Solaniwa Onsen, which is the largest hot spring theme park in Kansai, is a must-visit when you're in Osaka.
Solaniwa or 空庭 means "sky garden" in Japanese. It is located inside Osaka Bay Tower at Minato Ward in Osaka City. Aside from its hot springs, private baths, and bedrock sauna, the facility has a beautiful rooftop garden, where you can hang out while enjoying their footbaths.
One of the best things about Solaniwa onsen, is that you get to pick and wear a yukata while inside the facility. The whole place is very pretty and there are spots for you to take Instagram-worthy pictures. ;)
If you're not used to the hot spring culture in Japan (like me), which is bathing bare-naked with friends, family, or strangers, you don't have to worry. You can at least enjoy their outdoor footbaths. Or if you're willing to pay extra, you can opt for their private baths. They have a bedrock sauna too!
There are also a lot of fun things to do at Solaniwa Onsen. They have a game corner where you can play shooting games, goldfish scooping, etc like you're in a Japanese festival. You can also play arcade and air hockey. They have claw machines and purikura (photo booth) too!
There are also resting areas where you can take a nap, watch TV and even read manga and books. The facility also offers massages.
And of course, there's food! There is one restaurant and two chaya (茶屋 which means "tea house") at Solaniwa Onsen. I ate at the restaurant and got a sukiyaki with tempura and sashimi set, and it was really good! The restaurant offers a variety of Japanese dishes, desserts, and even alcohol. The chayas offer snacks, desserts, and drinks as well.
Solaniwa Onsen is easy to access since it's near Bentencho station. You can either take the Chuo Line or Osaka Loop Line to get to the station, and from there, it's only a 5 to 7-minute walk. You can click here for the address.
Anyway, the next time you come to Osaka, I recommend that you go for a visit. I loved Solaniwa Onsen so much that I actually went there twice last year!
Cheers,
Dyan
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