6 Of Osaka's Must-Do Health and Wellness Activities
Are you looking for not just random holiday destinations in Japan but places where you can indulge in mental, physical, and spiritual rejuvenation? How about an ancient Japanese-styled bath often called Sento, or a dip in flowing hot springs, a relaxing salt sauna, or energy treatments through cutting-edge Virtual Reality Systems? Osaka is scattered with several such spas, onsens, hot spring resorts and wellness centres that are easily accessible by cars or trains.
In this blog, we have shared all you need to know about these 6 unmissable health activities that you must try while you are in Osaka. So, grab a cup and stretch your limbs as you dive into this relaxing quick read ahead.
Visit A Japanese Bathhouse with Craft Beer and Soul Food
Japan is known for its century-old culture of healthy living, revitalising and rejuvenation practices.It is one of the top countries in the world known for higher average life expectancy.And why wouldn’t it be when you have age-old community wellness practices such as “sento”?
Sento is a public bathing and rejuvenation culture in Japan, the origin of which can be traced back to as early as the Heian period (794-1185). The first public bath in Japan is believed to have been built in 1591 in Edo, now Tokyo. It is a means of connecting with the local community while relaxing.
Sento in the modern world era, however, comes with a lot more facilities. Today, they are adorned with Japanese scenic murals, and come with several bath features like black spring water, electrical pulse baths, and herbal baths, for an immersive relaxing experience.
They give you the necessary tips regarding Japanese customs and manners and guide you on how you can enjoy the experience in the Japanese way. They also tell you the deep-rooted history behind this community culture. If you are still dubious about trying it then they help you gather the confidence to try this new bathing experience. You can then head to sento together and relax in a fascinating bath for an hour.
It doesn’t end here. After enjoying sento, you can head to the nearby cafe & bar where you can muster on the newly found experience along with some of the soul food and drinks of Osaka. You can try takoyaki, matcha or ice cream along with a chilled craft beer. If you are not an alcohol person then you can also try their milk or lattes.
Address: 2-chōme-14-19 Sakuragawa, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0022, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun.
Price: Starting SGD 40
Go for the Kobe Sanda Outlets, Arima Hot Spring, Rokko Mountain Night View Tour from Osaka
Indulging in hot springs, also known as ‘onsen’ has been considered as part of Japanese traditional culture for centuries. Onsen has been a vital place for Japanese relaxation and purification. They believe hot spring baths come with several therapeutic benefits.
The mineral rich waters of the hot springs are considered to have properties that can help relax the body and mind while also relieving muscle or joint pains, fatigue etc. Nonetheless, a deep long soak in the natural waters of hot springs can melt your fatigue and worries away for sure.
So, if you are looking for a fun-filled day along with shopping, a dip in one of Japan’s oldest onsen near Osaka and a stunning night view of the city from mountain tops then you should try out the Kobe Sanda Outlets, Arima Hot Spring and Rokko Mountain night view tour from Osaka.
On this tour, you can start with a delightful shopping and dining experience at the renowned stores at Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets. It has over 180 stores to explore and shop from.You can then move on to explore one of Japan’s oldest hot springs, the Arina Onsen. It is also one of Japan's three major hot springsand is considered one of the hidden treasures in Kobe.
Catch a breath in this quaint facility for about an hour and a half and indulge in its various-themed hot springs. By the time it is sunset, you can ascend to Mount Rokko and witness the jaw-dropping panoramic night view of Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto from the top. Eventually, you can head back to downtown Osaka to end the tour at your hotel.
Address: Meeting point: Nihonbashi Exit 2 (Namba Shinsaibashi area) (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 9:30am to 8:30pm
Price: Starting SGD 69
Walking Direction: Nihonbashi is within walking distance from three railway and subway stations, Tokyo Station, Kanda Station, and Nihombashi Station. These fall on the Tokyo Metro Tozai and Hanzomon lines, and Mitsukoshimae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line.
Head to the Naniwanoyu Natural Spa
How about a bath under the open sky on the top of a highrise complex? Yes, almost a paradise on earth, offering 100% natural hot spring water awaits you at the Naniwanoyu Natural Spa. Here, the spring water comes from a natural source 659 metres underground.
The unaltered water source in this spa comes from the geological formations that happened to be the bottom of the sea about 1.5 million years ago. Breathtaking, isn’t it? The hot spring water at Naniwanoyu Natural Spa soothes and softens your skin and is often called “Bijin no yu” meaning "hot spring of beauty” due to its pleasing properties.
Situated on the 8th floor of an entertainment complex this Osaka spa is known for its immaculate clean water along with facilities such as hairdryers, earbuds tissues, etc. You can access several bath options such as ahot spring bath, a jet-powered tub, a salt sauna, a steam sauna and more.
You can try their rock bath where you take a bath on a big rock. You are almost left oblivious to the fact that you are in the middle of a city. You feel like you are relaxing in some mountain spring. If you are looking for a more private bath with your kids and family or if you are alone you can try the open-air, hot spring water bath, Tsuboyu.
Take a dip into these natural thermal pools of Naniwanoyu and rinse yourself of your daily fatigue.
Address: Tennen Onsen Naniwanoyu, 1 Chome-7-31 Nagaranishi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0061 (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 10am to 1am
Price: Starting SGD 7.5
Walking Direction: The nearest station is Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line and Tanimachi Line. It is less than a 10-minute walk from the station.
