Spring in Osaka & Kyoto with The Ritz-Carlton
- Maiken Fortes
- May 26
- 9 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
After years of daydreaming, saving, and a few postponed plans, we finally made it to Japan. And let me tell you, it was worth every penny and every bit of anticipation. This wasn’t just another trip, it was the trip we’d quietly been building towards. Kyoto and Osaka felt like the perfect balance: one steeped in tradition, elegance and calm, the other buzzing with food, energy and neon-lit charm. Staying with The Ritz-Carlton in both cities added that extra layer of ease and comfort, with thoughtful touches that made the whole experience feel even more special.
If Japan is still sitting on your wish list, consider this your sign. These two cities more than live up to the hype – and May, with its mild warm weather and manageable crowds, was the perfect time to go. Whether it’s strolling through Kyoto’s peaceful gardens or tucking into Osaka’s famous street food, there’s something here that just gets under your skin in the best way.
💡 Useful tips before heading to Japan
Mobile E-Sim - a lot easier than changing out physical sims and a great way to stay connected to help plan your adventures on the go.
Suica Card - on our iPhones we were able to add this via Apple Wallet. Easy to top-up and you can use this on selected trains, metro and buses throughout your stay.
Travel Insurance - a must for any trip. Make sure that it covers all your gadgets and medical.
Google Translate App - there's still a lot of places in Japan where 1) they may not speak English and 2) menus or anything else written would also not be translated. Having Google Translate on hand helped us a lot.
Take out some Japanese Yen ¥ (JPY) in cash. Again, some places prefer cash rather than card.
Best time to visit Osaka & Kyoto is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). We arrived mid-May and the temperatures were already hitting highs of 26°C.
The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
After a 14-hour flight from London and a smooth touchdown in Tokyo, our Japan adventure officially kicked off with a short domestic hop to Osaka. The flight itself took just under an hour, and if you're not in a rush, the Shinkansen (Japan’s iconic bullet train) is another brilliant option offering scenic views, spacious seating, and that satisfyingly smooth ride the country is known for.
Once we landed in Osaka, it was just a short taxi ride to The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, tucked away in the heart of the city. Pulling up to the grand, stately entrance instantly set the tone with a blend of refined European charm and Japanese hospitality. After a long day of travel, stepping through those doors felt like such a warm welcome, and within minutes we were checked in, bags whisked away, and ready to finally exhale.
First Impressions & Setting
First impressions at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka? Effortlessly elegant. From the moment you enter, you're wrapped in an old-world European charm that feels more like a grand private residence than a hotel. Think rich wood panelling, chandeliers, and a scent that somehow smells like luxury itself. It’s refined, but not in a way that feels unapproachable – there’s a warmth to the atmosphere that instantly makes you feel at ease.
The hotel is perfectly placed in the bustling Umeda district, with Osaka’s top restaurants, shops, and cultural sites just a stroll or short train ride away. Despite being in the heart of the action, there's a peaceful calm that settles in as soon as you step inside. Whether you’re arriving from a long-haul flight or fresh off the Shinkansen, this is the kind of place that instantly makes you feel grounded and looked after. Fun fact: The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka is the first hotel in the city to house a vintage antique and art collection for the benefit of guests and visitors alike.
Rooms
We stayed in a beautifully appointed Club Suite that instantly felt like a home away from home, despite being right in the heart of Osaka’s bustling business district. The suite featured plush carpeted floors and cosy, inviting settings that made relaxing effortless. The expansive bathroom was a real treat, complete with luxurious Diptyque products that added a touch of indulgence to our stay. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a lovely selection of welcome treats that provided a sweet start to our trip. The lounge area offered stunning skyline views, making it the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.
Dining
At The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka, dining is a journey through global flavours, each restaurant offering a unique culinary experience. The Michelin-starred French restaurant, La Baie, presents traditional and contemporary French cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine list. For authentic Japanese dining, Hanagatami offers kaiseki, sushi, tempura, teppanyaki, and sumibiyaki, all crafted with seasonal ingredients. Xiang Tao serves refined Cantonese dishes, while Splendido offers Italian cuisine in a relaxed setting. The Lobby Lounge is perfect for afternoon tea or evening cocktails, accompanied by live piano music. For a sweet treat, the Gourmet Shop offers a selection of pastries, chocolates, and jams.
