Japan Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Osaka
Osaka skyline view from a treatment room at Four Seasons Hotel Osaka
Osaka is Japan's third largest city after Tokyo and Yokohama, which means there is plenty to explore when it comes to cultural attractions, dining destinations, nightlife, and more. While Osaka is home to historic sites like the 16th century Osaka Castle, it's juxtaposed with opportunities for modern entertainment like a visit to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (the largest aquarium in Japan) and Universal Studios Japan. There's also Dotonbori, a lively entertainment district famous for its street food and nightlife scene, buzzing with energy and neon lights—it's considered Osaka's Times Square.
From opportunities to explore heritage sites to trendy hotspots, Osaka has it all, but don’t forget to relax. Make time to zen out at one of Osaka's best spas:
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Insider’s Tips to Know Before You Go:
If you have tattoos, check with the spa directly to make sure it is a tattoo-friendly destination. Some spas in Japan do not allow guests with tattoos to use their facilities.
Many spas with onsen bathing areas do not allow bathing suits. If you prefer privacy, some destinations have private onsen bathing areas that can be reserved for an additional fee.
It is customary to take your shoes off before entering the spa/onsen. It is also the custom to shower and wash your hair before using the onsen bath. This helps keep the destination clean and hygienic.
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Best Spas at Osaka Hotels and Resorts:
Away Spa at W Osaka
Relaxation area at Away Spa at W Osaka
4 Chome-1-3 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0081, Japan; +81 6-6484-5355
Opened in 2021 in the heart of Osaka City, The W Osaka is Japan's first W. The hotel embraces the brand's signature free-spirited style with a design aesthetic that playfully merges simple with extravagant. Inspired by Osaka's neon streets, the hotel's 337 rooms feature bright spaces, clean lines, and bold colors. The hotel is an exciting more recent addition to the local hotel scene, bringing a spirited spin on luxury, delicious gourmet cuisine, and an array of wellness offerings.
Away Spa at W Osaka offers relaxing restorative services in 5 treatment rooms, including a couples room. The hotel also offers WET, a fantasy-like setting with neon LED lights where guests can enjoy an indoor pool, soaking bath, and sauna. Treatments include body scrubs, facials, massages, foot baths, scalp treatments, and more. There's also a gym stocked with the latest fitness equipment and yoga studios.
Read more: Japan's First-Ever W Hotel Offers A Playground of Luxury and Wellness in Osaka
Iridium Featuring SOTHYS at St. Regis Osaka
3 Chome-6-12 Honmachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0053, Japan; +81 6-6241-0088
If Dotonbori is Osaka's Times Square, Midosuji is the Champs Elysées of Osaka. You'll find the luxurious St. Regis in the heart of Midosuji, close to popular attractions like Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The 160 room hotel features architecture and design inspired by nature, with themes of flowers and trees. Guests can dine at three fine restaurants and relax at the hotel's spa.
Iridium Featuring SOTHYS Spa mixes French and Japanese influences for an extravagant pampering experience. This oasis of tranquility is located on the 14th floor of the hotel. Treatments are performed by estheticians trained by acclaimed therapists from the Sothys Institut de Beauté in Paris.
The Spa at Four Seasons Osaka
Bath area at The Spa at Four Seasons Osaka
2 Chome-4-32 Dojima, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0003, Japan; +81 6-6676-8682
Located in the heart of Osaka, Four Seasons Osaka effortlessly blends Osaka's heritage with modern touches—fusing comfort, convenience, and sophistication. The hotel offers both elegant rooms with contemporary design, as well as a classic ryokan experience on the 28th floor. The GENSUI modern ryokan floor accommodations feature traditional Japanese comforts with tatami mat flooring, sliding doors, and luxurious Japanese futons. The hotel also offers fine dining experiences, including Sushi L'Abysse Osaka, a cross-cultural omakase experience led by Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Alléno and Edomae sushi master Chef Itaru Yasuda.
