The Gensui Floor at the Four Seasons Osaka

Inside the Japanese city’s first modern ryokan experience

From morning to night, sweeping city views from the serene Sabo lounge on the 28th floor of the new Four Seasons Osaka evoke a sense of tranquility. From this vantage, starting the day with a Japanese breakfast bento, sipping tea in the afternoon or returning in the evening for a glass of Dassai sake or dram of Yamazaki whisky feels dreamy. Guests who book the modern ryokan-style accommodations on the Gensui Floor, the first of its kind for Four Seasons in Japan, have access to this ethereal “club lounge” amenity.

Designed by Simplicity, a studio based upon the vision of designer Shinichiro Ogata, the Gensui floor interiors reinterpret the timeless essence of the traditional Japanese ryokan. The 21 tatami rooms and suites focus on elements that embody the Japanese lifestyle, with doma entrance areas, tatami flooring and futon beds. They incorporate minimalist design details like washi paper and sudare blinds. 

In a hotel that also features a glamorous lobby, restaurants and guest floors, the Gensui level offers a deliberate contrast to their ambiance. The peaceful, more introspective environment channels the seclusion associated with ryokans. Merging the elegance of ryokan living with the dynamic views and conveniences of bustling city, the aim of the Gensui experience is to bridge tradition and modernity, offering a stay that is immersive and transformative. 

That transformation begins as guests exit the elevators on floor 28. The dimly lit hallways are inspired by the Japanese aesthetic of “GEN,” referring to the hidden tints of color within deep black and the ancient cultural appreciation for subtlety and depth. The hallways are designed with dark hues that transition to bright, light-filled accommodations. Guest rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows, with the strong views from corner suites. Dramatic dark marble bathrooms with deep square bathtubs contrast with the light minimalist bedroom spaces. The Grand Tatami Suite features a sunken dining table for four, a large daybed in the window and a bathtub with expansive views of the city.

Complementing the hotel’s interior design by three studios—Simplicity, Curiosity and Design Studio Spin—is an extensive art collection that greets guests by the entrances, in the lobby and throughout the hotel. A large white sculpture by Kohei Nawa is installed at street level by the patio, flanking Jardin restaurant. By the grand staircase sits “Inner Cycle” by Ishizuka Genta and an Ayako Ueda’s sculpture rests at the spa’s indoor pool.

We were in Osaka to witness the ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration for Sushi L’Abysse Osaka. This collaboration between chef Yannick Alleno from Paris and sushi master Itaru Yasuda blends tradition and innovation in a culinary experience that also marries French elegance with traditional Edomae sushi. The restaurant’s eclectic art collection was curated by Laurence Bonnel of Gallery Scene Ouverte in Paris. The dining experience is playful with surprising preparations like artichoke tofu and gorgeous cuts of tuna presented for photos before being expertly sliced into pieces of nigiri. Meals conclude with subtle sweets like white miso ice cream with caramelized barley. 

At the Four Seasons Osaka, culinary experiences continue on the 37th floor with Bar Bota. The venue features cocktails with several Japanese ingredients, whether that is the Matcha & Yuzu Highball to the Umeboshi Martini made with red ume-washed gin, bonito, vermouth and umami bitters. One non-alcoholic offering pairs an apple and wasabi cordial with mikan juice, kokuto syrup and soba soda. The hotel also offers Cantonese cuisine at Jiang Nan Chun and French cuisine in their all-day café on the lobby floor.

On the 36th floor of Four Seasons Osaka, Simplicity also defined the spa environment, incorporating luxurious treatment rooms and various bathing options like traditional ofuro baths. Swim in the large indoor pool with panoramic views of the city that are especially dramatic at dawn or sunset. Simplicity designed each element to bring the soul of Japan’s bathing culture to life, offering guests a culturally immersive and deeply restorative ryokan-style experience.

The Gensui Floor at the Four Seasons Osaka

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