At 300 metres high, the Abeno Harukas building is Japan’s tallest skyscraper, housing a department store, art museum and a pretty impressive observation deck.  Occupying a significant portion of the skyscraper’s upper floors is the Marriott Miyako, and understandably, the panoramic views through its many windows are breathtaking.

The hotel gives you everything you would want in a high-end hotel – from Nespresso machines in your room, to plentiful breakfast options each morning, and a well-equipped gymnasium to burn off the buffet again.  Rooms are large, bathrooms spacious, rainfall showers simply delightful, and the beds are second-to-none.  It does lack any Japanese flair though – while certainly being a great example of a modern luxury hotel, it is also without any Eastern touches to remind you where you actually are.  We can forgive this though when you can enjoy such a magnificent vantage point over Osaka – especially with a cocktail in hand to watch the sunset.

Although the hotel’s own restaurants serve up some spectacular fare – with an evening view to match – those looking for something more friendly on the wallet should venture out into the city.  Tennoji Station is just downstairs, and you are a 5 minute taxi away from the nostalgic, throwback streets of Shinsekai – a great place to eat late into the night.