Onsen & Hot Springs in Osaka: Choosing Between 6

1.Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 339 reviews · 10 hours · from $53Our pick

Spend 10 hours exploring Himeji Castle and Koko-en Garden, strolling Arima Onsen, and viewing the Akashi Strait from Mt. Rokko. English and Chinese-speaking guides such as Gary, Harry, Nick, and Gerry lead the day, with self-guided time at each stop. The optional Japanese lunch includes anago rice, udon, steak, tempura, and fruit.

“Liu/Nick was very professional. He was informative and helpful to the guests. We learned a lot from him. He goes above and beyond to answer any questions you have and was the best tour guide we’ve had in Japan. Also, this tour allows sufficient free time and plenty of delicious food. We strongly recommend booking tours with Liu/Nick as your guide.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

2.Solaniwa Onsen Hot Spring Visit

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 51 reviews · 1 day · from $14

Spend a full day at Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay Tower, a ryokan-style hot spring complex with nine baths, saunas, scrubbers, and the 3,000-square-meter Tenku Garden. Soak in slightly alkaline water from 1,000 meters underground, then enjoy footbaths, seasonal flowers, waterfalls, and a thousand torii gates in central Osaka.

“Love this family friendly onsen. Couldn’t work out how to get the lunch that we bought with our ticket and ended up having to purchase it again but overall we still would recommend the experience.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

3.Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko: 1-Day Bus Tour from Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 28 reviews · from $67

Travel from Osaka to Himeji Castle, Kokoen Garden, Arima Onsen, and Mt. Rokko in about 9 to 10 hours. Expect an air-conditioned bus, English or Chinese commentary, castle and garden admission on tours through February 28, and an optional Japanese lunch. Guides such as Harry and Gary have earned strong praise for their clear history talks.

“Had a great day with Harry our guide who was super knowledgeable and a great character . Loved the castle and gardens , arima was a nice to explore and my rokko views of osaka were fantastic. The pick up point VIP villa namba is not hard to find , bus was clean and comfortable.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

4.Osaka Temple Head Spa &Matcha Facial – Refresh & Glow〈90min〉

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · 2 hours · from $141Top rated

Spend about two hours at a traditional Osaka temple with a welcome drink, yukata, incense offering, meditation, foot bath, scalp massage, matcha facial, tea ceremony, and complimentary smartphone photos. Individual treatments are limited to three people, though the tea ceremony may be shared.

“I found this an amazing experience overall, including massage, tea ceremony, head spa, matcha mask, and a foot bath from a very kind gentleman. He doesn't speak much English but the translate app works wonders. Besides, you don't have to talk much. You just enjoy. I came back so relaxed and happy. Unique experience, escaping from all the buzz of the city”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

5.Wakayama Cat Train, Seafood market, Hot Springs Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 24 reviews · 10 hours · from $83

From Nipponbashi, join guide Tiger or another English, Japanese, or Chinese-speaking guide for a full day in Wakayama. You’ll visit Tama’s cat station at Kishi, ride a themed train, watch a tuna-cutting show, eat at ToreTore Market, and see Shirahama’s Senjojiki and Sandanbeki cliffs. Hot spring entry and cave admission cost extra.

“we had a great Time with our guide "tiger". He's a really nice guy and always aware of where everyonenis and where to go next. He had precise explanations to every stop and what you can do there, at the end of our trip he even had some restaurant tipps for the night. 100% recommend”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

6.Tennen Onsen Naniwa-no-Yu, the famous hot spring spa

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 19 reviews · 1 day · from $5Best value

Spend a day at Tennen Onsen Naniwa-no-Yu, an 8th-floor public bath in Osaka. Its naturally carbonated mineral water rises from 659 meters underground, and the spa offers several bathing areas, city views, and a calm break from sightseeing. Admission is about $5, with towels and toiletries available for extra fees.

“This was a great experience. We had never been to an Onsen before and we thoroughly enjoyed it . There was a lot of different features to try and it was not at all crowded. The spa was clean and well maintained. I would certainly recommend this as a relaxing break from site seeing .”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →