15 Best Osaka Ryokan with Private Onsen (2024)

Explore the real Osaka and discover its local charm, cuisine, and culture.

For many visitors to Japan, Osaka is a must-see destination. Its ease of access by train and many attractions include Universal Studios Japan, Osaka Castle, and the Umeda Sky Building to name a few, as well as its reputation for being ‘Japan’s kitchen’, one of the most famous food cities in Japan, make it a popular draw for international and domestic tourists.

Perhaps not as well-known is its surprising range and choice of different natural hot springs. From the slimy ‘beauty’ hot springs of the south to the muddy kinsen (iron and salt-based), and ginsen (cypress-based) baths which are popular throughout, your trip to Osaka would be incomplete without a visit to an onsen!

Be sure to also check out my Ultimate 1-Day Osaka Itinerary for First-Time Visitors, or if you’re heading to nearby Kobe, my Kobe Itinerary. I’ve also put together a 3-day Kyoto itinerary for you if you’re heading to Kyoto!

For travelers who are feeling shy, mixed-gender couples who want to try an onsen together, or perhaps for those with tattoos, a private onsen experience is more appropriate and enjoyable than using public baths.

In this article, you’ll find 15 of the best Osaka ryokan with private onsen in 2024 that you can book online for the ultimate hot spring experience!

Important Information about Ryokan and Onsen Baths You Need to Know!

It’s essential to know the difference between the various kinds of baths before booking your accommodation to avoid disappointment. In this article we’ve included a mix of different properties (ryokan, hotels, and private holiday homes) that offer different kinds of private open-air baths and private onsen, I have included a breakdown of the differences in more detail at the bottom of this article. Click here to skip to the end.

Contents:

• Downtown Osaka
• North Osaka Prefecture
• South Osaka Prefecture
• Arima Onsen

Top 3 Picks: Best Osaka Ryokan with Private Onsen

15 Best Osaka Ryokan with Private Onsen in 2024

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Osaka Ryokan with Private Onsen – Downtown Osaka

1. Konjaku-so Osaka Castle South

Rating: 9 | Location: Higashinari Ward

Check prices and availability at Konjaku-so Osaka Castle South

Konjaku-so is quite a unique type of accommodation in that it is a luxury vacation rental, rather than a hotel or ryokan. The Osaka Castle South property featured above is one of eight owned by Konjaku-so and offers guests their own private hot spring bath as seen above.

The property has been described around the concept of a ‘crane garden’, the crane representing health and long life in Japan. It features free WiFi, a balcony garden, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen. Ideal for a family or groups of friends.

“Very comfortable and well equipped. The outdoor (sheltered) bath is very nice. Freebies including cake and drinks in the fridge were very nice.”

– GRAHAM (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Sanadayama Park
• Okachiyama Tomb
• Tsuruhashi train station (3-minute walk)
• Osaka Castle (short train ride North)

Check prices and availability at Konjaku-so Osaka Castle South

2. The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa

Rating: 8.5 | Location: Konohana Ward

Check prices and availability at The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa

Located close to the bay, just a 30-minute drive from Osaka International Airport, the hotel is on the doorstep of Universal Studios Japan. It offers a range of public and private hot spring baths. There is an open-air onsen available in the hotel for guests however for a private bathing experience, it is recommended to book a suite with a spa bath.

Breakfast can be included however restaurants can also be found nearby. The hotel also offers free parking, WiFi for guests, a Sauna, and additional spa facilities available upon request.

“The private outdoor bath attached to the room was incredible. What a great way to relax. The close proximity to the train station and Universal Studios was also fantastic.”

– ANDREW (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Universal City station (a few minutes’ walk)
• Osaka Aquarium
• Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
• Universal Studios Japan

Check prices and availability at The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa

3. Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi

Rating: 8.6 | Location: Naniwa Ward

Check prices and availability at Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi

This popular hotel located in the heart of downtown Osaka is ideal for visitors looking to explore the city. With free pocket WiFi and cycle hire, and with so many attractions within a 15 to 30-minute walk, you will have plenty to keep you busy all day.

After a busy day of exploration, take advantage of the complimentary drinks and Japanese dishes including sushi and ramen served every night at the hotel buffet. Then take a dip in the public bath and sauna which is free to guests, or a private family hot spring can be booked for an additional cost at the front desk.

“Great location and close to a lot of transport routes. Nice cleaning products in the bedrooms. Decent-sized room. Private and public onsen offered, free massage chair after onsen. The beer and alcohol offered in the dining area and free ramen was great!”

