Choosing a good hotel in Osaka with an onsen can be challenging if you’ve never been to the city before. So to help you get started, I describe the onsen situation there and I list Osaka’s 12 best hotels based on location, value for money, and of course the quality of their onsen facilities.
About Onsen in Osaka
Onsen are traditional hot spring baths used for soaking and relaxing, and they’re a big deal across Japan. The mineral-rich water has multiple health benefits, including relaxing tense muscles and boosting circulation.
There are two types of onsen: public and private.
Public onsen are common, usually larger, and shared with other people. Historically, men and women would bathe together in public onsens, but these days mixed bathing is generally forbidden. And so, most onsen you’ll see on your trip to Osaka will be gender specific.
However, if you’re fortunate enough to experience a private onsen, either inside a home or in a high-end hotel or ryokan, you’ll have your own dedicated space to share with whoever you choose.
Many onsen are found in rural and mountainous areas where geothermal activity is more prevalent, but downtown Osaka has some great options, too.
For example, Spa World has seven floors of onsen experiences, as well as steam rooms, mud baths, and saunas. It’s a place where you could easily spend a whole day. Another good spot is Nobeha No Yu Tsuruhashi in Osaka’s Koreatown, which offers both public and private onsen at reasonable prices.
That said, many hotels have their own onsen, so if you’re visiting Osaka, you can enjoy the benefits of a good soak every day of your stay!
One thing to note: Tattoos are traditionally not allowed in public onsen. In some cases, small tattoos may be covered up with a bandage before entering, but this varies from place to place. Many onsen are becoming more tattoo-friendly, especially in larger cities, but it’s always best to check the specific onsen policy ahead of time.
The Best Luxury Hotels
These 4 hotels are some of the best options to consider when you’re looking for a luxury experience. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~32,670 JPY (~$208) and ~76,330 (~$486).
Conrad
Conrad is located on the top floors of a 200-meter skyscraper. So views from the rooms are pretty amazing, especially thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows.
The hotel is centrally located between Umeda and Dotonbori, and there’s a subway station right underneath the tower that connects you to the rest of the city.
The rooms are spacious, with separate living areas and huge bathrooms with private onsen-style soaking tubs big enough for two. You can also check out the full-size onsen in the luxurious spa, which includes a big swimming pool, jacuzzis, a cold plunge, and a sauna.
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is located in the heart of the Nishi-Umeda business and shopping district, about a 5-minute walk from Umeda Station.
The place has a classic European feel with beautiful wood carvings and grand oil paintings. When you’re in Japan, it’s like stepping into a different world.
On the 6th floor, there’s a swimming pool and spa that leads to an open-air onsen set in a peaceful garden. It’s a serene little oasis amid the hustle and bustle of downtown Osaka.
W Osaka
The W is in the lively shopping and nightlife district of Shinsaibashi. The hotel has a cool, artsy vibe with bold, bright decor and unique design features in both the common areas and the rooms (which are huge, by the way).
The spa is beautifully designed around a full-length swimming pool, with a steam room and onsen for women, and a sauna and onsen for men.
The pool even has its own Wet Bar, and there’s a bar in the lobby with a DJ spinning every night.
Nono Namba
Nono Namba is located in the shopping district of Nippombashi, just around the corner from Nipponbashi Station (use exit 6) and only a 5-minute walk from Dotonbori.
This is a “no shoes” hotel with tatami mats throughout, giving it a cozy, authentic Japanese vibe.
The rooms have big, comfortable beds and blackout curtains, so you can sleep in without being woken by the sunrise.
There’s an indoor/outdoor onsen on level 2 (separated by gender), and the hotel offers free ice cream, ramen, tea, and coffee to enjoy after a soak.
The Best Mid-Range Hotels
These 4 hotels have an excellent balance between value for money and modern comforts. Their starting rates range from ~14,135 JPY (~$90) to ~21,990 JPY (~$140).
Courtyard by Marriott
This newly Marriott hotel is located in the quiet, less touristy area of Honmachi. Dotonbori is about a 20-minute walk away. Honmachi Station though, is right next door (use exit 8), so getting around the city is still quick and easy.
The rooms are clean and modern with super king-sized beds and blackout curtains, which keep out light and dampen sound, making for a peaceful night’s sleep and the chance to sleep in.
There’s also a nice open-air public onsen on the 2nd floor. With only 6 people allowed at a time, it never gets too crowded.
Resol Trinity
Resol Trinity is a small boutique hotel in a quiet, safe neighborhood next to Yodoyabashi Station, around a 20-30 minute walk to Dotonbori.
The rooms, lobby, and onsen have a peaceful, oasis-like vibe with minimalist decor and ambient lighting. The whole place is spotlessly clean, and the beds and pillows are super comfortable.
Reception staff are really helpful too, and they’ll supply you with free face masks and bath salts for a full pamper experience. Plus, if you arrive early and they have a room ready, you can get early check-in for free!
Dormy Inn Namba
Dormy Inn Namba is a 5-minute walk from the lively dining and shopping areas of Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi.
The public onsen has indoor and outdoor sections, plus saunas. It can get pretty busy during peak times, but since it’s open 24 hours a day, you can always find a good time for a relaxing soak.
Every evening from 9 to 11 pm, they offer unlimited free ramen at the post-onsen ramen bar, which is a nice bonus.
P.S. Don’t mix this place up with its sister hotel, the Dormy Inn Namba Annex across the street. That one also has a public hot spring bath, so you could check out both during your stay.
Onyado Nono
Onyado Nono is located in Osaka’s Chuo (central) district, in a quieter area but still within walking distance of Namba and Dotonbori.
This place has an authentic Japanese vibe and a shoes-off policy. It’s super clean everywhere, including the top-floor onsen. The traditional tatami mats are lovely to walk on, and they even give you special socks for free at reception.
The onsen is on the top floor in a peaceful little spa area, complete with a sauna, cold plunge, massage chairs, and even free ramen and ice cream to enjoy after a soak.
The Best Budget Hotels
These 4 places are easy on your wallet, while still providing good comfort and cleanliness. Their starting rates range from ~4,710 JPY (~$30) to ~9,110 JPY (~$58).
Monterey La Soeur
The art-deco-inspired Monterey La Soeur is just a short walk from Osaka Castle and the West entrance of Kyobashi Station on the Osaka Loop Line. It’s located in a nice quieter area, but the location is still easy to get around from.
They have a huge spa on the 16th floor with separate public onsen for men and women. There’s also an open-air bath, saunas, and various treatments like massages and facials (though those cost extra).
The rooms are spacious by Japanese standards, and the bathrooms are pretty big, too. Plus, there’s a handy convenience store on the ground floor.
Hotel Osaka Hommachi
Hotel Hommachi is located next to exit 24 of Hommachi Metro Station, making travel to other parts of the city is easy.
The onsen for men and women are located on different floors. Neither are huge, but they’re clean, warm, and good for a relaxing soak. Likewise, the rooms are a little on the small side, but they’re clean, modern, and comfortable.
From 3 pm to 10 pm, the front desk offers small complementary gifts for ladies, like lotions, perfume, and face masks. You can also test and choose your preferred pillows.
Morning Box
Morning Box is directly above Nagahoribashi Station, just a 10-minute walk from Dotonbori. The rooms are small and basic but super comfy, and the entire place is clean.
Some rooms come without a bathroom, but each floor has a shared bathroom. You can also use the onsen showers on the 10th floor. The public onsen up there is pretty well-equipped with a sauna, lockers, hairdryers, and even laundry facilities.
In the evenings, they offer free drinks in the lobby, which is a nice way to meet fellow travelers and guests.
Hotel J-ship
Hotel J-ship is just a 2-minute walk from the South exit of Namba Metro Station and about a 10-minute stroll from Dotonbori.
You can choose between a cozy capsule bed or a deluxe cabin room. Both options include free towels, pajamas, slippers, and a selection of pillows.
The hotel has separate floors for men and women, with the women’s floor secured by a key card for extra safety. Each has a powder room stocked with complimentary toiletries, so you can pack light when you stay at this hotel.
Bonus: This onsen is tattoo-friendly!
Conclusion & Summary
Onsen hotels and ryokan are often found in the countryside or the mountains, but as you can see, the city of Osaka has plenty of good onsen options, too.
And you don’t need to spend lots of money to enjoy an authentic onsen experience. That said, some higher-end hotels offer a bit more luxury if you’re looking to treat yourself.
From the hotels listed above, the best luxury option is the Conrad, for its choice of private in-room soaking tubs and the luxurious spa (not to mention, the incredible views!)
A good mid-range option is Resol Trinity for its ambient boutique hotel vibes and free onsen enhancing products. And if you’re on a budget, check out the centrally located Hotel Morning Box for its well-equipped onsen and free drinks every evening.
But no matter where you choose to stay, taking a dip in an onsen is a must-do when you’re in Osaka. And hopefully this guide has helped you find the perfect place to do it. Happy soaking! 🙂