It’s been a while since we’ve been able to celebrate life’s moments in the ways we might like, but there’s plenty to plan and look forward to for a surprise on your next trip to Japan. When you’re here, whether it’s a honeymoon, an anniversary, or simply a long-awaited trip with a loved one, there’s no better way to make the experience special than with an only-in-Osaka, Umeda surprise to delight them.

In search of a little inspiration for the perfect surprise in Osaka? Whether it’s a bouquet or a full course of luxury service at an Umeda hotel, we’ve got you covered. You’ll find shops with the perfect gift and experiences to make your trip truly memorable. For something truly special, the stately Hotel Hankyu International and newly-built Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA offer a variety of indulgences, and staff are equipped to help you pull off the perfect surprise.

A Romantic Dinner

Surprising someone with a romantic dinner may be simple, but it’s a classic for a reason. In Umeda, you won’t want for incredible dining options, but for something a little more special—or even a little luxurious—dining options at some of the area’s elegant hotels are hard to beat.

A Special Anniversary Dinner at Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA

Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA’s elegant Italian restaurant Grigliato CUÓCA offers a dinnertime anniversary plan all ready for your special occasion. You can choose from two options: a course meal with an option to include a written message when dessert is served, or a grander course meal featuring delectable Japanese black wagyu beef and a special anniversary cake. As you dine with your loved one, you can enjoy looking out on the calming Japanese-style garden out the window. You’d never suspect you were in the heart of Osaka City!

*As of October, 2021. Menu items and special dinner options are subject to change without notice.

Luxurious Japanese-style Dining at Hotel Hankyu International

Sushi Restaurant Okina-zushi

Teppanyaki Restaurant Chayamachi

Hotel Hankyu International has an impressive ten different dining establishments, each with its own unique style of decor and cuisine. You can find French dining to match the hotel’s lavish European-style interior, but while you’re visiting Japan, why not enjoy some sumptuous Japanese cuisine?

For some fresh nigiri sushi, head to Okina-zushi on the second floor, where you can enjoy dining either at the counter where the sushi is prepared. Other Japanese dining options include Ippoh for tempura (2nd floor, one private room available), MINOKICHI TAKESHIGERO for traditional Kyoto cuisine (25th floor, four private rooms available), or authentic teppanyaki at Chayamachi (2nd floor, two private rooms available). An unexpected and authentically delicious Japanese dining experience is sure to be a hit.

In-Room Dining & More

Of course, for an even more private experience, ordering a luxurious meal brought to your own space is sure to delight. In-room meals at Hotel Hankyu International can be reserved in advance or even ordered on the same day, for you to enjoy at your leisure in your very own room. It’s the perfect luxury surprise!

A Gift of Flowers, Something Sweet, or Another Surprise in Your Room

How about a surprise of something simple and sweet? The hotel staff at both Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA and Hotel Hankyu International are experts when it comes to delivering a bit of unexpected delight. Say you’d like a cake delivered specially to your room? Both hotels are equipped to bring up this kind of special dessert at just the right moment.

If it’s something a little extra that you need, the professionals here can help you accomplish it. Staff at Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA have obliged requests for cake deliveries with Santa hats, and happy birthday songs. If you share with the staff in advance that you’re staying at the hotel on a birthday, anniversary, or other special day, they can also leave a little something in your room: a card with a message you can customize, and perhaps a little extra surprise.

Hotel Hankyu International also has a menu of surprises for your room, ranging from an anniversary card with a photo and message, to decorative elements on the bed and messages written in flower petals to surprise and delight when you enter the room.

For something a bit more complex or customized, you’ll want to consult with the hotel’s own anniversary concierge! These staff are prepared for just such events, including celebrations of graduation, changing jobs, or even proposals in the hotel chapel, so be sure to speak with them in advance. The staff can even help you get the timing just right with a call to your loved one to send them to the right location for your surprise.

Of course, you can ask for help from hotel staff to deliver a cake and a ring to your room, hidden under a cloche, but if you’d prefer to bring in your own desserts, take a look at the delectable sweets at these nearby shops:

Kobe Belle

Kobe Belle serves a variety of sweets, including baked goods, parfaits, and cake-by-the-slice for a little treat.

Kimura

Kimura is known for its beautiful fruit-based confections. You can buy fresh fruit on its own, too, or a cake or other dessert topped with colorful, festive fruits.

Qu’il fait bon

Qu'il fait bon's beautiful menu of cakes and tarts uses fresh ingredients, and changes according to the season. Be sure to call if you're looking for a whole cake!

If it’s flowers or a bouquet, you can easily swing by for something beautiful and unique at these flower shops:

les mille feuilles de liberte

This shop offers fresh, seasonal flowers and other decorative elements in a variety of colors. Staff are also prepared to help you wrap a bouquet in a variety of beautifully-colored tissue paper so it's ready to hand to your special person.

Phoenix

From cut flowers to potted plants, Phoenix carries a wide variety of beautiful greenery, including some show-stopping flower arrangements that make for beautiful gifts.

A Little Relaxation

Who doesn’t love to wind down and relax, especially to soothe any travel stress? The Umeda area may be a bustling transportation hub, but it also offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation. A trip to the spa or a massage can make for a wonderful present—you may even want to gift yourself!

A Day Spa at the SHISEIDO BEAUTY SALON with Lunch

On the 5th floor of Hotel Hankyu International you’ll find the Shiseido Beauty Salon, but you don’t necessarily need to be a hotel guest to enjoy a luxury facial or massage here. Hotel Hankyu International has put together the perfect gift for someone you’d like to offer a little TLC with a “Day Trip Spa + Lunch Plan” ticket. For 15,000 yen, the ticket includes a 90 minute aesthetic treatment of the face or back, and a lunch at one of four restaurants in the hotel　(*Please be aware that these tickets cannot be sent overseas. The online shop is available in Japanese only). Best of all, it’s packaged together so that the recipient doesn’t need to worry about anything—that can be surprise enough on an international trip!

Unwind Together at E/s musee

The spacious shopping malls of the Umeda area offer a wide variety of relaxation options, too. The upscale E/s musee in HERBIS PLAZA ENT works to give customers a soothing experience with its clean and stylish ambiance from the moment you enter. Better yet, the treatments here can be a surprise for two: salon services can be enjoyed by either men or women, or even together as a couple!

A Stroll (or even a Proposal?) with a View

Umeda is known less for the neon lights of Osaka’s downtown districts (read more about them here: Where to visit after Namba/Shinsaibashi? How about some stylish shopping in Umeda?), and more for its romantic vistas of the shimmering city lights of Osaka. So if you’re looking for a romantic spot to pop a question, or simply share a view, you’ve come to the right place!
Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA’s 9th floor features an outdoor garden. In keeping with its theme of rest and relaxation, this walkable green space makes it hard to imagine you’re actually in the middle of the city.

With a stay on one of the building’s top floors, you can also catch some incredible views of the cityscape for a perfect backdrop for any surprise. Hotel Hankyu RESPIRE OSAKA’s north side looks out on the Yodo River flowing through the city, and its south side offers a twinkling cityscape.

Umeda Sky Building

If a 360 panorama is called for, you can head to Umeda Sky Building for incredible views at all angles. If you’re seeking out that perfect golden hour glow, you can check the building’s website to find out when the sun will set, or visit later in the evening to catch a glimpse of both the stars and the twinkling of the city lights. The views here are sure to pleasantly surprise a companion, and the star-like lights that line the walkway around the observatory will set the mood for a romantic moment.

Live Entertainment, too

The Umeda area is not lacking in all types of entertainment, and being at the city center means having access to some of the city’s major theater and live music venues. Just next to Hotel Hankyu International, you’ll find the Umeda Arts Theater, a theater hall lined in plush seats that hosts a variety of different performances, including the famous all-female Takarazuka Revue, as well as musicals, opera, classical music, and ballet.
Website: https://www.umegei.com/ (Japanese)

For a different style, you can head to BILLBOARD LIVE OSAKA in HERBIS PLAZA ENT. An intimate dining-style performance club, BILLBOARD LIVE OSAKA hosts live music performances from top-class artists from Japan and across the world. Surprising someone with this Umeda exclusive dinner, drinks, and a night of live music could be just the ticket!
Website: http://www.billboard-live.com/club/o_index_e.html

*Information in this article is accurate as of the date of posting. There is a possibility that details regarding these products and services have changed, or that some shops have since closed.