Don’t Miss this Energy Treatment Through Cutting-Edge VR Therapy
That sounds like something, doesn’t it? Well, tell you what, it is something! VR-TW is a new cutting-edge energy treatment therapy developed in Japan. It is an effective high-quality energy treatment done by the Virtual Reality system.
The mechanism used in this treatment is simple: the high-level VR-TW healing energy is made to tune with your personal energy. The moment your energy synchronises with the healing energy a “spontaneous cure” occurs. This cure helps release your pain or discomfort during the VR-TW therapy and you feel much more positive and lighter. It is believed to raise your energy levels and inspire inner happiness.
While you are there, it is highly recommended that you also try the "ZEN-SUISO Therapy-H2 Inhalation Therapy & Energy Therapy Relaxation in ZEN-style". The collaboration of H2 Inhalation Therapy & VRTW Therapy is known to create multiple positive effects such as the activation of vital energy and latent abilities, physical and mental relaxation, and more.
Address: Japan, 〒532-0011 Osaka, Yodogawa Ward, Nishinakajima, 5-chōme−6−１６ 新大阪大日ビル (map)
Opening Hours: Thurs to Tue
Price: Starting SGD 36
Soak Yourself in this Spa World Osaka Onsen
Welcome to the enormous hot spring theme park in Osaka - Spa World, located at the heart of the Shinsekai area! Escape your daily tensions and take a plunge into these exciting amusement pools with your friends and family. It offers water slides, gyms and many more amusement activities.
You can also experience the two world-class natural onsen bathing zones here, - European and Asian-themed hot spring baths.So, if you want to get a glimpse of the bathing culture and style of Japan, Bali, Rome, Greece, Spain and more in one place this is where you have to go. Choose from the 17 different types of spacious onsens across the globe, along with their bedrock baths and saunas.
If you want to soothe your muscles, relieve all your tensions, and experience enjoyment all in one place in Osaka, you now know where to go!
Address: 3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Mon to Sun: 10am to 8:45am (the next morning)
Price: Starting SGD 14
Walking Direction:It is located on the west side of Tennoji Park. It is around a 4-minute walk from Dōbutsuen-mae Station, a 5-minute walk from Shinnimamiya and a 12-minute walk from Tennoji Station.
Try Out the Latest Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy
Lose yourself in this highly relaxing body massage and ultra-high concentration hydrogen inhalation therapy. It incorporates the ancient Zen concepts into a combination of hydrogen therapy and energy therapy. It is believed to be ideal in cases of fatigue recovery, anti-ageing, beauty, disease prevention, and brain power development.
The therapy adjusts your energy circulation with high-quality Japanese crystals like artificial quartz and special energy treatments that originated in Japan. This therapy helps you to come to an ideal state physically as well as mentally.
To start your therapy youchange into "samue", a Zen monk's kimono or clothing. The therapistthenattempts to loosen your body using the Japanese shiatsu style, remove toxins, stress and unnecessary energy (qi) accumulated in the body, and charge your body with the necessary "element of energy", — Masu. Your mind and heart come to a unified quiet state.
The hydrogen in the "ultra-high concentration hydrogen inhalation therapy'' removes active oxygen that causes ageing and disease. The treatment is performed in a special therapy room designed with well-aligned high-quality crystals.
You can also sip in the traditional Japanese Tea and relish mindfulness after the therapy.
Address: Shi-Osaka-daiichi-bld8F, 新大阪大日ビル 8階, 5-chōme-6-16 6 Nishinakajima, Yodogawa Ward, Osaka, 532-0011, Japan (map)
Opening Hours: Thurs to Tue
Price: Starting SGD 61
Book Your Next Wellness Trip in Osaka
What’s better than fusing your vacation with health and well-being? Wellness tourism has been gaining popularity in recent years across the globe. And Japan is rising as a mecca for tourists looking for well-being activities. From natural hot springs to traditional community wellness bathhouses such as “sento”, from unique VR energy Treatments or Japanese Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy to world-class European and Asian-styled spas Japan offers a lot to explore in this genre.
Plan your trip with Pelago to unwind and de-stress at some of the oldest and most sought-after hot springs in Osaka, Japan.
Commonly Asked Questions
Does Osaka have hot springs?
Yes, Osaka is known for its several hot spring facilities and wellness centres like Arima Onsen, Naniwanoyu Natural Spa, Spa World Onsen, etc. They are scattered in and around the city and are easily accessible by cars or trains.
How do I get to Spa World Osaka?
Spa World Osaka islocated on the west side of Tennoji Park. It is around a 4-minute walk from Dōbutsuen-mae Station, a 5-minute walk from Shinnimamiya and a 12-minute walk from Tennoji Station.
Are there natural onsen in Osaka?
Osaka is known for its hot spring facilities and resorts. However, there are some natural onsen in Osaka as well like the Naniwa no Yu Natural Spa. It offers 100% natural hot spring water coming from a natural source 659 metres underground. The spa is located near Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line and Tanimachi Line.
Is Osaka known for onsen?
Yes, there are several onsen facilities available near Osaka. Arima Onsen in Kobe is known for its golden and silver waters and is located just an hour away by train. Naniwa no Yu Natural Spa is a natural hot spring located near Tenjimbashisuji 6-chome Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line and Tanimachi Line.You can even try the Spa World Osaka for a fun-filled spa experience.
What should I wear to Spa World?
You can wear your own clothes, and shoes (indoor shoes only), or wear spa loungewear, and rental shoes. Socks are a must when using rental shoes.