On August 1, 2024, Osaka welcomed its first contemporary ryokan experience, brought to life by Four Seasons. This new offering combines the authenticity of traditional Japanese inns with the luxurious comforts that Four Seasons is known for worldwide.
The centerpiece of this experience is GENSUI, a dedicated Japanese floor within the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka. This exclusive area allows guests to immerse themselves in Japan’s timeless traditions while still enjoying the hotel’s top-notch amenities, including gourmet dining options, a chic bar, and an expansive wellness center.
Alastair McAlpine, the hotel’s General Manager, highlighted GENSUI as a landmark addition to Osaka’s growing appeal as a global destination, promising an unforgettable stay for both international and domestic travelers.
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Guests have the flexibility to split their stay between the tatami rooms and the standard accommodations, offering a blend of traditional and modern experiences during their time at the hotel.
Situated on the 28th floor, GENSUI features 21 tatami rooms and suites, meticulously designed by the local studio SIMPLICITY to encapsulate the essence of Japanese living. Upon exiting the elevator, guests enter a world distinctly different from the rest of the hotel, where even the staff attire reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics. The check-in process on this floor is elevated by a Japanese tea service, setting the tone for a deeply immersive experience.
Once formalities are completed, guests are led through dimly lit, serene hallways that create a stark contrast with the bright, spacious rooms. These accommodations are bathed in natural light and offer sweeping views of Osaka, embodying a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese design with contemporary comforts.
GENSUI’s rooms and suites, inspired by Japanese lifestyle aesthetics, invite guests to remove their shoes in a doma entrance area and enjoy the tactile pleasure of walking on rush-grass tatami mats.
Tatami mats, a staple of Japanese culture, are traditionally used for dining, working, and sleeping. GENSUI provides an authentic experience of this aspect of Japanese life without sacrificing modern amenities.
The rooms feature low-slung chairs custom-designed by SIMPLICITY, encouraging guests to sit closer to the ground. These chairs, with their circular shape, allow for cross-legged seating, promoting gentle stretching and improved flexibility.
Sleeping arrangements include futon bedding placed on raised platforms, making them easily accessible for guests of all ages. Japanese design elements are thoughtfully incorporated throughout the rooms, from sliding doors and washi paper headboards to sudare blinds and lantern-like lighting that create a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Each room is equipped with comfortable yukatas, traditional cotton kimonos, and an exclusive Japanese minibar. The bathrooms offer both a large bathtub and a shower area with a low stool, a characteristic feature in Japanese homes.
For families, the Grand Tatami Suite provides a shared experience of modern ryokan living, complete with a sunken dining table for four, a bathtub with city views, a walk-through closet, and an outer-connecting room.
Guests staying on the GENSUI floor have exclusive access to SABO lounge, where they can enjoy a bento-style breakfast each morning. The lounge also offers freshly brewed Japanese tea and locally-inspired snacks throughout the day, with evening drink hours from 5:00 to 8:00 pm featuring a selection of beverages with a Japanese twist, including local sakes, spirits, and wines.
The design of GENSUI is rooted in the twin concepts of “GEN” and “SUI.” GEN, representing the deep shades of black, symbolizes hidden meanings in darkness, a theme deeply embedded in Japanese culture. This concept is reflected in the dark tones and subtle details of the elevator lobby and hallway, where carpets mimic Japanese ink paintings, and the ceilings are adorned with washi paper decorated with calligraphy ink. Wooden tiles featuring the Kikko (turtle’s back) pattern, a symbol of good luck, add to the intricate design.
SUI, meaning water, references Osaka’s identity as Japan’s “City of Water.” This theme is evident in the flowing lines and curvilinear shapes throughout the GENSUI floor, complemented by stunning views of Osaka’s rivers and waterways. The interplay of light and shadow further echoes the natural harmony between water and land.
The GENSUI floor offers 18 tatami rooms and 3 tatami suites. For those interested in experiencing this modern ryokan stay, bookings can be made by calling +81 (6) 6676-8682 or emailing reservations.osaka@fourseasons.com.
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