Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai is the first Dorsett brand hotel in Japan, promising to blend Sakai’s rich culture with contemporary hospitality. The hotel aims to breathe new life into this understated port town in Osaka.
What’s the hotel like?
In an effort to showcase another side to Osaka — different from the one most tourists see — Agora and the Sakai local government have worked together to create a resort-like hotel which encapsulates Sakai’s port history and natural beauty. Speaking at the hotel’s opening press event, Sakai’s Mayor Hideki Nagafuji shared how the area of Sakai has much to offer in terms of “culture and convenience”, and how he hopes people from Japan and around the world will visit.
This desire to make Dorsett a symbol of Sakai’s future as an international tourist destination is evident not only in the collaboration with Agora, a Hong Kong hotel chain, but also in their ambition to serve as a hub for local events.
Its sister hotel, Hotel Agora Regency Osaka Sakai, which offers old-school luxury, is a 6-minute walk away and is the flagship hotel of the Agora Hotel Alliance.
What facilities does the hotel have?
In addition to its 321 rooms, the hotel has a seaside restaurant, meeting room, gym, laundry room, vending machine, and ice maker. Guests can lounge in the lobby or head out to the seaside terrace on the second floor.
From the top floor, guests are treated to scenic views of the Kongo Mountain Range, ancient burial mounds, and Osaka Bay.
Note: From April 13 to October 10 2025, a special boat will be taking guests from Sakai Old Port to the Osaka Kansai World Expo 2025. A one-way ticket costs ¥3,800, ¥1,900 for childen, and free for preschool children who can sit on their parent’s lap. The journey takes about 30 minutes and includes both the boat ride and a free shuttle bus ride to the actual venue. Check Universal Cruise for more information on departure times.
Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?
The bright, open-plan main lobby offers plenty of sofa seating, making it an ideal spot to hang out. Additionally, guests can enjoy complimentary drinks which include 20 types of tea, coffee, and juice. Children can indulge in treats from the candy wagon.
What are the rooms like?
All the guestrooms are inspired by Sakai’s natural beauty and old port esthetic. The famous Mozu Mounded Tombs also serve as inspiration, with the green carpet symbolizing the surrounding greenery and the bed placed centrally, representing the placement of the tomb mounds.
The hotel tries to offer rooms that are both functional and comfortable, a goal it achieves through its layouts. Bright, airy, and spacious, each room allows you to feel as though you are part of the port or city without even stepping outside. Prices for a one night stay range from ¥14,400 to ¥57,600, depending on the room type.
How big are the rooms?
There are 9 types of room, each varying in style and size. The smallest room is the Standard King Room, which is 21.95m2, and the biggest rooms are the Dorsett Suite and Waterfront Premier Suite, which are 43.92. Note that there are only 8 suites in the whole hotel.
The hotel also has wheelchair-accessible rooms, with some of the Deluxe Twin rooms being barrier-free rooms. In addition, some of the rooms are connecting rooms, which are ideal for bigger families.
Are the rooms comfortable?
On our visit, we stayed in the a Standard King Room, which is comfortable for one or two people. With a big bed and a sofa by the windowsill, there is plenty of space to lounge about. The windows bring in lots of natural light.
As reflected in the price, the Dorsett Suite is the most luxurious and comfortable option. Providing a spacious layout, full view of the waterfront, and a much larger bathroom, it’s definitely the kind of lavish space that families or slightly larger groups can indulge in.
What’s the view like?
The hotel offers two different views from the rooms: a town view and a port view. In our opinion, the port view is a bit more special than the town view, especially during golden hour. That said, the town view comes into its own at night, and even if you opt for a town-view room, you can still savor the port view from the terrace.
Should I order the breakfast?
During this stay, breakfast was unavailable at the hotel, so we went to the sister hotel to enjoy a buffet. As of the time of writing, breakfast wasn’t included in the room rate.
There are a few local cafés scattered around the hotel. For a classic kissaten experience, there is Cafeteria Coto, which is a 4-minute walk away.
How is the location?
The location is not only convenivent, being a short walk from Sakai Station, but also picturesque. It is ideal for those who want a quieter and more low-key environment in Osaka, where they can easily stroll around.
