut circles inspired by Japanese cherry blossoms and origami, the passage’s lights change colour and intensity, depending on the time of day and season. In the lobby, a striking 3D pattern — modelled after asanoha, a traditional Japanese motif — makes up the ceiling and staircase.

That same bold vision carries over into the 337 rooms, where floor-to-ceiling windows show off the city skyline. Rooms are themed pink (for cherry blossoms) or blue (for serene ocean), and hidden in the closets is a graphic “Pixorama” of Osaka, designed by the art group eBoy. The penthouse suite even features a calming Zen garden and a dreamy wall textile from acclaimed Dutch artist Sigrid Calon.

The dining options pay the same attention to detail. The bistro-style Oh.lala is headed by chef Yusuke Takada (of the two-Michelin-starred La Cime), who is renowned for his skill in marrying classic French techniques with Japanese ingredients.

More traditional cuisine is offered at Sushi Ukiyo, a casual omakase-style restaurant serving sashimi and sushi, where chefs will tailor dishes to your preferences on a hinoki cypress wood counter in front of you. There’s also Teppanyaki Mydo, which specializes in elevating local comfort food and Wagyu beef.

For on-site entertainment, guests will be drawn to the third-floor social hub, called The Living Room. The brightly lit bar, which serves up cocktails as colourful as the plush furniture and squiggly neon lights, is the focal point of the exuberant space. You never know what you might find — say, a standup show or live DJ set — which is an apt way to sum up the W Osaka’s vibe.

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.