Revive & Rejuvenate at the Best Onsens in Osaka
Travelling to Japan and unsure whether you want to include Osaka in your itinerary?
Well, the ancient city of Osaka is a tourist's delight, offering many attractions and activities.
One of the attractions that should prompt you to include Osaka in your Japan travel itinerary is the onsens - ancient hot springs with bathing facilities and traditional inns in their vicinity.
Beyond the bustling shopping scenes and neon lights, the onsens allow you to delve into Osaka's authentic essence and explore a unique side of the city.
A visit or two to an onsen can enable you to experience the centuries-old traditional onsen bathing ritual and understand its rich history. Plus, a dip in these hot springs is all you need to relax, rejuvenate, and recuperate.
And that's not all!
You can find many onsens across the city, offering different experiences. In this best onsen in Osaka guide, we will help you find a few onsens according to your preference.
Here are the best onsens in Osaka:
Public Onsens in Osaka
Arima Onsen
Speaking of onsens in Osaka, the first thing that everybody will recommend to you is Arima Onsen. And very rightly so.
With more than 1000 years of history behind it, this onsen deserves a visit even if you are not interested in bathing. Arima is one of Japan's oldest bathing sites, about a 40-minute drive from Osaka.
Arima Onsen in Osaka offers two kinds of bathing. The first is a 'silver water' bath, also known as ginsen, which contains radium and is helpful for muscle and joint ailments.
The second kind is a 'gold water' bath, also known as kinsen, with rich iron deposits. This bath can help release muscle tightness.
Apart from baths, there are souvenir shops, restaurants, a food court and a dining area in the Arima Onsen complex, making it a complete destination for a day trip.
Address: Kobe Arima Onsen - Taiko Hot Spring, 地址：292-2 Ikejiri, Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo 651-1401 (map)
How to get there: Arima Onsen is easily accessible from Osaka by road. You can rent a car (40-minute drive approximately) and make it a half-day trip. However, the more convenient and cheaper option is to take a bus (1 hour 5 minutes) or train (1 hour 49 minutes).
Japan's trains are world-famous, so choosing a train can enable you to combine two experiences into one. The most convenient way is to get a package combining the train ride and the entry ticket to Arima Onsen.
Tennen Onsen
A popular onsen located in the heart of Osaka city, the water at the Tennen Onsen is pumped up from 659 meters underground. This complex has indoor and outdoor baths, a massage centre, saunas, and a unisex hairdressing shop.
As for outdoor onsens, Tennen Onsen in Osaka boasts six options, all set within a rooftop garden.
There are separate bathing areas for men and women, making it suitable for families. While women also have access to a salt sauna and infra-red sauna, gentlemen can enjoy a dry and steam sauna.
Address: 1 Chome-7-31 Nagaranishi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0061, Japan (map)
How to get there: Tennen Onsen is an 8-minute walk away from Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station on the Sakaisuji and Tanimachi subway lines.
A convenient way to travel by train across the Kansai Metropolitan Area is by purchasing a Kansai Thru Pass. This pass gives you unlimited freedom to use the Nankai Railway Main-Airport Line, Nankai Railway Koya Line, Kintetsu Nara Line and more. You can also enjoy discounts and promotions at 260+ attractions located on these lines.
Saki-No-Yu Onsen
Saki-no-Yu, one of the oldest onsens in Japan, is located 158 kilometres south of Osaka on the Pacific coast.
It offers open-air public baths with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. People come from far and wide to enjoy the experience of bathing while revelling in the scenery.
Plan a day trip and spend a day in comfort and luxury. Its view is the most distinctive feature, differentiating Saki-no-Yu from all the other onsens in Japan.
Address: 1668, Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama 649-2211, Japan (map)
How to get there: The best way to reach Saki-no-Yu is by hiring a car from Osaka City. It will take you around 2 hours plus to reach.
Couple Onsens in Osaka
Osaka Hinode Hotel
The Hinode Hotel, located in the Minami neighbourhood of Osaka, is ideal for a luxury couple experience. You can combine your onsen experience with a stay at this luxurious hotel and indulge in some shopping, too!
The hotel offers extensive facilities for guests along with dining options. In this way, the onsen at Osaka Hinode Hotel provides a complete experience.
Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan are situated a short walk away.
But first, dip in the hot spring with your partner, indulge in the extravagant hotel facilities and explore the shopping districts and attractions nearby. Romance doesn't get better than this!
Address: 1-2-10, Ebishu-Nishi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka (map)
How to get there: It's a 1-minute walk from Ebisucho Station.
Nobeha No Yu Tsuruhashi
A romantic onsen located at the heart of Osaka City, Nobeha no Yu Tsuruhashi offers Japanese and Korean-style hot springs, saunas, massages and various hot and cold baths and salt scrubs.
It is a cosy onsen, having both indoor and outdoor bath options.