Although Sakai is slightly off the grid, compared to hubs like Namba, there are still enough restaurants and shops in the area that you can find any essentials you may need. There is even a Round1 nearby — an entertainment center popular for bowling, karaoke, and its games acrade.
How is the access to trains and subway?
- Sakai Station (4-minute walk): To get to Sakai Station from Shin-Osaka Station first take the Midosuji Line to Namba Station. Then, change onto the Nankai Line (Airport Express Kansai-Airport). Make sure to take the regular express train, as the Nankai Limited Express has some reserved seats. The journey takes around 33 minutes and costs ¥580.
How do I get there from Kansai International Airport?
- From Kansai International Airport: From Sakai Station, it takes around 42 minutes to get to Kansai International Airport on the Nankai Line (Airport Express Kansai-Airport). A one-way trip costs ¥880.
What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?
Peaceful and serene, the port setting feels a world away from places like Namba and Dōtonbori. We highly recommend taking a morning stroll down the pier and seeing what hidden local gems you come across.
Are there many good places to eat nearby?
Making the most of the seafront location, Dorsett by Agora Osaka Sakai features a seaside terrace restaurant where guests can tuck into delectable dishes and enjoy a pint or two.
If you are looking to dine somewhere else, there are several local eateries within walking distance.
Exit the hotel by the harbor side and keep walking. Soon, you’ll pass what looks like a large storage unit — this is actually Que Sera Sera, a café, bar, and restaurant. Serving fresh seafood, omurice, as well as cakes and coffee, Que Sera Sera offers not only delicious home-cooked style food but also an exclusive view of the port.
Continue walking and there is the okonomiyaki restaurant Fusa Fusa, located right next door to Live Bar Fandango.
What points of interest are within walking distance of the hotel?
The hotel is within walking distance of some notable spots in Sakai, and just a bus ride away from others:
- Ohama Park (4-minute walk)
- Sakaiekinanhodo Bridge and Hashinoue Portonosuke (5-minute walk)
- Old Sakai Lighthouse (12-minute walk)
- Dragon Goddess Statue (15-minute walk)
- Mozu Mounded Tombs (34-minute bus ride and walk)
For some of Osaka’s most famous attractions, you will need to take the train:
- Shinsekai (7-minute train ride)
- Dōtonbori (13-minute train ride)
- Namba Yasaka Jinja (13-minute train ride)
Who should stay here?
Guests who want to experience a different side of Osaka, without being too far from the city center, will want to consider staying at this hotel. Offering a peaceful, port-side getaway, it provides a quiet escape from the fast pace of the city. Even with this escape, the hotel has strong transport connections to Namba and Shinsekai, making it a great base for exploring.
One of the hotel’s strongest attributes is its ability to cater to individuals, couples, families, and those with accessibility needs, thanks to its range of room options. The rooms also offer a good value for money, accommodating various price points and preferences.
While Sakai may not be home to some of Osaka’s most famous attractions, it offers its own unique, up-and-coming culture with plenty of potential — one that is reflected in this hotel’s interior and atmosphere.
What sustainability measures do they have?
Sustainability and fostering the local community and culture are at the heart of this hotel. In line with the motto “Greenery, Earth, and Sea”, Dorsett has embraced eco-friendly materials, including ceramic tiles and bricks. Notably, the cushions in the rooms are sourced from the Japanese brand Rekrow, which upcycles denim to create new, sustainable products.
The overall Agora Alliance makes clear statements about their sustainability efforts, following the ESG Guidelines. Some of their initiatives include using 100% fully recyclable paper bags, promoting use of local public transportation, and supporting local production. For more details, check out the dedicated sustainability page.
Tips and tricks for the best stay
This hotel offers something known as a “26-hour full stay”, which allows flexible check-in and check-out times. For more details, we recommend contacting the hotel in advance.
If you are unsure on what to see while in Sakai, talk to the English-speaking staff members at the reception desk, and they will give you some insider recommendations.
Make sure to also pick up any amenities you may need at the amenities bar near the reception desk. These include tea, brushes, and other diposable toiletries.