

Osaka Bob FAMILY
Solaniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER is so much fun! Kansai’s largest hot spring theme park is a healing and entertainment spot with a satisfying rating of
Maido! Osaka Bob here.
Today I’d like to tell you all about Solaniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER (aka Solaniwa Onsen) located in Bentencho.
You may have an image of onsen as the hot springs you visit way up in the mountainous areas of Japan. So you might be surprised to find one in a city like this. In addition to the hot springs here, there are so many other things to experience, like the gourmet food, play areas, relaxation spots, and photo spots. Some people say, “Once you set foot inside, you’ll be hooked!”
I’m curious about to see if that’s really true. So let’s take a look!
*Photos posted on this blog include those taken with special permission from the facility.
(Contents)
- “Clear Skin Water” from 1,000 Meters Underground—A Special Spot in Osaka City with Natural Hot Springs
- Stroll Through Rooftop Japanese Garden at This Unique Hot Spring
- 7 Amazing Bedrock Baths—The Saunas are a Must!
- Fun for Photos! Walk around and Snap Some Shots!
- Something for Everyone, from Manga to Beauty Salons to Gourmet Food
- How to Get to Solaniwa Onsen. Access from USJ and the Osaka/Kansai Expo Venue
- Business Hours and Prices
- Using Solaniwa Onsen with Tattoos
Meters Underground—A Special Spot in Osaka City with Natural Hot Springs
Now, where should we begin? Because Solaniwa Onsen is huge.
Even if you look at the map, you can see there are so many facilities listed.
But first and foremost, this is a hot spring! So let’s start with the baths!
The special thing about Solaniwa Onsen is that you can enjoy natural hot springs even right in the center of Osaka.
The slightly alkaline natural hot spring water that is pumped from 1,000 meters underground is called “Clear Skin Water” because it breaks down dead skin cells without irritating the skin.
Let’s take a look at what kind of baths there are.
Source Spring Bath
This luxurious bath uses natural hot water flowing directly from the source underground, the “Clear Skin Water”. It is real natural hot spring water that is not artificially heated or supplemented with outside water!
Garden-viewing Bath
The best infinity bath at Solaniwa Onsen, where you can enjoy the view of the Japanese garden. The window has a one-way mirror, so you can see the garden from the bath, but you can’t see the bath from the garden.
Enjoy a luxurious moment soaking in the hot water while enjoying the outdoor scenery.
*Please note that when it is dark outside, the shutter will be closed and you will not be able to see the garden from the bath!
Outdoor Baths
This natural hot spring is circulated using a filtration system. The surrounding plants and rocky fixtures give this bath the atmosphere of a hot spring inn. This open-air bath also has a reclining section where you can soak in the hot water while lying down.
Silk Bath
The cloudy white air bubbles contain plenty of negative ions and the bath water looks like silk. The micro bubbles can remove waste products from your pores. Expect a relaxing effect from this bath.
Carbonated Bath
The high concentration of carbonic acid is supposed to promote blood circulation and improve stiff shoulders. The water temperature is between 37–38 degrees Celsius, close to body temperature. You can expect better results if you soak in this bath for about 15 minutes.
Seasonal Baths
These baths have completely different scents depending on the season. Enjoy the aromatic effects of each one!
Check the calendar to see what the aroma is when you visit. (JP only)
https://solaniwa.com/news_category/eventcalendar/
I found this relaxing spot near the bathtub. It’s nice to rest your body when you’re feeling too hot!
There are also private open-air baths that are great for families. And the Finnish sauna is gaining popularity among the younger generation and women. It is said to soothe the mind and body.
I can’t believe you can enjoy so many different kinds of baths in one place. Then again, this is one of the largest hot spring facilities in all of Kansai!
Stroll Through Rooftop Japanese Garden at This Unique Hot Spring
Taking a bath in itself can be quite fulfilling. However, we haven’t even gotten to the other features of Solaniwa Onsen.
Next, let’s go look at the Japanese garden on the roof.
This Japanese garden spans an area of approximately 3,300 square meters or over 3,500 square feet. This is the garden you can see from the garden bath. It’s absolutely incredible!
In the Japanese garden, which features a large pond, waterfall, and seasonal flowers and trees, you can stroll about in your yukata robe. And you can stop to soak your feet in the footbath.
The Thousand Torii arches in the garden are particularly beautiful in photos. This spot reminds me of Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto. Lots of people stop here to pose for pictures with their smartphones.
At the top of the stairs, next to the torii gates is a restaurant called Tenga Chaya.
They sell food and craft beer that can be enjoyed in the Japanese garden. Plus they accept reservations for BBQ (summer only) and kotatsu hotpots (autumn/winter) that can be enjoyed on the outdoor open terrace as well (*contents are subject to change) .
They also rent out lanterns.
Unfortunately, it was daytime during my visit, so I couldn’t really capture the elegance of the lanterns.
However, if you take a walk through the Japanese garden at night with a lantern, you will be able to experience a special atmosphere!
7 Amazing Bedrock Baths—The Saunas are a Must!
Let’s step back inside and continue exploring the facilities.
The first thing you might see is this bedrock bath that slowly warms your body from the core with the dry sauna’s far-infrared rays.
The signs on the walls look so nice against the Japanese patterns. The entire facility is very spacious, giving it a sense of openness.
There are 7 different types of bedrock saunas at Solaniwa Onsen. I thought that bedrock saunas were simple and you are simply warmed up on a flat surface, but there are actually so many different types here. Expect lots of relaxation and detox effects!
Jingu-Bo
The room temperature inside is approximately 70 degrees and the sauna stones are gathered in the center of this spacious room. You can fully enjoy this sauna, which will get you sweating with the steam from pouring water onto the stones.
Kawadoko-Bo
Kawadoko-bo is located on the corridor leading to Jingu-bo, and it’s for people who want to warm up slowly at a low temperature. Many people enjoy this area while having a conversations with friends or partners.
Enden-Bo
The room temperature here is about 60 degrees. Negative ions and far-infrared rays emitted from the rock salt warm your body from the core. It seems to be effective in promoting blood circulation and relieving fatigue!
Tsuboniwa-Bo
The room temperature here is medium-low, at about 40 degrees. Artificial sunlight can stimulate the body to produce vitamin D, which is supposed to improve weak constitutions and colds. The atmosphere in this sauna is great too!
Zashiki-Bo
The room temperature here is about 45 degrees, approximately the same as in Tsuboniwa-bo. The charm of this sauna is that you can relax in the calm space on the tatami mats.
Nanban-Bo
The Nanban-bo has a room temperature of about 40 degrees and it’s a mist sauna that is gentle on the skin and hair. Enjoy a relaxing time gazing at the stained glass from the bedrock reclined seating!
Seiryu-Bo
The room temperature here is about 10 degrees. Use this room to cool down. There is no wind inside, so it’s comforting for your body.
It is hard to decide which sauna room to choose!
By the way, my friend who loves hot springs was raving about the saunas here, saying, “The Japanese qualifying round for the Aufguss World Championship, which decides the Aufguss master in all of Japan, was held in the Solaniwa Jingu-bo sauna! Bob, you should definitely try it!”
Aufguss is the performance in which aromatic water is poured onto heated sauna stones, and the steam and aroma rising from the sauna stones is propelled towards customers using towels or other objects.
I see, it’s experiential entertainment using heat and aromas. It certainly does seem like a lot of fun!
Fun for Photos! Walk around and Snap Some Shots!
There are also plenty of spots to snap a photo inside Solaniwa Onsen! Just walking around the building is so much fun!
After you’ve soaked in the famous hot springs, enjoyed the bedrock bath, and your complexion has improved overall, there’s still more to do. Next, let’s take a look at the photo spots inside Solaniwa Onsen.
Starting with Benten Street!
Benten Street
Solaniwa Onsen is a space that combines traditional Japanese styles with the modern. It almost feels like a trip back in time to old Osaka. The space, with its drum-shaped bridge, lanterns, and gorgeous decorations that are reminiscent of folding screen paintings, feels a bit like a theme park!
It reminds some people of the Aburaya bathouse that was shown in the Ghibli movie “Spirited Away”! In the movie, Aburaya was a place where the eight million gods could relax and unwind from their daily fatigue.
On either side of Benten Street, where the drum bridge is located, you’ll see Kuidaore-Yokocho, where you can find a variety of gourmet foods, and Asobidokoro, where you can find shooting galleries, crane games, and other carnival favorites. I started to wonder if I was really in a hot spring facility?
Kaian Street
On Kaian Street, which connects the front desk and Benten Street, colorful Vietnamese lanterns scattered overhead are reflected in the mirrors on both walls, creating a fantastical evironment!
It’s been one of the most popular spots for photos since the spa first opened. It may be the first thing people think of when they imagine Solaniwa Onsen’s “photogenic spots.”
Ebisu Statue
As you head from Kaian Street to Benten Street, you’ll be greeted by this grinning statue of the lucky deity Ebisu. His face actually has three sides, which are all connected.
The statue is pretty big, and it makes quite an impact!
You may say it’s scary? I say, it’s Ebisu, one of the Seven Lucky Gods, who is extremely well-known in Japan as the god of good fortune. Please don’t insult him by calling him scary.
His nickname is “Goru-chan.” His presence is considered a blessing, and if you take a photo with him, you’re supposed to be blessed with good fortune.
It was close to Christmas when I visited, so there was a Christmas tree and presents set up next to him. Goru-chan started to take on the air of Santa Claus.
Tenga-Chaya
At Tenga-Chaya, the restaurant I mentioned above when talking about the Japanese garden, there is a wall completely covered in colorful lanterns.
The lantern wall is so stylish.
You could take any number of photos here. What a great collection of backdrops!
