[RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka and the Leach Bar]
Located in Nakanoshima, Osaka, the RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka celebrated its 90th anniversary last year. Ever since I learned about the Leach Bar, which recreates the vision of Bernard Leach—a potter deeply involved in the Mingei (Folk Crafts) movement—I had been longing to visit.
RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka is the flagship of the RIHGA Royal Hotel Group, which currently operates 15 hotels in Japan and abroad. In 1935, at the request of Osaka's political and business circles to “bring a modern hotel for distinguished guests to Osaka,” the New Osaka Hotel, the predecessor of the RIHGA Royal Hotel, was established. Known as “Osaka's Guest House,” it has welcomed state guests and the Imperial Family.
In 2025, a significant milestone, the hotel reopened after a renovation themed “The Fusion of Traditional Beauty and Water.” While respecting the original architecture by Isoya Yoshida, which incorporated traditional Japanese beauty, the lobby and guest rooms were reimagined to deepen the connection with the “water” and “rivers” of Nakanoshima. New interior elements feature traditional crafts such as Nishijin-ori, calligraphy, and gold leaf.
The Leach Bar is a cottage-style main bar designed by Isoya Yoshida based on Bernard Leach's ideas. As a lover of both Mingei and cocktails, I remember thinking it sounded like a dream when I first read about it years ago. Though the dignified atmosphere was slightly intimidating at first, once inside, the space was so comforting that I couldn't stop at just one drink.
With no background music, the bar offers a pleasant stillness. The collection includes masterpieces by Bernard Leach, Shoji Hamada, Keisuke Serizawa, Shiko Munakata, and Kanjiro Kawai. Their signature cocktail is the Gin and Tonic, served in a chilled copper mug—a style unchanged since its opening in 1965. The crisp carbonation and fresh lime provided a refreshing contrast to the sepia-toned surroundings.
Another must-see is the Main Lounge, also designed by Isoya Yoshida, with a garden by the renowned landscape architect Yoshikuni Araki. Chandeliers inspired by “purple clouds” hang from the high ceiling, and a stream flows through the center. While watching the waterfall, I enjoyed a classic strawberry shortcake, which melted in my mouth. With free refills on coffee, it was the perfect place for a drowsy afternoon.
Nakanoshima is home to many museums, such as the Nakanoshima Museum of Art, Osaka, and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics, Osaka. Ending a day of art appreciation at the RIHGA Royal Hotel's lounge or bar is a wonderful way to encounter a new side of Osaka.
Tansougama's Slipware
https://www.shokunin.com/en/tansou/slipware.html
RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5BRG48FLbrR9zi3dA
Leach Bar
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZFPti5BSqeeyETXK7
References
https://corp.rihga.co.jp/company/history/
https://www.rihga.co.jp/osaka/restaurant/list/mainlounge
https://www.rihga.co.jp/osaka/restaurant/list/leachbar
https://oniwa.garden/rihga-royal-hotel-osaka/
