An open-air bath within earshot of mountain streams (“Seseragi no Yu”; bath, Fudouguchikan, Inunakiyama Hot Spring)

Osaka may be known for its metropolitan image, but it is surrounded by lush mountains. Just a short way outside the city are numerous onsen (hot spring) resorts that offer a place of relaxation in this natural setting. In this edition, we would like to introduce you to the charms of onsen resorts that are a little bit different from the metropolitan hotspots.

Mt. Inunaki, where the forests and the waterfalls create a beautiful harmony

Mt. Inunaki (Inunakiyama) is home to verdant forests and a total of 48 waterfalls, large and small. The Inunakiyama Hot Spring is located at the foot of this mountain, renowned for its mystical atmosphere.

In this onsen area, visitors can enjoy the seasonal beauty of Osaka, from cherry blossoms in spring and fireflies in summer to the foliage aflame with red and yellow in autumn. There are ryokan (Japanese-style inns) along the mountain stream to allow visitors to enjoy the onsen within earshot of mountain streams.

The resort is just 30 minutes’drive from the Kansai International Airport, and is perfect for travelers due to its close location to the airport, many of whom can visit there on their arrival and departure for a trip.

A garden-style open-air bath at Fushio Hot Spring (“Kinugake no Yu” bath, Fushioukaku, Fushio Hot Spring)

From the Ikoma mountain range, the luminous tapestry of Osaka Plain at night.

There are also unique onsen that are about 30 minutes away from the center of Osaka's downtown. At Ishikiri Hot Spring, located at the foot of Mt. Ikoma (Ikomasan) in eastern Osaka, visitors can enjoy taking an onsen bath while gazing over the shining expanse of Osaka at night.

Also, Fushio Hot Spring in northern Osaka is popular for the beautiful seasonal views from the open-air bathing area.

Major hot springs (onsen) in Osaka Prefecture

Amami Onsen 〈Simple radioactive〉
  Nanten-en
  158 Amami, Kawachinagano-shi
  +81-721-68-8081 http://www.e-oyu.com/

Ishikiri Onsen 〈Simple weakly radioactive〉
  Hotel Seiryu
  1-11-12 Kamiishikiri-cho, Higashiosaka-shi
  +81-72-981-5001 http://www.hotelseiryu.com/

Inunakiyama Onsen 〈Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3)〉
  Inunaki Grand Hotel Kisenkaku
    2240 Ogi, Izumisano-shi
    +81-72-459-7200 http://www.kisenkaku.co.jp/
  Fudouguchikan
    7 Ogi, Izumisano-shi
    +81-72-459-7326 http://www.fudouguchikan.com/
  Minami-tei
    2236 Ogi, Izumisano-shi
    +81-72-459-7336 http://www.minamitei.com/
  Yumoto Onsenso
    2234 Ogi, Izumisano-shi +81-72-459-7015

Ushitaki Onsen 〈Sodium high chloride salts (NaCl)〉
  Iyoyakanosato
  1156 Osawa-cho, Kishiwada-shi
  +81-72-479-2641 http://www.iyoyaka.jp/index_f.html

Okumizuma Onsen 〈Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3)〉
  Okumizuma Onsen
  3159 Kotsumi, Kaizuka-shi
  +81-72-478-8511 http://www.okumizuma.com

Kashida Onsen 〈Mineral〉
  Takatsuki Shinrin Kanko Center
  2 Matodani Koaza, Tano, Takatsuki-shi
  +81-72-688-9400

Shionoyu Onsen 〈Sodium-Calcium hydrogen carbonate (Na・Ca-HCO3) /
Sodium hydrogen carbonate(NaHCO3)/chloride salts (NaCl)〉
  Shionoyu Onsen
  317 Morigami, Nose-cho, Toyono-gun
  +81-72-734-0021 http://www.shionoyu.co.jp/

Settsukyo Onsen 〈Simple weakly radioactive mineral (cold spring)〉
  Kajikaso
  5-1-1 Tsukawaki, Takatsuki-shi
  +81-72-688-6426 http://www.kajikasou.net/

Hananosato Onsen 〈Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) / Simple alkaline with radon (Rn)〉
  Sansuikan
  3-2-2 Hara, Takatsuki-shi
  +81-72-687-4567 http://homepage2.nifty.com/hananosat-sansuikan/

Fushio Onsen 〈Simple weakly radioactive mineral (cold spring)
  Fushioukaku
  128-1 Fushio-cho, Ikeda-shi
  +81-72-751-3540 http://www.fushioukaku.co.jp/

Minoh Onsen 〈Sodium hydrogen carbonate (NaHCO3) / chloride salts (NaCl)〉
  Hotel Minoh
  1-1 Onsen-cho, Minoh-shi
  +81-72-723-2323 http://minoo-onsen.co.jp/hotel-minoo/

From: Brand-New Osaka vol.4 (2007.4.)