8 Spa & Hot Spring Days in Osaka, Priced and Compared

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

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

Leave Osaka by air-conditioned bus for Himeji Castle and its garden, then enjoy free time for lunch and a walk through Arima Onsen before stopping at Mt. Rokko’s 880-meter summit. An English- or Chinese-speaking guide leads the day; guide names vary, with Gary, Nick, and Harry among those who have guided recent tours. Castle and garden entry fees depend on your travel date.

“Gary was a wonderful guide ! Very interesting, smart, nice. A great person. We really enjoyed our day.”

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2.Nara and Uji Day Trip with Deer Park and Hot Spring

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 302 reviews · 10 hours · from $57

Travel from Osaka to Nara and Uji by air-conditioned coach with an English, Japanese and Traditional Chinese-speaking guide. Feed deer, visit historic temples, sample Uji’s matcha treats and finish at Genji no Yu hot spring. Guides such as Etta have been praised for clear explanations and helpful tips, but guides vary by departure.

“an amazing trip! our guide was informative and super funny. we were given some time to explore the areas, I think the deer portion was perfect, we got to see the Buddha exhibit. I wish we had more time at the onsen, they offered so many services.”

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3.Solaniwa Onsen Hot Spring Visit

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

Spend a day at Solaniwa Onsen in Osaka Bay Tower, with access to nine baths fed by spring water from 1,000 meters underground, saunas and the rooftop Tenku Garden. Expect a Japanese hot spring town atmosphere, seasonal garden views and a footbath. Tattoos are not allowed, and a 150-yen bathing tax is payable on site.

“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.”

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

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 28 reviews · from $67

Leave Osaka at 8:00 am for Himeji Castle, its neighboring gardens, Arima Onsen and Mt. Rokko. The 9 to 10-hour trip includes a comfortable bus and an English or Chinese-speaking guide. Guides on past departures have included Harry, Gary and Taka. Lunch is optional, and bathing fees are extra.

“This was a long day but totally worth it. Gary did a great job of giving a brief history and tid bits on what we would be seeing before each location. It made things so much easier to navigate with his guidance. Lunch waa amazing! Arima has tattoo friendly public baths so don't be discouraged if you have tattoos and think you'll be missing out.”

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5.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 90-minute treatment course that combines a temple introduction, incense ritual, meditation, foot bath and scrub, head spa, and matcha facial. You’ll also take part in a tea ceremony, change into a yukata, and receive complimentary smartphone photos. Treatments are individual, but the tea ceremony may be shared.

“The overall experience was amazing from the start to finish. The two ladies were very welcoming and accommodating. Would recommend to anyone looking for relaxation while in Osaka.”

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6.Nara Deer Park, Uji Matcha, & Hot Spring Full-Day Tour from Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 21 reviews · from $49

Travel by air-conditioned vehicle from Osaka to Nara and Uji, with time for deer, Todaiji Temple, Uji’s matcha shops and Byodo-in, then a one-hour soak at Genji-no-Yu. Guides have included Etta, Leo and Joe, but assignments vary. Temple and hot spring entry, lunch and matcha treats cost extra.

“This was a great excursion from Osaka. Etta and the bus driver was very professional. I found 3 shrimp and chestnuts roasting on an open fire.”

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

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

Take a break from Osaka sightseeing at Tennen Onsen Naniwa-no-Yu, a public hot spring spa on the eighth floor. Its mineral water comes from 659 meters underground, and the baths look out over the city. Admission is listed at $5 per person. Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided; towels and other bathroom items cost extra.

“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 .”

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8.Private Car Day Trip to the Kobe Mountains, Gardens and Hot Springs from Osaka

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews

Travel from central Osaka in a private vehicle with a driver-guide, then ride a historic cable car up Mount Rokko, walk Kobe Municipal Arboretum and spend two hours around Arima Onsen. Guides Kevin and Levi have been praised for explaining the area and adjusting plans. Admission, lunch and the cable car fare cost extra.

“Levi knowledge of the area and his involvement with his clients as guest made the trip interesting our guide even checked out the authentic Kobe beef place for lunch Wish more tour guides would follow the example of the Osaka guides”

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