[Shin-Imamiya] Your Osaka trip will be more enjoyable! Stay report on "OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resort"
Table of Contents
A gorgeous arrangement of Osaka's local cuisine
"OMO Dining"
After the bath, it was time for the long-awaited dinner! This time, we decided to have it at "OMO Dining" on the 2nd floor of the hotel. You can enjoy Osaka's traditional food culture in a buffet style.
If you want to enjoy the neighborhood, we recommend you join the "Meccha Kushikatsu Doppuri Tour" we mentioned earlier.
Dinner starts with "Hako-zushi", a traditional Osaka local dish. This is not a buffet, but can be delivered to your table.
Hako-zushi is pressed sushi in a wooden box filled with sushi rice and seafood, but at OMO7 Osaka, instead of sushi rice, potatoes and couscous are laid out in layers.
A little nervous, I quickly slid the wooden frame to the side, and a beautiful box sushi was completed!
The buffet includes a variety of Osaka-inspired dishes such as "Mafugu Carpaccio", "Kushikatsu", and "Octopus Rice Paella".
In the live kitchen, you can feel Kansai's beef culture with "Teppanyaki of Beef" and,
The aroma of freshly shaved bonito flakes is irresistible, as is the "Meat Soup"!
The Osaka-ness doesn't stop at the dessert corner, either, with takoyaki-shaped cakes and mixed juice jelly!
A variety of courses to enjoy learning about Osaka!
The OMO Rangers talk about Universal Studios Japan.
After dinner, we participated in the "Don't miss it! OMO Rangers talk about Universal Studios Japan".
In this course, an OMO Ranger certified by Universal Studios Japan will teach you how to enjoy Universal Studios Japan to the fullest. If you are planning to visit Universal Studios Japan the next day, this is a must-see!
The certified OMO rangers actually walked around the park and thoroughly verified how to take "Bae" (photogenic) photos, and carefully selected souvenirs from their own maniacal point of view!
There are also a variety of "wearable goods" such as headbands and hats! You can check them out in advance and get them at the park.
What is "Naniwa"?
Next is the "What's Naniwa" lecture. Neighbors are invited as speakers to share the little-known history and culture of Osaka. (The theme changes daily).
This day was about "Osaka Umaimon Culture". We learned a lot about Osaka's food culture, including dashi culture and box sushi, which appeared at the dinner earlier. By the way, "umami" is also called "UMAMI" in other countries!
Osaka-themed neon art to decorate
PIKAPIKA NIGHT
The night of OMO7 Osaka is not over yet!
Finally, go to "PIKAPIKA NIGHT," an event exclusively for hotel guests. Neon artwork of tigers, pufferfish, and other icons typical of Osaka will decorate the garden area "Miyagurin.
The freshly made piping hot takoyaki prepared right in front of your eyes by the artisans at Aizuya, the birthplace of takoyaki, is exquisite!
Aizuya style does not use any sauce, green laver, or red ginger. The dough is made with a special soy sauce broth, so the flavor of the broth spreads softly in the mouth. The bite-size takoyaki can be eaten as if they were a snack. (We had to have another one because it was so delicious.)
They also serve craft beer made at Derailleur Brew Works, a craft beer brewery in Nishinari that goes perfectly with takoyaki. The refreshing taste is perfect after a hot bath!
Takoyaki & Craft Beer is a service available only to guests, and can be tasted for free by presenting your room key to the staff.
"Pika Pika Chochin" (shiny lanterns) with Osaka images such as octopus and Tsutenkaku Tower, and "Naniwa Record Music" selected by the owner of a record store in the neighborhood will also add to the festive atmosphere.
Sauce Wine BAR" (limited time only through November 30)
The "Sauce Wine BAR" is being held from September 1 to November 30, 2023. This event allows visitors to compare Kansai sauces and enjoy wine pairings.
A "sauce cellar" with 50 sauces loved in the Kansai region is now available, and a self-proclaimed "sauce master" who loves sauces in OMO7 Osaka will accompany you and teach you the characteristics of the sauces!
Pintxos made with five kinds of local sauces loved in Osaka are also recommended!
You can enjoy dishes such as marinated tuna and chocolate tart, which make the most of the characteristics of each sauce. You will surely be surprised at the depth of the sauces, with such different aromas and flavors. The wines selected to match the sauces are also a perfect marriage.
PIKAPIKA Fireworks.
One of the can't-miss features of PIKAPIKA NIGHT is the "PIKAPIKA Fireworks" that will be launched onto the hotel's exterior membrane. The sound of the launch is played along with the fireworks, making it a very powerful event!
Some of the fireworks are based on symbols of Osaka, such as octopus and kuidaore dolls, so look for them.
Billiken-san, the symbol of Osaka, also made an appearance! (Now I've grown quite attached to Billiken-san as well.)
Feeling the night breeze, we watched the neon lights and fireworks show with a craft beer or wine in hand. We had a luxurious time until just before going to bed.
Recharge your energy for the trip with breakfast!
Breakfast can be selected from the buffet at "OMO Dining" or the morning set at "OMO Cafe & Bar".
Morning buffet at OMO Dining
The morning buffet at OMO Dining features about 50 different types of Japanese and Western cuisine!
The live kitchen served "Negiyaki" and "Kitsune Udon". The aroma wafting from the freshly shaved dried bonito flakes was soothing.
Handmade side dishes and pickles from Kizu Market, which we visited during our "neighborhood activity" will also be on display. It is nice to be able to enjoy local delicacies.
Casual cafeteria "OMO Cafe & Bar"
OMO Cafe & Bar is a cafeteria that can be used casually from breakfast to bar time. (Non-guests are welcome to use the cafeteria from 10:00 to 22:00.)
"OMO Cafe & Bar" offers a "morning set with a choice of five different main plates.
Among the five types, the most recommended is the Croque Okan, which is a thick tamagoyaki made from Croque Madame's fried egg. It is topped with a special demi-glace sauce.
"OMO Cafe & Bar" is also recommended for café time use!
OMO7Osaka's unique menu includes mixed juice soft-serve ice cream, a product of Osaka's coffee shop culture, and a sweet treat made from Osaka's soul food, takoyaki, arranged as cheesecake.
The cafe & bar is open from 10:00 to 22:00, so it's a great place to take a break after checking in, or to plan your trip after checking out.
Locker rooms convenient for sightseeing in Osaka
There is a free locker room in front of the OMO gate. (Free of charge for guests)
You can leave your luggage before check-in & after check-out and go out. This kind of service is very helpful because sometimes people say, "I can't find a locker big enough to hold my suitcase.
In this issue, we have brought you a report on the stay at "OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resort".
True to the concept of "Horetemauwa, Naniwa," we have completely fallen in love with OMO7 Osaka and the Shinsekai area. In addition to the sophisticated space and service, Osaka's typical hospitality was sprinkled throughout.
Above all, we were amazed at the abundance of content that allowed us to not only stay overnight but also experience the charms of the region, such as guided tours by OMO rangers, neighborhood maps, and "what's so special about Osaka" lectures. We have visited Osaka many times, but this was the first time we were able to experience the charms of the area.
"OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resort" is not only a place to stay, but also a place where you can experience the whole charm of the area. Please visit them!