Best Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento) around Kansai Spot List

A cozy onsen hotel where kids are welcome

This outdoor, natural bath is even popular in winter

A seaside resort hotel where every room overlooks the ocean and you can relax at the beauty salon or the pool

A cozy accommodation with its own hot spring

The most popular of Kinosaki’s outdoor baths. The dynamic waterfall is a favorite

An enormous spa resort with an undervalued hotel

Drawing from two historic sources of water, this open air bath has a nostalgic atmosphere typical of traditional public baths

Known as one of Japan’s top three beauty hot springs

The serene atmosphere and space provide a leisurely onsen experience for travelers

A bathhouse exuding old-fashioned charm

Located just one meter away from the sea, this is a public open-air bath that Shirahama Onsen is famous for. According to the ancient history books, such as the Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan) and the Manyoshu (Collection of Ten Thousand Leaves), Prince Arima visited this place about 1,350 years ago.

This footbath was constructed when JR Ogoto Station was renamed as Ogoto-onsen Station on March 15, 2008. Tradition says that Ogoto-onsen was discovered by Denkyo Daishi Saicho, the founder of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei. The building is designed to recall a hexagonal hall located in Hayao Jizoson, where stone jizo statues (guardian deities of children) allegedly made by Saicho, are enshrined.

This open-air bath is right next to Shirahama Beach. Since you can wear a swimsuit while soaking in this pool-like bathtub, it's convenient to visit after a day at the beach. The hot water that springs from its own source is constantly replenished, ensuring the water is always fresh. During the non-summer seasons, it's used as a footbath instead.