A peek inside Japan’s Solaniwa Onsen, the world’s biggest hot-spring theme park

Jan 21 , 2019

An artist’s impression of Solaniwa Onsen hot-spring theme park in Osaka, Japan, which will celebrate its grand opening in February.

The world’s biggest hot-spring theme park, Solaniwa Onsen, in Japan – spanning more than 16,500 square metres – will hold its grand opening on February 26.

Located between the second and fifth floors of Osaka Bay Tower, in Osaka, the “onsen” – a Japanese term for hot spring, which is used to describe both bathing facilities and traditional inns – successfully combines traditional Japan concepts with exceptional modern designs.

This one-of-a-kind park will offer its guests relaxation for the body and soul with the themes of “healing, beauty and food”.

Check out these five reasons why an overnight stay at Solaniwa Onsen should not be missed.

1. Travel back in time

Facilities inside the new Solaniwa Onsen theme park in Osaka have been created to resemble buildings from the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japanese history.

The Azuchi-Momoyama era – a period in Japanese history from about 1568 to 1600, characterised by political unification and great magnificence and ostentation – is regarded as the time that saw the establishment of Osaka.

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The facilities at Solaniwa Onsen have been designed to recreate buildings in towns of this period.

The front desk at Solaniwa Onsen theme park, at Osaka Bay Tower, in Osaka.

In order to help guests at Solaniwa Onsen enjoy a traditional hot-spring experience, the theme park will offer them a yukata – or light cotton kimono – to wear during their visit.

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People will also be able to stand out from the crowd if they wish, by renting costumes, including those of ninjas and princesses, inspired by the Azuchi-Momoyama period.