When I first visited Japan in April, I never expected to fall so deeply in love with the country. That says a lot for a New York City woman who has visited well over a dozen countries. I mean, do New Yorkers really love places other than New York?
This country has quickly become one of my favorite destinations, and even though I was only there for 8 days, there was so much I wanted to explore. With so much to discover in terms of food, culture, nightlife, shopping and sightseeing, it’s truly one of those destinations you’ll want to visit again and again. So when the opportunity came to come back this fall, I jumped at the chance (literally). I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Tokyo in the past, but this trip centered around two great cities, Osaka and Kyoto, and with two great stays at Four Seasons Hotels, it was an ultimately forgettable experience. It will be a journey like no other.
When I arrived in Osaka, this city surprised me in the best way. I previously took the Shinkansen to Osaka for dinner and a little shopping, but it only took about 6 hours. This time I was able to really dig deep and understand. While Tokyo often steals the spotlight, Osaka pulsates with an energy all its own. The city is full of energy and its lively streets are a paradise for foodies and shopaholics alike. Known as the “Kitchen of the World,” I expected to have a delicious meal (or five) while I was here, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. But in Osaka, we also found a new level of luxury thanks to the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel Osaka. Located within the One Dojima building in Nakanoshima, this urban oasis is a seamless blend of cutting-edge design and Japanese tradition that greeted me upon arrival. From the moment you arrive at the sky lobby on the 28th floor, you will be greeted by a space that combines modern design and Japanese aesthetics. The interior, designed by a renowned Japanese design firm, exudes the sophistication and tranquility you need after a trip halfway around the world. Needless to say, my room with panoramic views of the city felt like a personal sanctuary.
There is so much to do on site that you can literally even spend days here enjoying everything the hotel has to offer without leaving the building.
I tried to explore as much as I could in three short days. We soaked up as much history as we could, from a walking tour of Osaka Castle to a boat tour of the Nakanoshima River. But to be honest, what I was most excited about were the vintage shops that I had researched beforehand and couldn’t wait to visit.
The city’s vintage designer shops are unparalleled and rival Tokyo’s high-end boutiques. Whether you’re looking for a classic Louis Vuitton bag or a rare Chanel item, you can often find treasures in Osaka at more affordable prices than in Tokyo. I found perfectly cared for vintage pieces at prices that made me question everything I knew about luxury shopping. Let me just say this: I hope financial advisors don’t keep reading this article. I couldn’t pass up a vintage Gucci jacket and Louis Vuitton bag, which had been on my wishlist for a long time. They ended up in my suitcase and I don’t regret it one bit.
One day, in between shopping, I went to the Tenma Kiriko workshop and tried my hand at traditional glass making. There’s something really powerful about taking centuries-old techniques and incorporating your own design style. Just like Four Seasons Osaka does traditional Japanese hospitality. After getting hungry (glass making is surprisingly difficult), we headed to Shinsekai for lunch. The local food scene there proves why Osaka has a gastronomic reputation.
During my stay, I enjoyed a gastronomic journey that showed why Osaka is known as a foodie’s paradise. One evening in particular, I had a wonderful dinner at Jiang-Nan Chun (a Chinese restaurant that rivals the local Japanese cuisine). If you’re looking for a little wellness and relaxation, the Wellness Sanctuary on the 36th floor of the Four Seasons Osaka is a dream come true. From large communal baths and private baths to state-of-the-art fitness facilities, every effort has been made to refresh your mind and body. I took a private soak in one of the baths and let the warm water wash away the fatigue of my travels and explorations. It was truly a blissful moment.
What particularly moved me was the Gensui floor at Gensui. It’s a modern take on the ryokan experience, and we feel like we’ve captured something magical here. This exclusive space combines the timeless elegance of a traditional Japanese ryokan with modern comfort, and is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced in a hotel. It was the perfect place to relax after a day exploring Osaka’s iconic sites, including Osaka Castle and the neon-lit Dotonbori district.
Besides the outstanding service, what impressed me most was how the hotel created an environment where I, as a solo black woman, felt completely at ease. The staff’s genuine warmth and cultural awareness allowed me to focus completely on enjoying the experience, from fine dining to late-night exploration, without the hesitations that often come with solo travellers. A place where you can be yourself while being treated like royalty.
Before soaking up the energy of Osaka, something happened in Kyoto that felt otherworldly. Our stay at the Four Seasons Kyoto, just 15 minutes away by bullet train, was truly magical. While the Four Seasons Osaka reflects the city’s modernity, Kyoto’s hotels emphasize tradition. Located in the historic Higashiyama district, the hotel is centered around an 800-year-old pond garden. The design incorporates tatami mats, shoji screens, and gold leaf accents, creating a space that feels deeply connected to the city’s heritage. Eating here was also a highlight. The hotel’s modern steakhouse, Emba Kyoto Chop House, offers unforgettable meals, while the tea house offers a traditional matcha ceremony in an intimate setting.
My suite overlooked a peaceful garden oasis and provided the level of peace I needed to start my morning. The contrast between the bustling streets of Osaka and the quiet beauty of Kyoto was impressive, and made me realize once again the diversity of Japan.
It’s no exaggeration to say that when you come to Japan, you can find an experience to suit any travel need. In Osaka, I found myself getting swept up in the city’s infectious energy, shopping in hidden vintage boutiques, exploring the narrow alleys of eateries until late into the night, and occasionally getting comfortably lost in the maze-like shopping streets. I was doing it. My pace slowed dramatically in Kyoto, but I was grateful for both.
As a solo traveler, one of the things I appreciated most about this trip was how safe and welcoming I felt in Japan. For black women considering Japan as a destination, we ensure that it is a place where they can feel safe and wholeheartedly embrace their culture. The respect and kindness of the Japanese people made a huge difference to my experience.
For those considering a Japanese adventure, I can’t recommend splitting your time between these two Four Seasons properties. They offer a completely different perspective on Japanese culture. One is vibrant and forward-looking, the other traditional and reflective. Together, they tell the full story of what makes Japan such a fascinating destination. Trust me, once you experience it, you’ll be planning your trip home before the plane even takes off. I know, because I am living proof of that!
