Canes & Tales, the bar at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, has introduced The Great Railway Bazaar, a new cocktail menu inspired by American novelist and travel writer Paul Theroux and his rail journeys across Europe and Asia.
The collection draws on Theroux’s travel writing and the unexpected encounters that often shape a journey. It takes its name and inspiration from his book The Great Railway Bazaar, which chronicles his travels by train across Europe and Asia.
The menu features five railway routes: the London Underground, the Orient Express, India’s Grand Trunk Railway, Japan’s Shinkansen and the International Express, which travels across Southeast Asia.
Each railway has two cocktails inspired by the flavours of its respective region. One selection is also available in an alcoholic and alcohol-free version.
Cocktails inspired by five railway journeys
The menu combines regional ingredients with spirits from Japan and other countries. Each cocktail uses a split base of two core spirits, one Japanese and one international, reflecting the cultural connections associated with international rail travel.
London Calling reinterprets the Ramos Gin Fizz using Japanese ingredients. Its recipe combines iichiko Saiten Shochu, Farmer’s Gin, Amazake, cream, strawberry, beetroot, lemon, lime, sugar, egg white and Perrier.
Another cocktail, Chai After Dark, brings together flavours from India and Kansai. Inspired by Irish coffee, it features Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky, Michter’s US*1 Bourbon, Mancino Bianco Vermouth, coffee, Kokuto (Okinawan black sugar), chai and vanilla cream.
The Orient Express selection reflects the historic route between Paris and Istanbul.
Bitter Departure takes the form of a French-style aperitif, combining Scarlet Aperitivo, Campari, peach, strawberry, tomato, sansho and Perrier.
Meanwhile, Between Borders draws on Turkish ingredients and flavours. Its recipe includes olive-infused Haku Vodka, Belvedere Vodka, Miyanoyuki Yamada Nishiki Daiginjo Sake, Saijo Shiro Hon Mirin, absinthe, olive oil, bay leaf, paprika and dill.
For Southeast Asia, Floating Market is a regional take on the Italian sgroppino. The cocktail combines Dassai Nigori Sparkling 45 Sake, passionfruit and lime leaf verjus, guava, butterfly pea, white miso and coconut ice cream. An alcohol-free version is also available.
Japan’s Shinkansen provides the inspiration for Nozomi, a richer cocktail featuring Yamazaki NV Whisky, Glenmorangie 12 YO Whisky, Michter’s US*1 Bourbon, Scarlet Fernet Amaro, toasted shokupan, butter and anko.
Check Availability
Travelers interested in staying at Waldorf Astoria Osaka can check current room rates and availability through major booking platforms.
- Check rates on Trip.com
- Compare rates on Booking.com
- View deals on Agoda
- Disclosure: Affiliate links included. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
This suitcase, now available with an exclusive reader offer, is also featured in our curated travel gear recommendations for frequent travelers.
A literary theme for Canes & Tales
The Great Railway Bazaar follows an earlier cocktail collection inspired by Tales of the Jazz Age, a collection of short stories by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Both menus draw on literary works and use their narratives as the starting point for cocktail concepts.
Dominic Dijkstra, Director of Beverage at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, said: “Having made my way from Europe to Asia and experienced many of these great train voyages, this menu is a deeply personal expression of my journey and career, while also designed to speak to travelers and locals alike who visit our bar”
Canes & Tales at Waldorf Astoria Osaka
Canes & Tales occupies the 28th floor of Waldorf Astoria Osaka. The 47-seat bar sits at the end of a dimly lit corridor, behind a dark green door marked with a gold ampersand.
Its design takes inspiration from intimate hideaway bars in Manhattan. The bar also draws on Waldorf Astoria’s cocktail heritage and the brand’s origins in New York.
Opening hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 5pm–12am
- Friday and Saturday: 5pm–1am
Reservations are available, while walk-in guests are also welcome.
Related Coverage
W Hotels Launches a New Global Season of Hotel Tales
Raffles Cambodia Unveils ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, A 7-Day Journey Like No Other
