Onsen, or hot spring, is definitely one thing that you need to experience in Japan!

If you have limited time but are eager to enjoy the unique atmosphere of a hot spring town, spend a night at an onsen inn, or combine sightseeing with a quick visit to a hot spring, we have selected some of the best hot springs and onsen towns near Osaka.
Check the following recommendations as inspiration for planning your trip!

Before you try Japan’s hot springs, understanding onsen etiquette is essential.

In Japan, there is a deep-rooted etiquette for enjoying hot springs, which centers on showing consideration for others sharing the bath. Knowing this etiquette is also part of the cultural experience! Here, we introduce some general guidelines to follow.

1.Please avoid bathing after consuming alcohol.
2.Before entering the bath, make sure to rinse off any dirt by using the shower and soap.
3.Keep your hair and towel out of the bath water. It is considered impolite to enter the bath in a swimsuit or underwear.
4.Diving or swimming in the bath is not allowed.
5.When using the shower or wringing out towels, take care not to splash water on others.
6.Before leaving the bath area, wipe off excess water from your body with a wrung-out towel.
7.The use of smartphones and taking photos is prohibited in both the bath and dressing room areas.

Besides, having tattoos may often restrict access to public baths. It’s recommended to check the rules on the official website of any hot spring facility you plan to visit.

Recently, some facilities allow guests with tattoos if they are covered with stickers. Additionally, selecting an accommodation with a private bath attached to the room or opting for a reservable private bath are great options for tattooed guests to enjoy the onsen or hot spring.

Located in Hyogo, Arima Onsen is a recommended hot spring town for travelers coming from Osaka or Kyoto. It’s not only one of Japan’s three best historical hot springs, but also stands out for its easy accessibility.

Dating back to around the year 600, Arima Onsen offers a unique experience with two distinct types of hot springs: Kinsen, a reddish-brown spring rich in iron, and Ginsen, a clear, radon-infused spring. These springs differ remarkably in appearance, scent, and feel. Be sure to try both at the public baths Kin-no-Yu and Gin-no-Yu to fully appreciate their unique qualities!

* “Kin-no-Yu” and “Gin-no-Yu” are both tattoo-friendly.

The hot spring town is packed with souvenir shops and local eateries, making it a great place for leisurely strolling. While exploring, you might even see the steam rising from the springs!

For convenient access, express buses run directly to Arima Onsen from Osaka Umeda and Kyoto, making it easy to travel even with larger luggage. Travel time from Osaka to Arima Onsen is about an hour one way by express bus, making it an easy day trip option. However, with a variety of ryokan and hotels to choose from, staying overnight is also a great choice to fully immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of this onsen town.

If you’re looking to visit Arima Onsen affordably, consider the “Taiko-no-Yu” coupon, which includes a rail pass and admission to the “Taiko-no-Yu” onsen facility—a perfect package for getting the most out of your visit!

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Kinosaki Onsen, located close to the Sea of Japan in northern Hyogo Prefecture, is one of Kansai’s most popular hot spring towns besides Arima Onsen. During winter, many visitors flock here to enjoy the famous crabs caught locally around Kinosaki Onsen.

The highlights of Kinosaki are savoring fresh seafood and hopping between its unique public baths!
In addition to crab, the town’s restaurants serve fresh sashimi and seafood rice bowls.
The “soto-yu meguri,” or bath-hopping, invites you to visit the town’s seven public baths, each with its own architecture, atmosphere, and water qualities. Enjoy the variety as you explore each one!

*All 7 public baths of Kinosaki Onsen are tattoo-friendly.

Winter is the ideal season to visit Kinosaki Onsen, offering a chance to witness the enchanting snowy landscape that adds to the charm of this traditional hot spring town.

An overnight stay is highly recommended to fully enjoy Kinosaki’s atmosphere. Stroll through the town in yukata and geta provided by the inn, experiencing a unique side of Japanese culture.
For an additional activity, try your hand at the traditional craft of making mugi-wara zaiku, or straw craft, for an authentic local experience.

About an hour by train from Osaka Umeda, Takedao Onsen Koyokan Bettei Azalee sits quietly in the Takarazuka Valley. This serene inn is ideal for those seeking a more relaxed stay surrounded by nature rather than in a bustling hot spring town.

