As one of the delights of traveling in Japan, many people may be looking forward to taking a dip in a hot spring! While hot springs can be found all over Japan, the Kansai region, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe (Hyogo), boasts a number of popular hot spring destinations within the country.
In this article, we would like to introduce some recommended hot spring destinations in the Kansai region that we hope you’ll visit when you come for sightseeing. From the already popular hot springs frequented by overseas visitors to some lesser-known hidden gems, we’ll share about five places worth checking out. Please take a look!
Best 5 Hot Springs near Osaka (Kansai Region)
Now, let’s introduce the recommended hot spring destinations. Specifically, here are the top five picks:
- Arima Onsen (Hyogo)
- Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)
- Arashiyama Onsen (Kyoto)
- Dorogawa Onsen (Nara)
- Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama)
Arima Onsen (Hyogo)
Arima Onsen, located not far from the heart of Kobe city, is a highly accessible hot spring, just about a 45-minute train ride away. It’s also reachable from Osaka in about an hour by bus and other means of transportation. Arima Onsen is known as Japan’s oldest hot spring, with a history dating back over 6 million years. There are two main springs: the “Golden Water” with its brownish color and high salt and iron content, and the “Silver Water,” which is transparent and mixed with carbon dioxide and radium. The allure of Arima Onsen lies in the opportunity to experience two different types of hot springs in one location.
Staying overnight is certainly recommended, but many facilities are also easily accessible for day trips due to their convenient locations. If you’re planning a trip to Kansai, like Osaka or Kyoto, and don’t necessarily want to stay overnight but still want to experience the hot springs, these places are perfect for you.
| Address | Arima-cho, Kita-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture. |
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| Access | About 1 hour by train from Osaka About 1 hour and 10 minutes by bus from Kyoto |
Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo)
Kinosaki Onsen is a hot spring located in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. It’s known for its charming hot spring town where you can stroll around in a yukata and wooden clogs, offering a unique experience for foreign tourists who want to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. Unlike some other hot spring areas, Kinosaki is very foreigner-friendly, with many staff members who can speak English, abundant free Wi-Fi, and excellent cashless payment options, making it a popular choice among international visitors.
Of course, Kinosaki Onsen’s hot spring water is also excellent, with its sodium-calcium chloride spring offering potential benefits for conditions like neuralgia, muscle pain, fatigue, and digestive issues. There’s a ticket available for the “Seven Public Baths Tour,” which allows you to enjoy unlimited access to the hot springs throughout the day. If you’re looking to fully indulge in a hot spring getaway, this option comes highly recommended. Keep in mind that Kinosaki Onsen is about a 3-hour journey from Osaka, so a day trip might be a bit challenging.
| Address | Yushima, Kinosaki-cho, Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture |
| Map | |
| Access | About 2 hours and 40 minutes by express train from Osaka About 2 hours and 20 minutes by express train from Kyoto |
Arashiyama Onsen (Kyoto)
When you think of Arashiyama in Kyoto, you might imagine Togetsukyo Bridge, bamboo groves, and the scenic Torokko train. However, there’s also a hot spring in Arashiyama. It’s a relatively new onsen, opened in 2004, and while it may not be widely known nationwide, it has gained attention as a convenient hot spring area being located in the major tourist destination of Arashiyama, serving as a convenient base to explore various places throughout Kyoto.
The hot spring water is slightly alkaline and is known for its beneficial effects on the skin, making it a popular choice for those seeking beautiful skin. While Arashiyama Onsen is a relatively new hot spring area, there are fewer ryokans and day-use hot springs available. However, due to its popularity as a tourist destination for foreigners, many places offer excellent inbound services. Another charming aspect is the opportunity to take a stroll through Arashiyama at night. If you’re planning to travel around Kyoto, this place comes highly recommended.
| Address | Saga Tenryuji Zourocho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. |
| Map | |
| Access | Approximately 50 minutes by train from Osaka Approximately 17 minutes by train from Kyoto |
Dorogawa Onsen (Nara)
Dorogawa Onsen is a hot spring located in Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture. It is situated in a nature-rich area surrounded by mountains and has a historical significance as a place where Buddhist monks used to stop for their training. The hot spring water is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, known for its gentle and soothing feel, making it a mildly alkaline hot spring.
The hot spring town is lined with traditional Japanese ryokans, guesthouses, and souvenir shops, giving you a sense of Japan’s nostalgic history. Especially in the evening, you can enjoy a fantastic view that evokes the imagery of the samurai era. It’s like stepping back in time. Additionally, the climate is cooler compared to the city center, attracting visitors seeking a summer retreat. If you want to enjoy a comfortable hot spring trip even during the hot summer months, this place is highly recommended.
| Address | Dorogawa, located in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. |
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| Access | It takes about 3 hours by train and bus from Osaka. It takes about 3 hours by train and bus from Kyoto. |
Shirahama Onsen (Wakayama)
Shirahama Onsen is located in Shirahama Town, Wakayama Prefecture. Along with Arima Onsen introduced earlier, it is considered one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. There are historical records dating back over 1000 years, indicating that even past emperors have visited here. The hot spring water in this coastal area is rich in sodium, giving it a characteristic salty taste when you try it.
Some of the hot springs and ryokans offer the opportunity to bathe while enjoying a view of the sea. Moreover, there are many nearby attractions related to the ocean, such as Shirarahama Beach, Senjojiki Rock Plateau, and Engetsu Island. If you love the sea, this hot spring area comes highly recommended!
| Address | Shirahama Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture. |
| Map | |
| Access | About 2 hours and 10 minutes by express train from Osaka. About 2 hours and 50 minutes by express train from Kyoto. |
Summary
The Kansai region offers a plethora of charming hot spring destinations. If you’re coming to Japan with the intention of enjoying hot springs, Kansai is highly recommended. Moreover, there are many hot springs in the central Kansai area that are easily accessible by train or bus, making it convenient to incorporate them into your Kyoto or Osaka travel itinerary. Even within the Kansai region, each hot spring area has its unique spring quality and atmosphere. I hope this article helps you discover your ideal hot spring experience.