Something for Everyone, from Manga to Beauty Salons to Gourmet Food
We’ve already covered the hot springs, Japanese gardens, bedrock baths, and photo spots. Solaniwa Onsen is so full of things to do, and there is still so many more places to see. Here goes…
Recliner & Book Area
This section has about 15,000 manga and magazines. You can sit back and relax in the recliner chairs.
There are individual TVs, AC power outlets, and recliner chairs with USB ports. But be careful. Once you get hooked, you can’t leave.
Kuidaore-Yokocho
Located along Benten Street, Kuidaore-Yokocho offers a variety of Osaka favorites, including seasonal delicacies and hearty set meals.
The restaurant is modeled after large-scale restaurant that served the workers who built Osaka Castle. The interior is a bright and lively.
Gashapon Department Store: Solaniwa Onsen
Across from the huge Ebisu statue you’ll find the Solaniwa Onsen Gashapon Department Store. Once inside, you’ll see an area with a modern Japanese atmosphere befitting Solaniwa Onsen, with around 700 capsule toy machines in a row. It’s really an incredible sight!
The whole “department store” name isn’t just for show! Wherever you look, there are capsule toy machines! It’s exciting to think of the possibilities. What kind of capsule toys will you find when you get here? There’s even a photo spot where you can take “gashapon” photos.
It looks like this. Can you tell what this is?
Let’s take a close-up look at the background booth in the middle.
Look closely and you’ll see, this is Benten Street from Solaniwa Onsen!
It’s such a realistic reproduction! Place the gashapon toys you bought into the photo backdrop and take a special picture.
*The background booths may be different when you visit.
So essentially, Solaniwa Onsen has everything, the relaxation and beauty salon Keirakuin, a nail salon, a hair dye specialist, a fitness gym, teeth whitening, a beauty and wellness corner with a gold leaf mask, and face-pack specialty store. And did I mention, the Japanese garden is lit up at night?
There are spaces to rest throughout the whole building, so it’s definitely a place where you can enjoy yourself all day. I knew it wasn’t just a hot spring facility before coming here, but I didn’t realize it was going to be this good… Solaniwa Onsen is absolutely amazing!!
How to Get to Solaniwa Onsen. Access from USJ and the Osaka/Kansai Expo Venue
Solaniwa Onsen, with all of its extraordinary experiences, is located in Bentencho, Osaka.
That makes it only three JR stations away from Universal Studios Japan (with a transfer at Nishikujo Station). If you take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line from Solaniwa Onsen, you can also get to the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo site on one train line!
By Train
The nearest station is Bentencho Station on both the JR Osaka Loop Line or Osaka Metro Chuo Line. These are two distinct stations but they are directly connected to each other.
If you are coming from Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line, and if you are coming from Shin-Osaka Station, take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, transfer at Honmachi Station to the Chuo Line for the easiest route.
From JR Osaka Loop Line Bentencho Station
The North ticket gate of the station is the most convenient.
After exiting the ticket gate, follow the signs for “Solaniwa Onsen” which will guide you right to the facility.
From Osaka Metro Bentencho Station
After exiting the West ticket gate, head for Exit 2-A.
Enter Osaka Bay Tower and go straight along the road lined with shops on both sides.
By Car
Osaka Bay Tower, where Solaniwa Onsen is located, has an underground parking lot that can accommodate 1,100 cars.
If you present your parking ticket at the Solaniwa Onsen reception, you will receive a service voucher worth 800 yen, for 2 hours worth of free parking.
Business Hours and Prices
Solaniwa Onsen business hours are from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm (the large bath can be used until 22:30).
Admission varies depending on the day of the week and time of day, but for reference, here are the different rates.
Adult (Ticket Type)
A 2,310 yen
B 2,640 yen
C 3,080 yen
D 3,300 yen
E 3,630 yen
Additionally, the fee for children (ages 4 to elementary school students) is a flat fee of 1,320 yen (free for those under 4). The fee for those 70 years old and over is 1,800 yen.
*Bath tax (150 yen) required separately.
*Osaka City Bath Tax applies to adult bath fees of 1,501 yen or more (not taxable for elementary school students and younger).
For more information, please see the official website.
●Solaniwa Onsen Official Website
https://solaniwa.com/en-us/
Amenities such as yukata robes, bath towels, and shampoo are all included in the admission fee, so all you need to bring are the clothes you’re wearing.
If you’re looking for relaxation in Osaka, Solaniwa Onsen is a great choice. Relax in comfort!
Using Solaniwa Onsen with Tattoos
While Solaniwa Onsen would not be considered a tattoo-friendly onsen, the facility is somewhat tattoo tolerant. They do not allow patrons with tattoos that cannot be covered into the shared bathing facilities. However, they do sell stickers to conceal tattoos in 3 different sizes. If you purchase tattoo concealing stickers from Solaniwa to sufficiently cover your body art, they will allow you into the facility. See here for more details:
https://solaniwa.com/en-us/news/tattoos/

Osaka Bob FAMILY
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