– CHRIS (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Tsutenkaku (4-minute walk)
• Horikoshi Jinja
• Spa World
• Kuromon Ichiba indoor market (16-minute walk)

Check prices and availability at Osaka Hinode Hotel Nipponbashi

4. Hotel Hanshin Osaka

Rating: 8.1 | Location: Fukushima Ward

Check prices and availability at Hotel Hanshin Osaka

In the heart of the city, close to Fukushima station, the Hotel Hanshin Osaka is large, modern, and extremely well situated. It also offers a hot spring experience, unlike any other hotel or ryokan on this list. In addition to the usual large public hot spring baths available to guests and to the public, hot spring water is also pumped into every en suite bathroom.

After checking in to your Japanese or western-style room it is recommended you fill your bathtub with the yellow spring water and leave it to cool. Go and enjoy a meal at one of the hotel’s restaurants. The water temperature can be as high as 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

“I liked the hot spring water comes out of tap. Had a nice bath. Also the staff were very friendly. The location was perfect as well. Minutes away on foot from the closest station. Last but not least, the room was clean.”

– ASAKO (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Ensuite hot spring bathtubs
• On-site spa and wellness center (baths, hot tubs, and saunas)
• Umeda entertainment district (10-minute walk)
• Osaka station (10-minute walk)

Check prices and availability at Hotel Hanshin Osaka

Osaka Ryokan with Private Onsen – North Osaka Prefecture

5. Ryokan Fushiokaku

Rating: 7.9 | Location: Ikeda City

Check prices and availability at Ryokan Fushiokaku

Nature lovers will enjoy this scenic and popular onsen ryokan which features indoor and outdoor natural hot springs, as well as a traditional Japanese multi-course dining experience, or buffet.

The traditional Japanese rooms include tatami mats and futon bedding however they also include modern conveniences such as flat-screen TV, a kettle, and a fridge. A karaoke room is available for booking, and there is a large outdoor pool that is open in the warmer months.

The communal large bath is available to all guests however, visitors who would prefer a private onsen experience should book the Japanese-style room with a family bath.

“The service was exceptional, and the staff was very helpful at check-in, breakfast, and check-out. The location was serene and the private onsen was worth the time and price.”

– VICTORIA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Outdoor Swimming Pool
• Karaoke Room
• On-site restaurant
• Minoh Falls & Park (25-minute drive)

Check prices and availability at Ryokan Fushiokaku

6. Sansuikan

Rating: 9.3 | Location: Takatsuki City

Check prices and availability at Sansuikan

Sansuikan Ryokan offers guests a relaxing and somewhat isolated stay and onsen experience amongst the trees of the scenic Settsukyo Park.

There are various local attractions within a five-mile radius including the Imashirotsuka Ancient Museum, the Takatsuki Municipal History and Folklore Museum, and the imposing Takayama Ukon Statue of a well-known Christian feudal lord.

Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and a selection of different communal hot spring baths, which they claim aids in both pain and stress relief, or you can book one of their Japanese-style rooms which includes your own private family bath with a river view.

“We went here for our honeymoon. It is such a beautiful place nestled along a river. The room was massive with its own outdoor bath looking out to the trees and over the river as well. Thank you for such a special experience.”

– JADE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Room with private open-air bath
• Hot spring public bath
• Settsukyo Gorge (2-minute walk)
• Hurakata Theme Park (25-minute drive)

Check prices and availability at Sansuikan

7. Hotel Wakamizu

Rating: 7.9 | Location: Yumoto City

Check prices and availability at Hotel Wakamizu

A 5-minute walk from Takarazuka station, and a 25-minute train journey from Osaka station, Hotel Wakamizu sits in the Northwestern region of the city and offers itself as an ideal base from which to explore the nearby major cities.

There is a large open-air bath and an indoor bath in the hotel which is available to all guests, or a cypress private family bath available for families and couples to book. As with many of the other ryokans in the area, seasonal and beautifully prepared Japanese cuisine is as important for their guests as their onsen facilities. This can be enjoyed in the Japanese restaurant, bar lounge, or banquet hall.

“You can also enjoy the hot spring with an open-air bath, and for one person to stay for one night without meals, the price and location are the best environments.”

– SHIODA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Karaoke Room
• Free Wifi
• Namaze Suido Bridge – Narrowest bridge in Japan (18-minute walk)
• The Ozamu Tezuka Manga Museum (10-minute walk)

Check prices and availability at Hotel Wakamizu

Osaka Ryokan with Private Onsen – South Osaka Prefecture

8. Yadori Onsen Iyashinoyu

Rating: 8.4 | Location: Hashimoto City

Check prices and availability at Yadori Onsen Iyashinoyu

Yadori Onsen Iyashinoyu can be found just across the southern border of Osaka prefecture in rural Hashimoto City. The hotel accommodation is unique on this list in that guests can book one of four cottage-type buildings complete with a living room, kitchen, bathroom, and loft. Two of the four buildings also include private hot springs.

In the main building, there is a public ‘sodium-bicarbonate’ hot spring bath available for an additional cost. The spring water is slimy and moisturizes your skin, which gives it the name ‘beauty hot spring’.

