If you’re looking to experience Japan’s hot spring culture in a relaxed, approachable way, an urban hot spring theme park is the perfect choice. Located in the heart of Osaka, Solaniwa Onsen is one of the largest hot spring theme parks in the Kansai region. Alongside a wide variety of hot springs and bedrock baths, visitors can slip into a yukata and wander through Japanese-style gardens, where a lively, festival-like atmosphere unfolds with plenty of entertainment and photogenic spots.
With its convenient location near JR and Osaka Metro Bentencho Station, Solaniwa Onsen is easily reached from the Umeda and Tennoji areas, as well as Universal Studios Japan – making it an ideal place to unwind after sightseeing or shopping. In this article, we explore the highlights of Solaniwa Onsen, introduce nearby shopping options, and explain how to get there. We also share details on special offers and discounts available with JCB card use.
"Solaniwa Onsen" Kansai's Largest Hot Spring Theme Park
Located inside Osaka Bay Tower, Solaniwa Onsen is a hot spring theme park that brings together Japanese bathing culture, landscaped gardens, gourmet dining, and entertainment in one immersive setting. Step inside and you’re instantly transported to the atmosphere of a traditional hot spring town, where you can enjoy soaking in the baths and strolling through the grounds.
Designed around the concept of an “extraordinary Japanese experience,” the entire facility features stone pathways, warm wooden architecture, and gardens that change with the seasons – creating a setting that helps you leave the city’s hustle behind. After entering, guests change into yukata provided inside the facility and are free to stroll the grounds, immersing themselves in a distinctly Japanese atmosphere.
Conveniently located about a 10-minute train ride from Osaka Station (Umeda), Solaniwa Onsen is also within walking distance of Bentencho Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line and Osaka Metro. Multilingual information is available throughout the facility, making it easy to enjoy even for first-time visitors to Japan.
Discover the Healing Allure of Solaniwa Onsen – 9 Hot Springs and 7 Bedrock Saunas
One of Solaniwa Onsen’s standout attractions is its wide variety of bathing facilities, all using natural hot spring water drawn from approximately 1,000 meters underground. Making the most of its hypotonic, weakly alkaline, high-temperature spring quality, the facility features nine different types of hot springs and saunas.
Guests can choose from an array of baths to suit their mood and physical condition, including the Garden Viewing Bath overlooking the Japanese garden, as well as carbonated springs and cold baths. Several baths incorporate stone, greenery, and natural light, creating a calm, garden-like atmosphere that feels far removed from the surrounding city. For those seeking added privacy, a reservable private open-air bath is also available for an additional fee, offering a quiet space to enjoy a more exclusive bathing experience. (Reservations can be made here.)
In addition, the facility offers seven types of bedrock saunas (available for an additional fee). With temperatures ranging from approximately 10°C to 70°C, guests can choose their preferred way to relax – from gentle warming to a more intense sweat. By pairing the hot springs with the bedrock saunas, it’s easy to create a bathing routine that allows both body and mind to fully unwind.
Beyond the Baths – Japanese Gardens, Solaniwa Tenjin Shrine, Festivals, and Light Dining at Solaniwa Onsen
Enjoy a Rooftop Japanese Garden Experience – Including Footbaths and Nighttime Illuminations
The rooftop Japanese garden is one of Solaniwa Onsen’s most iconic and beloved spaces. Featuring a tranquil pond, stone bridges, vermilion torii gates, pine trees, and seasonal flowers, it feels refreshing during the day and transforms at night with soft illuminations that create a dreamlike atmosphere. Wandering through the garden in a yukata, lantern in hand, feels like stepping into another world altogether.
The garden also features a footbath area, where guests can unwind while enjoying the scenery with a drink or light snack in hand. After dark, the illuminations shimmer across the water’s surface, creating a beautifully dreamlike atmosphere.
Explore the Facility – Solaniwa Tenjin Shrine and Traditional Festival Games
Beyond the hot springs, Solaniwa Onsen offers a variety of spaces to explore and enjoy. A corridor adorned with mirrors and vibrant lanterns has become a favorite photo spot, while Hoian Street invites visitors into a lively, festival-inspired atmosphere. Just across the vermilion arched bridge, Solaniwa Tenjin Shrine offers a place to pray and try your luck with traditional fortune-telling – making it a memorable stop to round out your visit.
Nearby, classic festival attractions such as shooting galleries and goldfish scooping add to the lively atmosphere, recreating the charm of a traditional Japanese summer festival. With activities that appeal to both adults and children, it’s a space that can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Throughout the facility, photogenic details – lantern displays, Japanese-style streetscapes, and atmospheric lighting – create a setting where nature and Japanese culture can be experienced even during a short visit or break. Even without entering the baths, guests can slip into a yukata, stroll the grounds, take photos, and soak up the festive mood at a relaxed pace.