With panoramic views of the city skyline from the 36th floor, The Spa at Four Seasons Osaka provides a peaceful retreat that effortlessly blends modern luxury with traditional Japanese wellness rituals. Guests will find spa bliss with amenities including a sauna, a 16-meter indoor pool, and public and private ofuro tubs. The spa's five elegant treatment rooms include a couples’ suite with a private hinoki wood bath.
With a focus on holistic healing, the spa's menu includes customized body therapies, herbal soaks, and multi-step spa journeys. One recommended star treatment is the Aroma Bliss Massage, which uses 100% Japanese essential oils and gentle rhythmic techniques to release tension and promote deep relaxation. For those looking to work out, the fitness center is fully equipped with a selection of cardio and strength-training equipment.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka
2 Chome-5-25 Umeda, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0001, Japan; +81 6-6343-7000
Located across from Osaka station in the Umeda business and shopping district, the Forbes 5-Star Ritz Carlton Osaka offers a luxurious retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city in a prime location. The hotel's 291 guest accommodations are beautifully appointed and the hotel is thoughtfully adorned with art and antiques. Guests can enjoy fine dining at four hotel restaurants, including Michelin-starred French fare at La Baie.
The Spa at The Ritz-Carlton Osaka offers personalized experiences in an elegant sanctuary of relaxation. Tranquil amenities include vitality pools, an outdoor Jacuzzi, and sauna. The spacious indoor pool offers a relaxing garden view. Services include locally-inspired treatments like the Shisui Detox Facial which incorporates regional ingredients like matcha and sake. The spa’s featured product lines include ESPA and La Prairie. There's also a fitness center that's fully equipped with a wide selection of cardio and strength training equipment.
Hot Springs Experiences in Osaka
Onsen ryokans or hot spring inns are Japanese hotels that offer traditional accommodations (with tatami mats) and Japanese cuisine. They also offer natural hot spring bathing experiences with public and/or private baths.
Fushioukaku Hot Springs Hotel, Osaka
128-1 Fushiocho, Ikeda, Osaka 563-0011, Japan; +81 72-751-3540
If you're looking for an authentic onsen hotel experience, Fushioukaku Hot Springs Hotel Osaka offers a serene retreat just 30 minutes from Osaka city. Guests can unwind in Japanese-style tatami (straw-mat) rooms, enjoy expertly prepared Japanese cuisine, and choose from a selection of colorful yukata rentals (available for women).
A highlight of a visit is the hotel's natural hot spring offerings, which include five open-air baths and two large indoor hot spring baths surrounded by nature. Guests can also opt for rooms with private in room open-air baths.
SpaWorld Spa at SpaWorld Hotel and Resort
3-chōme-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan; +81 6-6631-0001
SpaWorld brings a modern and creative family-friendly take to the hot springs inn. This isn't your classic old-school onsen ryokan, but more like the Disney World of hot springs hotels with baths inspired by just about every corner of the world. Guests can soak in hot spring baths inspired by Ancient Rome, Greece, Capri, Spain, Finland, Persia, Bali, Singapore, and more. There are also 8 internationally-themed saunas. And the fun doesn't stop there; SpaWorld has a waterpark as well, making it a great choice for families.
Traditional Sento (Public Bath) Experiences in Osaka
According to the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau, there are 272 public bathhouses in Osaka Prefecture! Here are two to check out:
Megane Onsen
Address: 4-2-20 Tajima, Ikuno Ward, Osaka City; +81 6-6758-0619
Amenities at Megane Onsen include an electric current, a jet bath, a seated bath, a cold bath, an open-air bath, sauna, and steam room. Guests can enjoy drinks and snacks in the reception area after bath relaxation.
Tashimashin Onsen
Address: 5-15-6 Tashima, Ikuno Ward, Osaka City
Tashimashin Onsen's exterior will transport you to the Show-era of 1926-1986. Inside you'll find amenities including a dry sauna, and baths of different temperatures, including a cold water bath with a relaxing waterfall feature.
[Images courtesy of the hotels and spas]
A University of Michigan graduate, Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning writer/editor. You can also find her work in publications including Healthline, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo!, MindBodyGreen, Men’s Journal, Bezzy, and more. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA, and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @zillizy, @zillizy16