Osaka River Rapids Hike and Natural Hot Spring tour
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.
Options
Osaka River Rapids Hike and Natural Hot Spring tour
What's included in Osaka River Rapids Hike and Natural Hot Spring tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Settsukyo Park
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.
Inclusions
- 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.
- The entrance fee to the Hot Spring is 1000 yen(7 dollars). Children under the age of 12 , 400 yen.
- 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
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- 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.