In-House Dining and Light Bites
The facility is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafés, offering plenty of dining options to suit every mood. For a satisfying, full-scale meal, Kuidaore-Yokocho is a popular choice, while Komachi-Chaya is ideal for light bites and sweets. Serving matcha desserts, dumplings, puddings, and other treats, it’s the perfect stop for something sweet after a soak.
Facility Information
- Address:1-2-3 Benten, Minato-ku, Osaka
- Access:Directly accessible from JR Osaka Loop Line and Osaka Metro Bentencho Station
- Hours:11:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m. (last admission at 10:00 p.m.)
- Admission:Fees vary depending on the day and time. Please check the official website for details.
- Official Website: https://solaniwa.com/en-us/
- FAQ: https://solaniwa.com/en-us/faq/
Explore More Hot Spring–Related Articles
- 【Haneda Airport】 The best way to spend your time after arriving into Japan or before your flight home! Indulge in shopping, dining, and hot springs at Haneda Airport Garden and Ariake Garden!
- 10 Best Hot Spring Areas in Hokkaido
- 【Japanese Culture】Things to Remember When Enjoying Japanese Hot Springs
Access to Solaniwa Onsen and Nearby Shopping
With direct train access from both Osaka Station (Umeda) and Tennoji Station, Solaniwa Onsen is easy to visit after a day of sightseeing or shopping.
The Umeda area is lined with major department stores, including LUCUA, Daimaru Umeda, Hankyu Umeda Main Store, and Hanshin Umeda Main Store, offering everything from the latest fashion to local souvenirs. As one of Osaka’s premier shopping districts, it’s a place where visitors can browse to their heart’s content.
Meanwhile, the Tennoji area is home to Abeno Harukas, a landmark complex featuring the Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store, the HARUKAS 300 observation deck, a hotel, and an art museum – making it easy to combine shopping with sightseeing in one stop.
Shopping Deals in Osaka
Shopping in Osaka comes with extra perks when you use a JCB card. At Daimaru Matsuzakaya Department Store and Kintetsu Department Store, JCB cardholders can enjoy special offers – so be sure to check the details before you head out and make the most of your shopping spree.
・Umeda Area: Daimaru Umeda Store
Use an overseas-issued JCB card in store to receive 5% off.
In addition, for a single tax-free purchase of ¥100,000 or more (tax included), customers will receive a ¥2,000 gourmet coupon.
💡Getting to Solaniwa Onsen from the Umeda Area: Approximately 8 minutes from Osaka Station via the JR Osaka Loop Line.
・Tennoji Area: Kintetsu Department Store
Present your JCB card and passport at the International Salon / Tax-Free Counter on the 3.5F Wing Building of Abeno Harukas Kintetsu Main Store to receive a 7% discount card valid for use throughout the store.
JCB Platinum Card members and above will receive a VIP Platinum Card offering an enhanced 10% discount.
💡Getting to Solaniwa Onsen from the Tennoji Area: Approximately 11 minutes from Tennoji Station via the JR Osaka Loop Line.
Exclusive Campaign for JCB Members – Enjoy Special Benefits Across Japan with Your JCB Card
From February to April 2026, JCB will run a special campaign for cardholders with JCB cards issued outside Japan, offering great savings on shopping, dining, and facility use across the country.
To participate, simply register via the campaign website, then spend a total of ¥100,000 or more using your JCB card at participating in-store merchants in Japan (online purchases are not eligible). Eligible participants will receive a ¥10,000 cashback at a later date.
Please note that only purchases made on or after the day of registration are eligible, so be sure to complete your entry before you start using your card.
Registration has already opened on December 18, so if you’re planning a trip to Japan, early entry is recommended. Registration will close once the participation limit is reached.
- Entry Period: December 18, 2025 (Thu) – April 30, 2026 (Thu) (Japan time)
- Campaign Period: February 1, 2026 (Sun) – April 30, 2026 (Thu)
- Campaign URL: https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/promotion/japancashback202602/
Bringing together soothing hot springs, a beautifully crafted Japanese garden, a festive atmosphere, and exceptional convenience, Solaniwa Onsen is the perfect way to add a touch of indulgence to your Osaka journey. Combine your visit with shopping in Umeda or Tennoji, and make the most of exclusive JCB card benefits for an Osaka stay that’s not only more relaxing, but also smarter and more rewarding.
Comments