Each guest room at Takedao Onsen Koyokan Bettei Azalee is a private cottage with its own 100% natural hot spring bath. Here, you can enjoy uninterrupted relaxation while taking in the natural scenery. As a private space, it’s also tattoo-friendly.
In the evening and morning, Japanese cuisine crafted with seasonal ingredients are prepared, including options with premium Japanese Black Wagyu beef for sukiyaki or shabu-shabu.

There’s also a spacious open-air communal bath (accessible to guests with tattoos), where you can enjoy soaking in a large, scenic hot spring. For those on a tighter schedule, Takedao Onsen Koyokan Bettei Azalee offers day-use options, including guest rooms with private, natural hot spring baths.

If you don’t have time to venture out of town, Solaniwa Onsen in Osaka offers a convenient and relaxing hot spring experience within the city.

Located 10-minute from Osaka Umeda by JR and right outside Bentencho Station, this onsen theme park features a grand bath area with nine different types of baths. Plus, the rooftop boasts an expansive 3,300 square meters Japanese garden—perfect for strolls and photo ops!

Another great reason to visit Solaniwa Onsen is the private baths. There are ten private rooms equipped with open-air baths, a tsuboniwa (small traditional garden), and a relaxation space. For a more authentic onsen experience, there are special tatami-mat rooms, which offer the ambiance of a traditional Japanese inn right within the city.

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Located in northern Osaka, Minoh Waterfall is a scenic spot surrounded by a lush forest park. It’s the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience another side of Osaka’s natural beauty.

Near Minoh Waterfall, you’ll find the hot spring theme park “Ooedo Onsen Monogatari Minoh Onsen Spa Garden.” Known as “beauty water” for its smooth, viscous texture, the high-quality bicarbonate spring here offers a soothing experience.

The facility is packed with entertainment activities, providing visitors with chances to experience traditional Japanese culture! The large bath area features a Japanese aesthetic with a wall mural of Mt. Fuji, tatami flooring, and a stone bridge, creating a unique and relaxing ambiance. There’s also an outdoor bath for enjoying the open air.

In addition, there are free performances, including traditional theater and music shows, along with classic Japanese pastimes like table tennis (a favorite onsen activity) and stalls offering fun games like shooting galleries. Wearing a yukata, you can enjoy a festive atmosphere reminiscent of a traditional Japanese fair.

By the way, how about combining a visit to Minoh since it is right nearby?

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Kyoto Takenosato Onsen Manyo no Yu is a 24-hour natural hot spring, a rarity in Kyoto City, offering two types of mineral-rich spring water, “simple spring” and “sodium bicarbonate spring.” Known as “beautifying waters,” both types will leave your skin feeling silky smooth!

Inside the facility, you’ll find nine types of baths, including open-air baths, jacuzzis, high-concentration carbonated baths, reclining baths, and saunas. There are also private rooms with open-air baths available for day-use, offering a serene and private experience.

At Takenosato Onsen Manyo no Yu, you can enjoy the onsen on its own, but it’s even better to combine it with sightseeing in the Kyoto Nishiyama area!

The Kyoto Nishiyama area is actually a hidden gem!
Here, you’ll find traditional temples, a grand bamboo grove (even larger than the one in Arashiyama!), and the world-famous Suntory Yamazaki Distillery (tours require advance reservation).
For more detailed highlights of Kyoto Nishiyama, check out the article linked below!

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Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most popular sightseeing spots, also has its own hot springs!

“Kyoto Arashiyama Onsen Fu Fu no Yu” is a day-use hot spring facility located about an 8-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Positioned across from the scenic Nakanoshima Park in the Arashiyama district, it offers a convenient stop during your sightseeing, with views of the famous Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge nearby.

At the indoor baths of Fufu-no-Yu, you can enjoy the natural “Arashiyama Onsen.” The spring water at Arashiyama Onsen is a mildly alkaline simple spring, known for its therapeutic benefits for nerve and muscle pain, as well as its skin-beautifying properties perfect for soothing tired feet after sightseeing.

The onsen also features a rustic open-air bath, where you can relax deeply while soaking up the natural ambiance. Body soap and shampoo are provided, and rental towels are available, so you can drop in anytime during your travels without needing to bring anything along.

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We’ve introduced hot springs that are easily accessible from central Osaka and perfect to pair with sightseeing. Soak in large baths filled with mineral-rich waters and let the relaxation wash over you.
Experience the long-cherished culture of onsen in Japan—it’s a must-try during your visit!