One major plus is that Osaka’s Korea Town is just a short walk from Nobeha no Yu Tsuruhashi.
You can always head there after your bath for some fab eateries and stores.
Address: 3 Chome-13-41 Tamatsu, Higashinari Ward, Osaka, 537-0023, Japan (map)
How to get there: Nobeha no Yu Tsuruhashi Onsen is an 8-minute walk from Tsuruhashi JR station. Hence, taking the train is the fastest and cheapest way to go there.
Minoh Spa Garden
A part of the Minoh Kanko Hotel, this spa is the other name for luxury and romance.
It hosts one of the finest open-air bathing in the Sky Bath, surrounded by a lush rooftop garden. You can get stunning city views from the top.
The naturally carbonated water is ideal for relaxation and revival.
Evenings are lovely when you can bathe while enjoying the dazzling night view of Osaka City.
Top up the experience with live jazz performances and dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
Address: 1-1 Onsencho, Minoh, Osaka 562-0006, Japan (map)
How to get there: It's a 4-minute drive from Minoo Station.
Family-friendly Onsen in Osaka
Spa World
Travelling with family? Located at the heart of the Osaka town, Spa World Onsen is the place to go to.
Apart from traditional Japanese onsens, this luxurious spa offers a range of 17 kinds of mixed onsen in Osaka options with global themes, including Nordic Saunas, Blue Grotto Baths, Persian pools, mineral-rich mud baths, and hammams.
But wait, there's more! Spa World is also a hot spring park with a kid's park, gym, restaurants, and the Spa World Hotel. It is a complete destination for spending a beautiful day with your family.
We recommend booking a package beforehand to skip the queue and beat the crowd.
Address: 3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan (map)
How to get there: It's a 2-minute walk away from Dobutsuen-mae Station.
Osaka Sansuikan
This family-friendly onsen provides an onsen experience amidst nature.
Located on the banks of a stream and surrounded by natural landscapes, you can bathe in this outdoor onsen near Osaka while enjoying the scenic beauty of the surroundings.
There are standard Japanese rooms and unique Japanese rooms with open-air baths. You can also enjoy a traditional Japanese banquet Kaiseki ryori or a Japanese hotpot served in your room.
Address: ３-2-2 Hara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1051, Japan (map)
How to get there: Sansuikan Onsen can be reached with a 50-minute train ride from the city centre. The natural surrounding makes it a perfect location for a day trip from Osaka.
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Tattoo-friendly Onsens in Osaka
Solaniwa Onsen
Solaniwa Onsen in Osaka Bay Tower should be your first choice if you want a tattoo-friendly onsen. Do note that you'll have to cover up your tattoos with a concealing sticker (you can only use up to five stickers).
Osaka Bay Tower is a hot spring complex offering hotel accommodations, dining options, and entertainment with fabulous city views.
Solaniwa Onsen in Osaka has nine baths, including an outdoor onsen in Osaka containing pure hot spring water from below the earth's surface.
The carbonated baths are rich in minerals that help you unwind and de-stress. It also has ten fully private spring water outdoor baths with mini gardens suitable for families.
Address: 1-chōme-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0007, Japan (Map)
How to get there: Soliniwa Onsen is connected to Bentencho Station through a direct walkway.
Radium Onsen
Radium Onsen in Osaka is one of its kind, offering radiation baths.
But don't worry! It is perfectly safe.
An outdoor bath, the radium bath contains mild doses of radium and is ideal for short baths.
This bath is said to cure joint pains and ailments and is especially popular among senior citizens. And it's tattoo-friendly too!
This 71-year-old onsen also has a traditional hot bath, a carbonated bath, a cold bath, and an electric bath.
The baths are gender-segregated, providing privacy. Radium Onsen requires visitors to follow specific bathing etiquettes; therefore, watch a video before coming.
Address: 1 Chome-4-13 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan (map)
How to get there: It's only an 8-minute walk from Shin-Imamiya Station station.
An Experience You Simply Shouldn't Miss!
One of the must-do activities when in Japan is to visit an onsen. Even if you don't intend to take a bath, visit one to understand the ways of this traditional technique. In exploring the best onsens in Osaka, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this unique cultural experience.
Commonly Asked Questions
Are there good onsens in Osaka?
Osaka has a wide variety of onsens within and outside the city. You can find various options suitable to your budget and needs.
Which region has the best onsen in Japan?
Osaka is one of the primary regions for enjoying an onsen experience.
Who should avoid onsens?
People with chronic bronchitis, difficulty in breathing or fever should avoid onsens.
Is an onsen expensive in Japan?
Almost all onsens charge an entry fee in Japan. The entry fee can range between 200 to 2,000 Yen.
How long should you sit in an onsen?
The recommended duration for bathing is contingent on the water temperature. Generally, spending around 3-10 minutes per session is advised, with the option to extend to 15-20 minutes as you acclimate to the experience.