During our stay, we indulged in a traditional kaiseki dinner, a multi-course Japanese meal that beautifully showcases seasonal ingredients and culinary artistry. The experience was a highlight of our culinary journey in Osaka. We also treated ourselves to a delightful pastry from the Gourmet Shop, which was the perfect sweet ending to our day.
Experiences A standout perk of staying at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka is the exclusive Club Lounge access. Having a dedicated space for check-in means you can skip the usual queues and settle in swiftly, which is a godsend after a long journey. The lounge itself is a serene haven where you can enjoy a delightful afternoon tea spread or a leisurely breakfast in calm, stylish surroundings.
Throughout the day, it’s also the perfect spot to unwind with expertly crafted cocktails or light bites, making your stay feel that little bit more special. Plus, the attentive staff are always on hand to help with local tips or to arrange unique experiences, adding a personal touch that truly elevates the visit. One of the highlights of our stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka was the chance to experience traditional Japanese culture through a series of intimate, hands-on activities. We learnt the art of furoshiki wrapping, which is a beautiful and practical way of folding fabric to carry gifts – followed by a calming tea ceremony where we made our own matcha under the guidance of a tea master.
In the evening, we headed to the Club Lounge for a private sake tasting, perfectly timed with golden-hour views across the Osaka skyline. It was the kind of thoughtful cultural immersion that made our time in the city feel all the more special.
🗺️ Where we visited in Osaka
Dotonbori
The heartbeat of Osaka’s nightlife (think neon lights, canal-side strolls, and street food galore). We wandered through the buzzing streets, grabbing takoyaki and snapping pics with the famous Glico sign.
🔗 Location
Osaka Castle
A proper postcard moment. Surrounded by gardens and moats, the historic Osaka Castle felt like stepping into another era, offering incredible views from the top.
🔗 Location
Namba Yasaka Shrine
This one's a hidden gem. The dramatic lion-head stage at Namba Yasaka Shrine made for one of the most unique and unexpected sights in the city.
🔗 Location
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
A peaceful break from the city's pace. One of Japan’s oldest shrines, with distinctive architecture and a curved bridge that felt straight out of a painting. 🔗 Location Day trip to Nara
You can visit from either Osaka or Kyoto. Just a short train ride away, where you’ll be greeted by roaming deer and beautiful temples like Todai-ji.
🔗 Location
From the neon-lit fun of Dotonbori to the grand history of Osaka Castle, there’s always something going on. A popular spot is Nakazakicho, a quirky neighbourhood full of vintage shops, local cafés and a totally different pace. And if food’s your thing (and let’s be honest, you’re in Japan), you’ll want to head to Kuromon Market. Think fresh sushi, sizzling skewers, and matcha sweets – Osaka’s food scene is bold, fun, and full of character.
The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
After a few days soaking up Osaka’s buzzing energy, we boarded the Shinkansen for a short ride to Kyoto – and it honestly felt like entering a completely different world. The city greeted us with a calmness that’s hard to explain until you experience it for yourself. Gone were the neon lights and high-rise chaos, replaced with tree-lined rivers, quiet alleyways, and centuries of culture around every corner. Our base for the next couple of nights? The serene and impossibly elegant Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto.
First Impressions & Setting
If Osaka’s Ritz is all city sophistication, Kyoto’s version is its refined, heritage-rich cousin. The level of service is just as impeccable. Warm, seamless, and intuitive with a setting that instantly feels more grounded in tradition. Nestled along the Kamogawa River, the hotel blends beautifully with its surroundings, taking inspiration from Kyoto’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Think calming water features, soft lighting, and interiors that lean into Japanese design – sliding wooden panels, delicate washi paper details, and art pieces that celebrate local craftsmanship. It’s luxurious, yes, but in a way that feels peaceful rather than flashy.
