Fast forward

Osaka is on a roll, with a host of new developments set to transform the city into an ultra modern metropolis of the future.

By Kaila Imada

OSAKA CONTINUES TO reinvent itself with a lineup of exciting new openings planned for the coming years. With Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai on the horizon, the city is set to welcome the world with top-class infrastructure, cool lifestyle options and edgy architecture. Among them are Japan’s first ever integrated resort, another expansion at Universal Studios Japan, new luxury hotels and much more. To get you all excited about the future of Osaka, here’s a sneak peek at what’s to come.

Osaka Bay area

There are big plans for the Osaka Bay area as the manmade island of Yumeshima will be home to the upcoming Expo 2025. Worldrenowned architect Sou Fujimoto is leading the design for Yumeshima. The expo will centre around an expansive ring-shaped structure that visitors can walk on or under. Fujimoto’s design will also feature plenty of green spaces, seating and rest areas.

A brand new commercial complex tentatively named Yumeshima Station Tower Building will open first in 2024 ahead of the world’s fair. The 55-floor skyscraper will consist of offices, a hotel and commercial facilities, and it will be served by a new subway station on the Chuo line.

Yumeshima integrated resort

While the name has yet to be determined, this will be Japan’s very first integrated resort, which includes a casino. The government approved the plans for the project in April 2023 and it’s set to open on Yumeshima sometime in autumn/winter 2029. As an integrated resort, the attraction will also feature a large hotel and conference facilities. This is just another addition to the dynamic Osaka Bay area, which will continue to develop even after the 2025 World Expo.

JP Tower Osaka and Kitte Osaka

Directly connected to JR Osaka Station, the new JP Tower Osaka will feature a new commercial complex named Kitte Osaka. The latter will take over the first basement floor through to the sixth floor with numerous shops and restaurants. Here you’ll also find the Sky Theater MBS, a state-of-the-art space for shows and live productions. The rest of JP Tower Osaka will have dedicated lifestyle and entertainment facilities including The Osaka Station Hotel, Autograph Collection. This new address will open in stages beginning March 2024. à jptower-kitte-osaka.jp

Upcoming Hotels

Grand Green Osaka

This ambitious redevelopment of a former cargo yard north of Osaka Station in Umeda seeks to reimagine the perfect integrated space for modern urban living. As such, Grand Green Osaka will feature a wide range of innovative facilities, from commercial outlets and offices to hotels, residences and even a sprawling 45,000sqm park.

Most of the facilities will be open by spring 2025, just in time for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. One notable attraction to look forward to is the very first Time Out Market in Asia (more on p29), which will take up a prominent spot in the commercial area of Grand Green Osaka.

à umekita2.jp

USJ Donkey Kong area

All eyes were on Universal Studios Japan in 2021 when the world’s first Super Nintendo World opened at the colossal theme park. Now, the Nintendo zone is set to expand with a dedicated Donkey Kong attraction, scheduled to open in 2024.

The new area will feature a roller coaster, interactive experiences and DK-themed food and merchandise. Visitors will also be walking through lush wooded areas where Donkey Kong and his gang live.

à nintendo.co.jp

Four Seasons Hotel Osaka

Four Seasons is expanding into Osaka, with its first property in the city opening in 2024. The hotel will be part of the new Brillia Tower, one of the components in the massive One Dojima Project, a new redevelopment venture near the cultural island of Nakanoshima.

The luxury hotel will boast 175 rooms and is designed by a star-studded team comprising award-winning interior designer Gwenael Nicolas of Curiosity, Shinichiro Ogata of Simplicity and Yasuhiro Koichi of Design Studio Spin.

Waldorf Astoria Osaka

The prestigious Waldorf Astoria is coming to Osaka in 2025, taking over 12 floors in a 39-storey high-rise that belongs to the Grand Green Osaka complex. So far, the plan features 252 rooms and three restaurants including Peacock Alley, the hotel brand’s signature lounge and bar. There will also be a host of leisure facilities such as an indoor pool, wellness centre and fitness gym. An on-site chapel and banquet facilities will also be available to host weddings and business events.

DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle

Osaka’s first DoubleTree by Hilton is set to open by spring 2024. The new accommodation is within walking distance of the historical Osaka Castle as well as Temmabashi Station, thus providing easy access to other popular city districts such as Umeda andNamba. DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle will offer 377 rooms across 15 levels in a newly-constructed building. The hotel will be fully equipped with a pool and fitness centre, meeting rooms, executive lounge and restaurants.