Imperial Hotel Osaka: The Park Afternoon Tea

Known as a hotel that sets the standard for Japanese-style hospitality, visiting this place always gives me a sense of being well-treated. The hotel offers a shuttle bus service from Osaka Station, and its location remains unchanged even after 10 years. This unchanging nature is one of the reasons I love visiting Japan. The lack of rush, the slow and deliberate pace, and the calm atmosphere are all so appealing. I barely remember my visit here from over a decade ago. The afternoon tea is held at "The Park," a lobby lounge located on the first floor. The seating is arranged by the window, offering a view of the Ōgawa River, which branches off from the Yodogawa River and flows past Nakanoshima. My reservation was at 4:30 PM, making it a solo birthday celebration. It was a transitional time between lunch and dinner, with most lunch guests having left and the staff preparing for dinner service. After traveling through Shikoku and Okayama, this time slot was the last order available, and it turned out to be a great choice for some alone time. The afternoon tea was themed around the strawberry season, with everything exuding a strawberry vibe. The menu included eight types of sweets, four savory items, and a scone plate topped with fruits, with sweets being the main focus. The savory items added a refreshing touch, and the delicious desserts created a delightful feast. The refined and elegant "Imperial style" was evident throughout. This hotel is memorable for its excellent service in Korean, English, and Japanese. Its strong brand reputation is well-deserved. I noticed advertisements around the hotel hinting at the opening of the Imperial Hotel Kyoto next year, which is expected to be extraordinary. For my birthday, they provided lettering on the desserts and even a Polaroid photo service. Although the hotel's location is somewhat remote, the frequent shuttle bus service makes it very convenient. The traditional Japanese breakfast I had was from one of the most famous Japanese restaurants in Osaka. The cherry blossom scenery around the hotel is also beautiful. Thank you.