Settsukyo Hananosato Onsen Sansuikan

Nestled beside a mountain stream in Settsukyo Gorge Park in Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, Settsukyo Hananosato Onsen Sansuikan is a solitary ryokan surrounded by deep greenery, yet only about 30 minutes by car from central Osaka. Settsukyo Gorge, selected as one of Osaka's 100 Best Green Spots, is famed for its dramatic rock formations along the clear Akutagawa River and its ever-changing scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green foliage in summer, and vivid autumn leaves. Sansuikan is one of the few remaining inns in the area to hold two of its own hot spring sources, offering visitors the atmosphere of a secluded mountain retreat despite its proximity to Osaka, and it is featured in the Takatsuki City Tourism Association's official guide.

The inn draws on two distinct self-owned hot spring sources. Spring No. 1, used in the indoor baths Iwami-buro and Hana-no-yu, is a radon-bearing alkaline simple hot spring at a source temperature of 28.5°C, while Spring No. 2, used in the open-air bath overlooking the gorge, is a sodium bicarbonate spring, commonly called a baking soda spring, with a pH of 9.2, a source temperature of 42°C, and a sodium bicarbonate content of at least 850 mg per kg. Known for its silky, moisturizing texture, the bicarbonate spring is prized as a beautifying bath and is said to ease neuralgia, muscle and joint pain, frozen shoulder, poor circulation, fatigue, and chronic skin conditions. Note that the open-air bath may be closed depending on weather conditions.

In addition to separate large baths for men and women, the inn offers a private reservation bath, Kyokusui-no-yu, combining an indoor bath and a semi-open-air bath, and gorge-view guest rooms overlook the gentle flow of the Akutagawa River. Day-trip bathing is available from 11:30 to 15:00 and 16:00 to 20:00 (last entry 19:00; closed 15:00-16:00 for cleaning), priced at 1,400 yen for adults and 800 yen for children, both including rental towels. Overnight stays with two meals start from 23,100 yen on weekdays, with dining at Sanshi UTA, plus a multipurpose hall and banquet rooms.