Osaka, Japan’s second biggest city, has long been synonymous with delicious food, down-to-earth residents, great shopping districts and lively nightlife. Now it’s also home to Japan’s tallest twin tower development.
The 200-metre-tall Nakanoshima Festival City complex (the first tower opened in 2012, the second in April 2017), not only has restaurants, shops, offices and a concert hall – it’s also home to the city’s newest luxury hotel: Conrad Osaka (conradosaka.com).
The hotel, which opened in June, crowns the upper levels of the cloud-brushing 40-storey west tower, with scenic city and mountain views.
A few minutes away on foot is the subterranean National Museum of Art (nmao.go.jp). From 18 July until 15 October, in addition to a high-profile 16th century Dutch masters exhibition, it will showcase a selection of recently acquired contemporary art, including plenty of homegrown Japanese talent.
A visit to Osaka is never complete without at least one memorable meal. Head to the restaurant Again, recently crowned with a Michelin star for its creative kushiage – skewers of meat and vegetables deep-fried in plant oil. The fried egg and hamburger curry skewer is a particular highlight.
Cathay Pacific flies to Osaka from Hong Kong 42 times per week, including seven flights via Taipei.
