For some travelers in Japan, Tokyo is so overrated that they choose to explore the amazing city of Osaka. Part of Honshu Island, this city is Japan’s culinary capital. Talk about hearty street food, right? It’s also a fantastic place for the party animal, who also appreciates history. Aside from a vibrant nightlife, Osaka has the Osaka Castle from the 1500s.
It’s also the best spot to enjoy not only cherry blossom trees but also peach trees. This city is also home to the Dōtonbori, Tsūtenkaku in Shinsekai, Tennōji Park, Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Adventures in Osaka that way have to be a bit tiring. So, to relax those tired arms and joints and get them ready for the next day’s trip, you are invited to spend some time in Osaka’s onsen, treating you to health benefits, from relieving pain to giving you glowing skin.
1. Ten-nen Onsen Naniwa no Yu
On Tripadvisor’s list of their best Osaka onsen at their number one spot, Ten-nen Onsen Naniwa no Yu boasts indoor and outdoor baths, saunas, a massage area, and even a spot where you can get a brand-new haircut. It uses natural carbonated mineral water pumped from 659 meters underground, thus the waters are good for the skin, as well as for treating joint and muscle pains.
Hours: 8-1 AM Saturday to Sunday, 10-1 AM Monday to Friday
Contact: +81 3-3293-0028
Address: 1 Chome-1-16 Misakicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0061, Japan
2. Arima Onsen
Not particularly in Osaka, but about an hour trip from the city, Arima Onsen deserves a spot on this list. First, it holds a history of over 1,000 years. An Edo-era settlement that will give you the feeling you time-traveled to early Japan, this onsen is among the oldest bathing sites not just in the Osaka area, but in Japan. It’s also featured in “Nihon Shoki” (“The Chronicles of Japan”) literature written in 720, the second-oldest book in Japanese language. Enjoy two kinds of baths here: the silver water bath with radium and carbonate and the gold water bath with iron.
Hours: 8 AM-10 PM Saturday to Sunday, 10-1 AM Monday to Friday
Contact: +81 78-904-0708
Address: 790-3 Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan
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3. Amami Onsen Nanten-en
The building where this Osaka onsen lies is registered as one of Japan’s tangible cultural properties. There’s a garden around and the onsen is located in a ryokan. If you are looking for a more intimate onsen experience, this is the place for you.
Hours: 24/7
Contact: +81 72-168-8081
Address: 158 Amami, Kawachinagano, Osaka 586-0062, Japan
4. Nobeha no Yu Tsuruhashi
This onsen in Osaka is recommended for everyone, but it’s a great place for couples, especially. Situated within walking distance from Tsuruhashi Station, this onsen is a proper alternative if the more popular Spa World is a bit crowded. It’s located near Minoh Park, so head here to relax after your trek.
Hours: 9-2 AM
Contact: +81 6-4259-1126
Address: 3 Chome-13-41 Tamatsu, Higashinari Ward, Osaka 537-0023, Japan
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5. Spa World Osaka
Of course, Spa World Osaka. This onsen is unforgettable for tourists because it’s not just Japanese hot springs here. At this luxurious spa covering seven floors, you can try Islamic stone baths, Israeli salt saunas, Persian pools, Nordin saunas, and Italian-inspired Blue Grotto baths. You may also try their refreshing milk and honey bath that will leave your skin feeling its softest and freshest.
Hours: 24/7
Contact: +81 6-6631-0001
Address: 3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka 556-0002, Japan
6. Saki-no-Yu
Arima Onsen should step aside since Saki-no-Yu is said to be the oldest onsen in Japan, but only these are rumors. It is famous for their rotenburo that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Locals and tourists from far and wide make the effort to visit this onsen. Just a day trip away from Osaka.
Hours: 7 AM-7 PM
Contact: +81 739-42-3016
Address: 1668, Shirahama, Nishimuro District, Wakayama 649-2211, Japan
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7. Fushio Kaku
Only 30 minutes away from the Osaka city center, this onsen is so convenient as it allows you to stay in one of their rooms with food included. Women love it here as there’s also a beauty treatment salon within the vicinity. If you don’t fancy the food from your accommodation, there’s a barbecue place here, too.
Hours: 24/7
Contact: +81 72-751-3540
Address: 128-1 Fushiocho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0011, Japan
8. Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower
Solaniwa is for the sophisticated traveler. It is located inside a luxurious hotel and has open-air baths, saunas, and so much more. The onsen here uses a natural hot spring, slightly alkalized, flowing from 1,000 meters below the earth.
Hours: 11 AM-11 PM
Contact: +81 6-7670-5126
Address: 1 Chome-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka 552-0007, Japan
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9. Tsurumi Ryokuchi Yumoto Suisyun
This huge hot spring facility offers natural onsen, open-air bath, sauna, bedrock bath, and lie-down bath. There are sleeping baths, carbonated baths, whirlpool baths, milky baths, and pot baths.
Hours: 9-2 AM
Contact: +81 6-4257-1126
Address: 1-37 Ryokuchikoen, Tsurumi Ward, Osaka 538-0036, Japan
Those are nine of the best onsen in Osaka, according to travel insiders. They’ve been keeping them in their secret itinerary, and now it’s time for you to experience them yourself. Immersing yourself in Osaka’s onsen means encountering the city’s old rituals and getting the feeling of how Shinto priests and royalty soaked in Japan’s geothermal springs.
Want to discover more of Osaka with a local? Join our Osaka Free Walking Tour and experience Osaka’s rich food, culture, and history.
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