There is also an on-site restaurant offering guests seasonal and local dishes.

“I liked the location of the hot spring inn in a quiet place in the mountains. The employees also treated us very kindly.”

– MAMORU (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Private Cottages
• Yukata rental
• Koyasan Reihokan Museum (27-minute drive)
• Tamagawa-kyo Gorge (7-minute drive)

Check prices and availability at Yadori Onsen Iyashinoyu

9. Ryokan Nanten-en

Rating: 9.2 | Location: Kawachinagano City

Check prices and availability at Ryokan Nanten-en

A 40-minute train journey from Osaka, in the rural south of the prefecture, Ryokan Nantenen is as beautiful as its surroundings thanks to the large and immaculate Japanese gardens.

Nanten-en offers a very traditional onsen ryokan experience, from its architecture to its accommodation, onsen, and cuisine. The ryokan is a great way to experience Japanese ryokan culture the same way it has been enjoyed for hundreds of years.

The ryokan claims its public radium natural hot springs refresh your metabolism and boost your immune system. However, guests who prefer some privacy can also enjoy the Seiryuu-tei open-air hot spring annex, available for 2-6 guests.

“50 minutes by subway from Namba Station, the antique building, the Japanese garden with autumn leaves, the atmosphere, the hot spring, the meal, the cleanliness, and the friendliness were all completely satisfactory.”

– SURAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• An Irori room (A traditional Japanese sunken fireplace)
• Yukata rentals
• Breakfast in the Shunju banquet hall
• Swimming pool (available in summer months)

Check prices and availability at Ryokan Nanten-en

10. Kamenoi Hotel

Rating: 7.5 | Location: Tondabayashi City

Check prices and availability at Kamenoi Hotel

Also located in the southern part of the prefecture, the Kamenoi Hotel sits on the summit of Mt. Dake, offering guests incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

The luxurious hotel, which is also an onsen ryokan, offers a choice of traditional Japanese rooms (tatami mats), and western-style rooms, as well as ones that include a private outdoor hot spring bath. Guests can also make use of the communal indoor and open-air hot spring baths available in the hotel.

The hotel has several other features which will make for a fun stay, including a karaoke room, observation deck, shop, tennis court, and a buffet restaurant.

“I was able to relax in the hot springs, and I was satisfied overall because the scenery was good because it was on a hill.”

– ANONYMOUS (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• On-site hotel shop
• Karaoke Room
• Tennis Court
• Tondabayashi Jinaimachi, Edo period old town (15-minute drive)

Check prices and availability at Kamenoi Hotel

11. Fudouguchikan

Rating: 9.2 | Location: Izumisano City

Check prices and availability at Fudouguchikan

Close to the southern border of Osaka prefecture, Inunakiyama Onsen Fudouguchikan sits on the bank of the Kashii River. This traditional Japanese inn offers separate male and female open-air onsen heated from the nearby Mount Inunaki. For an additional cost, guests can also book the private open-air family bath with a view of the nearby river, available for families and couples.

Many of the guest rooms are Japanese style and also include a private hot spring bath. Additional facilities include massage treatments available to book, a souvenir shop, and the ryokan also offers a range of local and seasonal dishes in their rooms or in the banquet hall.

“Nice hot spring hotel with incredible view and services.”

– ANONYMOUS (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Spa Facilities
• Souvenir Shop
• Tower Waterfall, Shipporyu-ji Temple (10-minute drive)
• Mount Inunaki (5-minute drive)

Check prices and availability at Fudouguchikan

Osaka Ryokan with Private Onsen – Arima Onsen (Hyogo)

Although technically Arima Onsen is located in neighboring Hyogo Prefecture, its close proximity to downtown Osaka makes it relevant for this list. It takes just 60 minutes to reach Arima Onsen by bus from Osaka Station or you can take a combination of trains instead. This beautiful and historical spa resort town is one of the most well-known hot-spring towns in Japan so well worth a visit if you have time!

12. Arima Hot Spring Ryokan Hanamusubi

Rating: 8.6 | Location: Arima City

Check prices and availability at Arima Hot Spring Ryokan Hanahusubi

Located in Arima onsen, the hot spring town that claims to be the oldest spring in Japan, Hanamusubi focuses on expressing the four seasons with flowers that decorate the ryokan both inside and out.

There is a restaurant onsite that prides itself on a variety of traditional Japanese seasonal dishes, including black beef from Hyogo prefecture, and Kobe beef. The dishes are as beautiful as they are delicious.

The indoor and open-air onsen claim to help with muscle pain relief and fatigue. For guests looking for some privacy, there are five types of rooms which include open-air kinsen hot spring baths.

