Before we look at the options for getting your bath on in Osaka, there are a few words you need to know first.

If you’re worried about privacy, as well as the kashikiri option, a lot of ryokan and onsen hotels also offer rooms with their own private baths, too.

First up is the cozy Astil Hotel Shin-Osaka. This is a simple and affordable option that allows you to focus on the comforting baths and relaxing after a long day of traveling.

Although not from a hot spring source, the hotel features a sauna, men’s jacuzzi, shared bath, and open-air bath. The open-air baths are big tubs that give you a relaxing view onto the night sky without the worry of anyone seeing down in the city!

Breakfast is available for an additional 500 yen, and features an all-you-can-eat Japanese-style breakfast known as “tamago kake gohan” which means egg on rice, and allows you to choose your favorite toppings.

Moving on to something perfect for shy bathers, Kokon Tengachaya is a beautiful holiday home that opened its doors in August 2022.

Tengachaya is a fun area of Osaka with interesting nuggets of culture here and there. The “Chaya” part means teahouse, and that is exactly the concept of the spacious house that can accommodate up to 10 people. Its fusion of modern and traditional aesthetic features a lot of wooden décor and warm tones, warming you up before you even hit the bath.

Of course, you’ll have the entire house to yourself, giving you private access to the semi-open-air bathtub.

The house is decked out with a fully-equipped kitchen (including coffee machine), and even a projector and Nintendo Switch for some fun family indoor time. The surrounding Tengachaya area is interesting to explore in itself, but it is also well connected to many of Osaka’s sightseeing spots, and has easy access to the airport without making any transfers.

Ryokan Fushioukaku has everything you could want for a relaxing stay. It’s not just limited to its various bathing facilities, but has a whole other set of wellness options to boot.

In terms of baths, there are indoor and outdoor onsen baths, as well as novelty reclining baths where you are encouraged to lay back and let the relaxing waters wash over you. The outdoor baths are particularly atmospheric in the earl evening, when the garden and baths are light up in warm, welcoming lights.

As well as the baths, there are a variety of fun and stress-relieving activities like their karaoke booth, outdoor pool, and barbecue garden. There is even a mini trick-art space for taking fun pictures with your travel buddies!

The rooms are traditional Japanese style, with tatami flooring and futons. Twenty of the rooms even have their own private open-air hot spring baths, and the food features traditional kaiseki cuisine, served in the restaurant.

At the Super Hotel, practicality and comfort is the name of the game. Here you won’t find over-the-top luxuries, but a warming bath, stylish facilities, and a comfortable bed to rest your head.

There is one indoor onsen bath each for men and women, with a simple stone aesthetic overlooking a mini bamboo garden. Sunlight dapples through the garden during the day creating a warm glow to complement your soothing bath.

Always prioritizing your comfort, there is a pillow station where you can choose your own preference of pillow. So whether you want a firmer pillow or memory foam to rest your head, you can rest easy knowing you have the choice.

The hotel has a good breakfast for a separate fee, and convenient access to some of Osaka’s popular landmarks, such as Osaka Castle which is 15 minutes away by taxi.

From the entrance alone, you’ll already know that you’re in for some traditional luxury when you arrive at Onyado Nono Namba Natural Hot Spring (AKA Nono Namba). The traditional aesthetic blends perfectly with modern comforts in every aspect of your stay.

One of the great things about Nono Namba is that it is just a 2-minute walk from Nippombashi Station, giving you convenient access to much of the city sights. The famous Dotonbori Street is a mere 5-minute walk away!

But despite its convenient location, the hotel doesn’t compromise on its luxuries, with natural hot spring indoor and semi-outdoor baths, as well as a steamy sauna. The onsen is said to be effective for muscle pains and fatigue, so you can wash away the stresses of travel.

The hotel’s décor is full of wood and warm tones, and while the bedrooms are fitted with tatami mats, they have western-style beds and mattresses for added comfort. The restaurant features a Japanese style breakfast buffet, and while they don’t serve dinner, they do serve late-night noodles from 9:30-11:00pm.

Convenience and comfort is what the Natural Hot Spring Midosuji Hotel is all about. Located just a short walk away from Osaka’s central sightseeing spots, you can explore late into the evening knowing there’s a warm bath waiting for you just a few minutes away.

The Natural Hot Spring Midosuji Hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Dotonbori Shopping Street, and a minute’s walk from Namba Station, giving you great access to the rest of Osaka and beyond.

As you can guess from the name, the baths use natural hot spring water. The baths are located on the 3rd and 10th floors, and switch between men only and women only in their two separate open hours of 6-9am and 6pm-midnight. If you have a chance, try to use the baths on the 10th floor, as you get great views of Osaka below.

Prioritizing convenience and price, there are no meals served at the hotel, but given that you’ll be so close to the city center, there are plenty of options for food within walking distance.

Taking a step back from the Osaka city center and out into the area of Takatsuki is Hananosato Onsen Sansuikan. What better way to relax than by surrounding yourself in Osaka’s nature?

No matter what time you arrive at the hotel, you’ll be greeted with a gorgeous view, as the accommodation is lit up at night to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Akuta River by its side.

Here, there are indoor and outdoor onsen baths, both with stunning views of the river and surrounding nature. There are also indoor, outdoor, and semi-outdoor private baths, as well as some guest rooms with their own private outdoor bath.

As for the food, the chef makes the most of local produce, giving guests the option of traditional kaiseki or wild game dishes and hot pot for dinner, and a Japanese style breakfast. As well as the dining room there is also even a coffee shop, terrace and karaoke lounge.

Finally, the Art Hotel Osaka Bay Tower lives up to its name with gorgeous shared spaces filled with all kinds of modern and colorful art.

The onsen space is definitely not to be missed, being one of Japan's largest. Although Solaniwa Onsen is not a direct part of the hotel, it is located within the same building on the 2nd floor, and can be used by Art Hotel guests for a special discounted price. The onsen is almost like a theme park, with nine different baths, both indoor and outdoor, as well as 10 different styles of private bath. If you have small tattoos, you’re permitted to enter as long as you use tattoo cover-up stickers that you can purchase there. For larger tattoos, you can use one of the private baths.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. There is also a variety of spa and relaxation services, as well as food, and even festival-inspired games! Between soaks and games, you could easily spend an entire day in Solaniwa Onsen.

As for the hotel itself, there are tons of different types of rooms, including wheelchair-accessible and family friendly rooms, and even one with its own sauna. There are also three different restaurants and a bar, with delicious seasonal food and some with great views.

In addition to these welcoming and warming onsen around Osaka, there are so many interesting opportunities to take your onsen hopping to another level by visiting hot spring regions nearby. Many of the areas also allow for day trip visits too, so you can make Osaka your base and simply visit for the day. Here are some of our recommendations:

Hopefully now you’re ready to try out some of these great onsen in and around Osaka! If you’re thinking of visiting Osaka (whether it’s for the baths or not), it might be a good idea to consider a Kansai Thru Pass, which may make your travels cheaper and easier. Have a look at the details below: