Osaka River Rapids Hike and Natural Hot Spring tour

Osaka Prefecture , Japan

Osaka River Rapids Hike and Natural Hot Spring tour

Active

(2 reviews)

2h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hike down the famous (Settsukyo)River Rapids Gorge, splash in crystal clear water , learn about the flora and fauna, followed by more water in the form of an Onsen(hot spring). Here you can take a bath outside Japanese style, in full openess to the elements
This is the chance to escape the city and truly find serenity and peace in the mountains in North Osaka. The location of the tour is only about 30 minutes from either Osaka or Kyoto, being situated in one of the more peaceful areas.

Available options

Osaka River Rapids Hike and Natural Hot Spring tour

What's included

Free water

Skin covering tape( tattoos are forbidden in many hot springs in Japan) to cover the skin .

The bus ride into the hills from Takatsuki station(15 minutes) 220yen.

Detailed itinerary

After getting off the bus we will descend down the 2.1km hike and midway arrive at the most beautiful area of the Settsukyo Gorge which runs along the Akuta river. Here we wil spend from 30 minutes to an hour splash our feet or dive into the crystal clear waters that surround the natural beauty of the valley and gorge.
After this we will head down the river and enjoy the beauty of the winding river, taking a 10 minute detour if needed to a secluded waterfal.

After coming down from the mountain, we will pass by a park, to take a break, rest and buy a drink or an ice cream at one of the rest points. Here in Spring we can enjoy the beautiful Sakura cherry blossoms, summer the greenery and summer flowers, fireflies, in fall the warm red hues of the Japanese maple leaves and in winter quiet serenity of nature.

At the end of the hike, we will proceed to
the hot spring(Bijin-yu) , which is one of the only true Onsen in Osaka. The water is 100% natural and has therapeutic properties. Before entering the baths, a full explanation by myself of how to bathe in the waters the correct way will be given.
The baths are segregated into male and female areas, so privacy is optimum. . Nudity is also required, so please feel free to ask about the dos and don't of how bathe. It is truly a liberating experience in itself, so do not be shy.
After leaving the baths, we can talk about our experiences and catch the bus back to the station to say our goodbyes.

What's not included

The entrance fee to the Hot Spring is 1000 yen(7 dollars). Children under the age of 12 , 400 yen.

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please meet at JR Takatsuki station outside the ticket barriers of the main central exit.
I will be wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses on my head. I'm about 193 cm tall, so you cannot miss me.

About Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Prefecture, located in the Kansai region, is a vibrant urban center known for its rich culinary scene, historic landmarks, and modern entertainment districts. Often referred to as 'The Nation's Kitchen,' it offers a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and contemporary urban life.

Top Attractions

Osaka Castle

A symbol of Osaka, this iconic castle was originally built in the 16th century. The castle grounds offer beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 600 JPY

Dotonbori

A bustling entertainment and dining district known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant atmosphere. Dotonbori is a must-visit for food lovers and nightlife enthusiasts.

Entertainment/Cultural 2-4 hours Free to explore, food and shopping vary

Universal Studios Japan

A popular theme park featuring attractions based on popular movies and characters. Universal Studios Japan offers thrilling rides, shows, and themed areas.

Entertainment/Adventure Full day 8,400 JPY (1-day pass)

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

One of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a wide variety of marine life and interactive exhibits. The aquarium is home to dolphins, whales, and a massive Pacific Ocean tank.

Nature/Adventure 2-3 hours 2,600 JPY

Shitennoji Temple

One of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, founded in 593 AD. Shitennoji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features beautiful gardens, pagodas, and historic artifacts.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours 300 JPY

Must-Try Local Dishes

Takoyaki

A popular street food made from batter filled with diced octopus, tempura scraps, and green onions. It is cooked in a special molded pan and topped with sauces and bonito flakes.

Snack Contains seafood, can be made vegetarian upon request

Okonomiyaki

A savory pancake made with batter, cabbage, and various ingredients like pork, seafood, or cheese. It is cooked on a griddle and topped with sauces and bonito flakes.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request

Kushikatsu

Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, typically served with a dipping sauce. Kushikatsu is a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) dish.

Snack/Appetizer Contains meat and seafood, can be made vegetarian upon request

Ramen

A popular noodle dish made with a savory broth, noodles, and various toppings like sliced pork, green onions, and eggs. Osaka is known for its rich and flavorful ramen broths.

Main course Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains surrounding Osaka Biking along the Yodo River Kayaking or paddleboarding in Osaka Bay Onsen (hot spring) visits in nearby towns Tea ceremonies in traditional tea houses Picnicking in Osaka Castle Park or other green spaces Temple and shrine visits Traditional crafts and workshops

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, cherry blossoms in spring, and vibrant foliage in autumn. These are the most popular times to visit with higher tourist volumes.

10-25°C (50-77°F) 50-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited), Chinese, Korean
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Osaka is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public safety. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings and personal safety.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services with proper identification
• Be cautious of strangers offering overly friendly or persistent services

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km (31 miles) from Osaka city center
Osaka International Airport (Itami Airport) • 15 km (9 miles) from Osaka city center

By train

Osaka Station, Shin-Osaka Station

By bus

Osaka Station Bus Terminal, Umeda Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Osaka Metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of multiple lines connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Namba Umeda Shin-Osaka Tennoji

Day trips

Kyoto

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is known for its numerous temples, shrines, and historic sites. The city offers a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.

Nara

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is known for its historic temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. The city offers a unique blend of history, culture, and nature.

Kobe

30 km (19 miles) • Full day

Kobe, a port city on Japan's western coast, is known for its rich history, diverse architecture, and delicious beef. The city offers a mix of historic sites, modern attractions, and scenic views.

Festivals

Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25 Kishiwada Danjiri Matsuri • September 14-15 (main festival), various dates throughout the year Osaka Asian Film Festival • March (dates vary)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture
Try local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu at street food stalls and markets
Use IC cards like Suica or ICOCA for convenient and cashless payments on public transportation
Visit popular attractions like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds
Explore lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions for a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience