Canopy by Hilton’s first hotel in Osaka, Japan

The newly reopened Grand Green Osaka district is set to revitalise the port city. I explored this new development and deep dived into various attractions from a centrally-located hotel, the new Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda.

A hotel in Osaka’s city central

Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda opened in September 2024, in the North Tower of the Grand Green Osaka development. The first hotel of the Canopy by Hilton brand in Japan, it offers 308 rooms – including 53 suites – spread across the 10th to 25th floors.

The location combines the buzz of city life with the tranquillity of nature. It’s a seven-minute walk from the JR Osaka station, amid the bustling Umeda shopping and dining district. We liked how after a few hours at the malls, we could drop our purchases in the room in a matter of minutes.

The proximity of Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda to the subway made it easy for us to visit popular sites such as the Osaka Castle, Dotonbori District to see the Glico Man billboard, the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, and Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai.

In front of this hotel in Osaka is Umekita Park, where locals flock on weekend evenings to chill out. It’s also a five-minute walk to the Umeda Sky Building, with panoramic views of the city from the Kuchu Teien Observatory on its 40th and rooftop floors.

Modern comforts at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda

There are four King Canopy Corner Suites on each floor, with interior design reminiscent of a tearoom by Japanese tea master Sen no Rikyu. An artwork inspired by a map of Osaka from the 1600s, during the rule of Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi, adorns the living room wall. Modern amenities include a large bed with pillow menu, two large screen televisions with HD channels, a mini refrigerator, espresso machine, designer sofa bed and armchair, separate shower and toilet facilities, double vanity, bathrobes and hair dryer.

There were two features that we particularly loved. One is the sliding doors that separate the three areas – they instantly provide privacy and reduce noise if one person is resting in the bedroom, while another is using the television in the living area.

Another is the separate air conditioning controls for each area. We turned off the air conditioning in the bathroom and living area when we slept, helping to save some energy.

Our highlight of the King Canopy Corner Suite, though, was the unblocked view from floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom and living area. From our room of this hotel in Osaka, we could see the Umeda Sky Building, the Grand Green Osaka mall and Umekita Park. In the evening, we would watch from the bedroom as dusk settled in and the city lit up.

Returning from dinner, a gentle scent of sandalwood infused the room with an aromatic sense of relaxation. It permeated from handmade origami envelopes left on the bedside table by the housekeeping staff during evening turndown, creating a lasting impression of thoughtful Japanese hospitality.

Wine, dine, recharge at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda

There are three dining spots at Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, each with a quirky name and a distinct identity and culinary offering.

On the ground floor is Bean There, Umeda. Locals, families and tourists alike stop here for coffee and pastries.

Located on the same floor as the lobby is CC: Carbon Copy, an all-day dining restaurant with an international menu.

We started each day with breakfast at CC. The buffet included eggs cooked to order; Japanese fare including miso soup, nato and gyoza; and international selections such as cheese, pastries and croissants, muesli and yoghurt. There was also a daily rotating à la carte selection that highlighted local dishes such as Osaka-style beef udon and Mitarashi pancake with banana.

In the evening, CC’s menu is a fusion of flavours. A few dishes stood out from our dinner. These included pani puri with duck confit and mushroom marmalade accompanied by stonebaked house bread with seaweed butter; pressed short rib drizzled with stracotto vinaigrette; reef fish curry topped with dry coconut; and Paris-Brest filled with hazelnut praline.

One morning, I struck up a conversation with Executive Sous Chef Christopher Horton while he was refilling food items. He’s been with the culinary team since the pre-opening of Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda, and shared how they continue refining the menu to cater to the tastebuds of both domestic and international travellers.

Looking for a nightcap? Head to !JaJa! Bar, adjacent to CC. It offers cocktails, remixed Osaka street food, live music and a buzzing terrace scene.

After an afternoon of sightseeing and before dinner time, we would work up an appetite by hitting the gym. Rigged out with TechnoGym equipment, free weights and earphones to keep after use, it offers more great views of Grand Green Osaka, so our 30-minute workout session sped by.

If you like to run, this hotel in Osaka has curated running routes that are available on the Rungo app.

Future developments in the Grand Green Osaka area

The Grand Green Osaka district is slated to fully open in 2027, with more retail, dining, recreational options and green spaces becoming available in various stages.

It’s anticipated that it will become a hotspot for locals and visitors. When that time comes, Canopy by Hilton Osaka Umeda will be right in the middle of it all.

6-38 Ofukacho, Grand Green Osaka North Tower, Kita-ku, Osaka
hilton.com/en/hotels/osapypy-canopy-osaka-umeda

This article first appeared in the December 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!

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