“Hospitality is top notched. Slept on tatami flooring. meals served to our room and the onsen on the top floor was nice! we were even able to select our dinner course for the second night! super!”

– EMILIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Coffee shop & bar (first floor)
• On-site shop
• Zuihoji Koen Park (8-minute walk)
• Free shuttle service (10-minute walk)

Check prices and availability at Arima Hot Spring Ryokan Hanahusubi

13. Hatago

Rating: 9.1 | Location: Arima City

Check prices and availability at Hatago

This 3-star ryokan opened in 2002 and gained a reputation for its high quality and ‘cooking in front of guests’ dining experience. Since then, the ryokan has invested heavily in its onsen facilities, making kinsen open-air baths available to guests in every room. Compared with others on this list, the ryokan focuses on a more luxurious experience for adults.

The ryokan continues to place an emphasis on its seasonal kaiseki Japanese cuisine produced by celebrated master chef Tadamichi Ota, who appeared on the television series Japanese Iron Chef. Guests can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and the ryokan’s Japanese garden from their private open-air onsen.

“The Private Onsen at the hotel is good.“

– JUNE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Private open-air onsen in every room
• Kaiseki cuisine prepared by celebrated Japanese chef Tadamichi Ota
• Taiko Waterfall (6-minute drive)
• Mt. Rokko Tenran Observatory (20-minute drive)

Check prices and availability at Hatago

14. Okuno Hosomichi

Rating: 9.1 | Location: Arima City

Check prices and availability at Okuno Hosomichi

Neatly located close to several popular local attractions in the Arima onsen area, Okuno Hosomichi invites guests to enjoy their unique and creative dishes such as Unaki nabe ‘sea of clouds pot’, prepared by their award-winning chef.

The ryokan consists of two buildings, the main building, which was only completed in 2017, and the annex which was recently renovated. Many of the Japanese and western-style suites available also include private golden hot spring baths which the area is famous for.

In the main building large golden and silver hot spring open-air baths are available to guests, as well as an indoor golden bath available for private booking.

“Wonderful ryokan. Staff friendly and catered to every need. Fabulous meal and loved the private pools in our large comfortable room. Would definitely stay again.“

– LEON (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Uniquely designed kaiseki cuisine
• Free shuttle bus service
• Tsuzumigataki Waterfall (2-minute drive)
• Chapel of the Wind (25-minute drive)

Check prices and availability at Okuno Hosomichi

15. Arima Gyoen

Rating: 8.4 | Location: Arima City

Check prices and availability at Arima Gyoen

One of the more luxurious onsen experiences on this list, Arima Gyoen opened more than 70 years ago as a modest ryokan and has since grown in size and popularity. It is one of the few onsens in the area which offers guests two types of natural hot springs: kinsen (iron and salt-based), and ginsen (cypress-based). The larger kinsen and ginsen baths are communal, but the ryokan also offers several traditional Japanese rooms with their own hot spring.

In addition, the ryokan offers a range of seasonal and well-known Japanese dishes, such as nabe and Kobe beef, which are available to guests in the on-site restaurant in their own rooms.

“The staff were all very polite and helpful, and the onsens were well designed and a great addition. The food was really delicious and there was plenty.“

– ASHA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Features:

• Both Kinsen (iron & salt) and Ginsen (cypress) open-air baths are available
• Seasonal Japanese kaiseki (traditional 12-course meals)
• Rokko-Arima Ropeway (20-minute walk)
• Kawakami Waterfalls (8-minute drive)

Check prices and availability at Arima Gyoen

Important Information about Ryokan and Onsen Baths You Need to Know!

Rotenburo – a private open-air bath or a private bath that is outside is called a rotenburo (露天風呂) in Japanese. It’s important to note that not all rotenburo are onsen. A lot of the time, rotenburo attached to hotel guest rooms just use ordinary hot water, not natural hot spring water which contains different minerals, but sometimes you’ll find guestrooms whose rotenburo do use onsen (hot spring) water too. These kinds of properties tend to be more common in rural locations rather than big cities and in more luxurious and expensive ryokan.

It’s worth mentioning that even if a rotenburo doesn’t use actual hot spring water, it’s still a wonderful experience at the end of a busy day sightseeing to relax and soak in the open-air bath admiring your Japanese garden or veranda.

Kashikiri – a kashikiri (貸切風呂) is a private onsen bath that can be reserved in a ryokan for couples and families exclusively to use, usually at an extra cost. A kashikiri will most likely contain real onsen hot spring water and all the enriching minerals that come with it. You can usually reserve them for an hour or two with the front desk but obviously the bigger and busier the ryokan, the harder it will be to confirm a reservation so it’s best to do this as early as possible during your stay.

Heading to Osaka? Be sure to check out my 1-day Osaka itinerary article which includes one-day sightseeing plans for first-time visitors, families, couples, foodies, and culture lovers!