Rooms
We stayed in one of their Grand Deluxe Kamogawa rooms, which gave us sweeping views of the river and the green hills beyond (a dream to wake up to). On arrival, we were welcomed with a tray of fresh seasonal fruit, artfully presented alongside delicate origami cranes, which was such a thoughtful touch. The room itself was calming and spacious, complete with yukatas to slip into for a cosy evening in. It truly felt like a retreat – the kind of space that encourages you to slow down, soak it all in, and just breathe. Dining
Breakfasts at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto feel like a quiet luxury in themselves. You can start your day with a traditional Japanese set which beautifully prepared, considered, and genuinely satisfying. Or opt for a Western-style spread with flaky pastries from the in-house Pierre Hermé Paris patisserie. One evening, we dined at La Locanda, their Italian restaurant tucked within a modern Kyoto townhouse. We had the wine-pairing tasting course in a private room, and the entire experience felt personal and polished. The hotel also has a stunning range of other spots to explore – from Mizuki, offering elegant kaiseki, sushi, tempura, and teppanyaki under one roof, to seasonal pop-ups that bring something fresh to the mix. The attention to detail across all their culinary offerings is what really makes it. Each restaurant brings something completely different to the table, yet all stay rooted in that quiet refinement Kyoto does so well.
Experiences
One of the highlights of our stay was the morning cycling tour, which felt like such a refreshing way to see more of Kyoto. It gave us the chance to explore quieter streets, stop by the Imperial Palace, and really take in the charm of the city beyond the usual tourist route. After a day of exploring, we eased into the evening with a cocktail in the bar lounge, where live music created the perfect wind-down atmosphere. It’s those kinds of thoughtful touches that make a stay here feel truly special.
For a slower pace, the spa facilities offer the perfect escape and a space to decompress from the long city walks and enjoy a moment of quiet luxury. Although we didn’t get to try them this time, the hotel also offers a wide range of cultural experiences, from calligraphy classes and ikebana (flower arranging), to guided zen meditation and tea ceremonies. They're the kind of things we'd love to come back for and a way to connect more deeply with the traditions of Kyoto while staying in complete comfort.
🗺️ Where we visited in Kyoto
Shimogamo Shrine & Okazaki Shrine
Both tucked amongst Kyoto’s leafy surroundings, Shimogamo had a serene, ancient energy, while Okazaki stood out with its rabbit statues, said to bless fertility and safe childbirth.
🔗 Location for Shimogamo, 🔗 Location for Okazaki
Kyoto Imperial Palace
We wandered through the palace gardens, soaking up the calm and history of Kyoto’s former imperial seat, which makes the perfect slow-paced morning walk.
🔗 Location
Gion & Higashiyama District
An absolute must. Gion gave us a glimpse of Kyoto’s geisha culture, while Higashiyama was full of charming wooden shops, old-world tea houses and cobbled streets.
🔗 Location
Ninen-zaka Path
One of our favourite strolls in the city. This preserved street feels like stepping back in time and it makes a perfect pitstop for souvenirs and matcha soft-serve.
🔗 Location
Arashiyama & Tenryu-ji Temple
Arashiyama was a dream. We started at Tenryu-ji Temple, wandered through the iconic bamboo grove and crossed the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge for riverside views.
🔗 Location for Arashiyama, 🔗 Location for Tenryu-ji
Kodai-ji Temple
A little quieter but full of character, with zen gardens and peaceful walking trails. Ideal for a slower afternoon away from the crowds. 🔗 Location
Whether you're weaving through the iconic Senbon Torii gates at Fushimi Inari or catching the golden glow bouncing off the water at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Kyoto is packed with postcard moments. Don’t miss Nishiki Market either – perfect for grazing on local bites and picking up thoughtful souvenirs.
Final thoughts
Experiencing both The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka and The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto gave us the best of both worlds – the lively, urban energy of one, and the serene, cultural charm of the other. Each property brought its own character while still delivering that same level of refined hospitality and attention to detail. Having the support of a concierge service in cities with so much to see and do made all the difference; whether it was booking experiences, organising transport, or simply offering local tips, it helped us make the most of every moment. From the warm welcomes to the flawless service throughout, both stays were a reminder that true luxury is often found in the care and thoughtfulness behind every experience.
Book your next stay at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka & The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
This stay was gently offered by the The Ritz-Carlton hotel group. All views and opinions here are as usual my own.
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