There’s nothing better than a great drink! Whether it’s to celebrate a special occasion, end a hard day of work, or just treat yourself, there is nothing better than a perfectly curated cocktail. And with Waldorf Astoria opening a brand new amazing cocktail bar, Canes & Tales, there is no better place to do this now than in Osaka! Transporting guests into a long-lost world of glamour and sophistication, this amazing destination bar inspired by the 1930s Golden Age of Jazz is THE place to be in the city! Following their highly successful grand opening in Japan’s culinary capital, we wanted to take a deeper look at this incredible bar and its story, and we even managed to get some exclusive comments from the team!
Enjoying the delicious cocktails available at Canes & Tales – Credit: Canes & Tales
The City, The Bar, The Hotel, and The Story
Located on the 28th floor of the ever-glamorous hotel Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Canes & Tales celebrated its incredibly successful grand opening in June 2025. As part of this amazing day, they even invited two world-class bartenders, further setting the stage for this destination bar to become a must-visit spot in Osaka.
“Our grand opening was truly a special day.” Said Dominic Dijkstra, the Director of Mixology, when we asked. “We welcomed two incredible guest bartenders: Giancarlo Mancino, the owner of Mancino Vermouth, and James Grant, the Global World Class Bartender of the Year 2021, from Library Bar in Toronto, ranked #51 in North America’s 50 Best Bars 2025. Their presence set the tone for what Canes & Tales is about: world-class cocktails, collaboration, and hospitality at the highest level.”
Putting the finishing touches on one of their new signature cocktails, May Day – Credit: Canes & Tales
And it’s not hard to see just how important these three factors are, being an integral part of your Canes & Tales journey from the moment you enter to the time you leave. As soon as you step inside, you will be greeted not only by the warm, friendly, and welcoming team but also by the uniquely crafted bar interior, which transports you into a world of luxury. Every aspect of the program is meticulously crafted by Dominic, but of course, he’s not alone, being assisted by Bar Manager Masahiko Ohama and Bar Supervisor Shima Ishikawa. Together, these three craft a journey of international experience that emphasizes hospitality and cocktail quality, providing something that all guests can enjoy, no matter their background.
“The reception so far has been fantastic,” said Dominic, “with guests, media, and industry peers embracing our vision and energy. It’s been exciting to see Osaka’s cocktail lovers and visitors connect with our menu and atmosphere.”
There is no end to Canes & Tales’ dedication to its customers and the story it has worked so hard to carefully craft. When constructing the bar, Waldorf wanted to make sure it was true to the luxury hotel’s roots, New York, and what better way to do that than by celebrating the Golden Age of Jazz?
Presenting the finished cocktail, Porcelain and Pink – Credit: Canes & Tales
Of course, being a destination bar is no easy feat, and no one knows this better than the team at Canes & Tales. From creating a themed menu to delivering hospitality at the highest level, nothing is ever overlooked or too small for the team to consider.
“Being a destination cocktail bar in Japan is both an honor and a challenge. The standard here is incredibly high, so we push ourselves every day to create something memorable.” Dominic said when talking about the topic. “It means working with precision, respect for tradition, and a passion for innovation. We want Canes & Tales to be more than a bar. It’s about storytelling, hospitality, and creating a space where cultures connect.”
Comfortable and elegant seating available in the bar – Credit: Canes & Tales
This dedication isn’t just limited to the inside of the bar; it’s also true to the location and how that further influences their creations. Osaka is Japan’s foodie heart, so having amazing food and unique, delicious flavors is an essential component of the culinary world in the city. But, don’t be fooled, that same creativity extends to drinks, too!
In fact, in one of his comments to us, Dominic probably said it best: “Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan, a city that thrives on flavor, creativity, and hospitality. But beyond food, there’s an incredible bar culture here that deserves just as much attention.”
Intricately designed awning above the bar – Credit: Canes & Tales
With this in mind, the team has put much focus and care into not only the food menu but also the cocktails. Creating a themed journey that is ever-changing and updating with time, Canes & Tales proves that there is more to Osaka’s culinary scene than just great food. As of their launch, their menu is currently based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tales of the Jazz Age, an amazing short story series that further embraces Waldorf Astoria’s New York roots. There are 11 stories in total and, thus, 11 perfectly themed and curated cocktails, providing guests a journey through a time that might be past, but certainly not beyond enjoying.
And, if you’re worried about whether this means the food falls behind, you couldn’t be more wrong. The dishes at the bar don’t just perfectly pair with the cocktails. They are also amazing representations of the combination of Japan and New York, creating a delicious list of fusion goodness that celebrates both culture and heritage.
“For us, it’s important to be part of that conversation and contribute to a sense of community. We want Canes & Tales to be a space that not only pushes standards but also supports and collaborates with other bars in the city, helping the entire scene flourish together.”
Osaka’s brand new destination bar, Canes & Tales! – Credit: Canes & Tales
All in all, there is certainly no doubt that Waldorf Astoria has created a bar that embodies the term “destination”. Containing great drinks, amazing food, and incredible hospitality all themed around a timeless era of music, energy, and fun, there is simply no way to overlook Canes & Tales when in Osaka. And although it may be new, it’s quickly becoming a staple part of the city, creating a place for people to come together, no matter their background. So if you’re in the area, we hope you take time to relax, meet new people, and have a mind-blowing drink at Canes & Tales. We most certainly will be!
Visit Canes & Tales at
Address: Japan, 〒530-0011 Osaka, Kita Ward, Ofukacho, 5−54 グラングリーン大阪 南館
Opening Hours: Wednesday – Sunday, 5 pm – 12 am (closed Monday and Tuesday)
Phone Number: +81676557111
Website: https://www.hilton.com/ja/hotels/osawawa-waldorf-astoria-osaka/dining/canes-tales/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canesandtales/?hl=en
Featured Photo Credit: Canes & Tales
Love great cocktails, craft beer and nightlife? Why not join one of our expert local guides for our Umeda craft beer tour in Osaka, our luxury cocktail tour in Tokyo, or explore the world of sake, whisky and cocktails in elegant Kyoto?
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