Japan's highest open-air SPA: This newly opened hotel in Osaka is truly impressive.
Candeo Hotels, known as "Light Hotels" in Chinese, is a renowned hotel chain in Japan. As of now, the group operates 28 hotels across various cities such as Tokyo and Osaka.
We stayed at the Candeo Hotel Osaka The Tower, which opened on July 17, 2024, making it the fifth Candeo Hotel in Osaka.
The hotel boasts Japan's highest open-air bath, and its rooms offer stunning high-altitude views of Osaka. Guests can enjoy a view of Osaka Castle similar to that from an observation deck, all from the comfort of their rooms.
The location is also excellent, with Umeda shopping district just 1km north on foot. Popular areas like Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are only two stops away via the Midosuji Line from the nearest subway station, Yodoyabashi. Even without venturing into the bustling city center, the hotel is surrounded by restaurants and convenience stores.
The hotel occupies floors above the 17th floor of Osaka The Tower, with the ground floor serving solely as the entrance. Unlike other luxury hotels, it does not offer concierge services.
The Deluxe Room spans 24㎡, which is considered spacious by Japanese standards. Upon entering, the shower room and sink are on the left, while the toilet is on the right. Yes, the hotel features true wet and dry separation with a corridor in between. The toilet is equipped with a smart system, which is more advanced than other hotels we've stayed at. It includes motion sensors that automatically open the lid when the door is opened.
The shower room amenities are custom-made by Candeo Hotels, featuring a pleasant herbal fragrance. Although the products are in large bottles, the sink area also provides a small bottle of the same series of skincare lotion for guests.
The bed in the room is particularly satisfying. It's quite large, even though the room is listed as having two single beds. In practice, one bed can comfortably accommodate two people. The beds are placed very close together, which is considerate for guests. Families with children can easily combine the beds to sleep three people.
Our room faced west, offering views of the Nakanoshima CBD and the O River to its north. The scenery is breathtaking both during the day and at night.
While the room and its amenities are secondary, as similar facilities and views can be found in other hotels across Osaka, the open-air SPA on the 31st floor is truly unique. Promoted as "Japan's highest" before opening, it lives up to the hype.
After a day of exploring, soaking in the SPA at night with such beautiful scenery is an unparalleled experience, making it a highlight of the trip.