Osaka’s “original international hotel”, the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka in Nakanoshima has been reimagined as part of the Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels and Resorts. The hotel is open for business while undergoing its transformation, but from April 1, 2024 you can experience it in its full new form.
Expect supreme comfort and top-notch service, whenever you go.
What’s the hotel like?
The RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka is swanky. The first Japan property in the Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels and Resorts, it joins the likes of the Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, Casa da Companhia Porto, and Th8 Palm Dubai Beach Resort, among other luxury-lifestyle names.
Intended to be a space where “luxury meets purpose”, every Vignette Collection accommodation has its own unique offerings and story to tell. In the RIHGA’s case, that story goes all the way back to 1935, when it first opened as the Shin-Osaka Hotel.
What facilities does the hotel have?
The hotel has rather a lot of facilities and services. First off, there is Wi-Fi in each room, which you’d expect. There is also an indoor pool and sauna (¥3,300, free for guests staying on Executive or Natural Comfort floors); a gym (¥6,600); a nursing room; several high-end shops; a chocolatery; a bakery and deli; a convenience store; meeting rooms; an ATM; a car-wash; and electric-vehicle charging services.
Restaurants at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
One of the main drawcards of the RIHGA is its diverse dining options — there are 20 different places to eat. Included in the lineup is kaiseki at the well-known Nadaman restaurant, Osaka-style sushi, tempura, and teppanyaki.
You’ll also find fine French fare, Chinese, and even British pub grub, as well as cocktails. There’s virtually no need to venture into the city for food or drink, which is almost a shame, since Osaka is known as the nation’s kitchen.
*Note that some of the restaurants might not allow young children.
Vegan course at the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
A noteworthy — and exciting — option at The Ray French restaurant is its vegan course meal. Created with the intention of supporting and promoting plant-based lifestyles, the course showcases seasonal ingredients in a series of light dishes that taste as good as they look.
The vegan course is priced at ¥8,223 for lunch, and ¥13,195 for dinner.
Is there anywhere to hang out in the hotel?
Yes. There are chairs in the lobby on the ground floor, but we recommend making use of the Main Lounge, a plush tea room that features a waterfall as its backdrop.
What are the rooms like?
In a word, splendid. There are a range of rooms available, starting at a generous 25m2 and going up to nearly 50m2 from there. We stayed in a newly renovated and very “wa” double room, with an inner door that blocked out all outside sounds. It had everything needed for a fancy-feeling, restorative stay, barring a fluffy robe (a simple robe was included, however).
Are the rooms comfortable?
We’re going to answer this in the affirmative, again. Thickly carpeted, with stylish (and actually comfortable) furniture, and featuring what was perhaps the nicest hotel bed we’ve ever been in, the room passed our comfort test with flying colors.
The bathroom — all glass and marble esthetic and posh vibes — did the job, too. We only used the shower, but the bathtub was, admittedly, inviting.
What’s the view like?
This depends on the room, but we got lucky with a sweeping view over the river and city below. We were able to watch the sun go down from the sofa, while nibbling on nuts and crackers (under ¥500) from the mini bar.
Should I order the breakfast?
Absolutely. We thoroughly enjoyed our buffet breakfast at All Day Dining Remone, filling up on sweet pastries, overnight chia pudding, fruit, salad, eggs ‘n’ sausages, and some great coffee. The freshly squeezed orange juice was also a winner.
How is the location?
Nakanoshima is a quiet area enclosed by two rivers. It is removed from the buzz of Osaka central, but still allows easy access to the city and tourist spots.
Regular (complimentary) shuttle buses run between JR Osaka Station and the hotel, with the trip taking around 15 minutes. There is also a free shuttle to Universal Studios Japan, though advance reservations are required for that.
How is the access to trains and subway?
The RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka is directly connected to Nakanoshima Station on the Keihan Nakanoshima Line. Simply take Exit 3, and you’ll find yourself at the hotel.
The hotel is also only a 15-minute walk from Fukushima Station on the Hanshin and JR lines. We found this an easier access point, as the Nakanoshima Line can be a bit slow and tricky for transfers.
How do I get there from Kansai Airport?
The RIHGA is accessible by train, bus, or taxi. You’re looking at just over an hour on the JR Kansai Airport Rapid to Osaka Station, then the free shuttle bus. You can also get to Osaka Station via an airport bus.
Alternatively, you can take the Nankai Limited Express Rapid to Namba Station from the airport, then hop into a taxi. The hotel estimates a charge of around ¥1,500, for a 15-minute ride.
Read more about getting from the airport into Osaka.
What’s the surrounding neighborhood like?
The hotel is right next to the Osaka International Convention Center, and across the road from the river. It’s quiet — especially at night — but is only a short walk away from vibey Fukushima, and in turn just a 2-minute, ¥140 train ride to central Osaka/Umeda (from Fukushima Station).
Points of interest within an easy walk include The National Museum of Art, Osaka; the Osaka Science Museum; and the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka. There is also a cute little restaurant and bar on the riverside, just across from the main hotel entrance.
There are several convenience stores a few minutes away from the hotel, for any late-night cravings that the hotel’s on-site convenience store can’t satisfy.
Who should stay here?
The RIHGA is great for all types of travelers. We visited on business, but there were loads of families — with kids of all ages — friend groups, and couples at the hotel.
It’s definitely intended as a higher-end stay, though, so if you’re on a tight budget, it may not be the best match. Also, if you are in Osaka to party the night away in Umeda or Namba, you might want something closer to the action — or you’ll need to be prepared to take a taxi back to the hotel when the trains and buses stop running (which is around midnight).
What sustainability measures do they have?
The standard sustainability measures you’d expect — signs asking you to reuse your towels, efforts to reduce and recycle plastics, and so on. All RIHGA Royal Hotels are committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
Tips and tricks for the best stay
- Get up early and go for a walk along the river before breakfast
- Head towards Fukushima Station for small, lively eateries, bars, and coffee shops
- Take a minute to sit in the hotel’s downstairs lounge and look out at the waterfall