Enjoy the natural radium spring waters and the famous architecture that is a tangible cultural property in this hidden hot spring area in Osaka. Amami Onsen Nanten-en [Stop by if you're in Kawachinagano!]

2025.03.26

When it comes to hot springs in Osaka, many people will think of Ishikiri, Mt. Inunaki, and Minoh. However, in Amami, Kawachinagano City, known as the inner sanctum of Minamikawachi, there is Amami Onsen, a hot spring resort with a history dating back to the Nanboku-cho period about 700 years ago. Its hidden village-like atmosphere has quietly become a hot springs hot spring. In this article, we will introduce Amami Onsen Nanten-en the only hot spring inn in the area, and the appeal of its hot springs, which boast outstanding healing properties.

This is the highlight!
・A famous natural radium spring with a history of nearly 700 years
・A 10,000m2 garden where you can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons
- Designed by Tatsuno Kingo, the architect who also designed Tokyo Station

Amami Onsen was opened around 700 years ago during the Nanboku-cho period by the chief priest of the nearby Nagaretani Hachiman Shrine Shrine as a hot spring resort for people suffering from illness. Kimi Pass, which is passed through on the way to worship at Mount Koya, was a popular destination for people of all ages, from commoners to aristocrats, and Amami Onsen, being a nearby hot spring resort, was bustling with visitors. However, in 1750, a fire at Nagaretani Hachiman Shrine destroyed the hot springs, and Amami Onsen was long forgotten.

After that, in 1935, a floor plan of the former Amami Onsen was discovered, and efforts to revive it began in earnest. A family bath, which was an annex of Ohamachiyu, an entertainment facility located in Ohama Park in Sakai City, was relocated and opened as a restaurant inn. In 1949, after a gap during the war, the hot spring inn "Amami Onsen Nanten-en" (hereafter Nanten-en) was founded, and continues to operate to this day.
Nanten-en is surrounded by deep greenery and has a calming atmosphere. In the garden, which boasts an area of 10,000 square meters, you can see the changing scenery of the seasons, such as fireflies in the summer and autumn leaves in the fall.

The waters of Amami Onsen are natural radium springs, characterized by a viscous texture. They are effective in relieving neuralgia, muscle pain, and chronic digestive disorders. The abundant natural radon in the water also promotes sweating and metabolism, providing benefits for both health and beauty.
At Nanten-en, you can soak in hot spring water straight from the source in the large indoor bath and in the open-air bath in the detached special room, Seiryutei.

Nanten-en (formerly Ohamachiyu) was built by the famous architect Tatsuno Kingo, who is also known for designing Tokyo Station. The building is in the sukiya-style hipped roof style, and was designated a national tangible cultural property in 2003.
All guest rooms exude the wabi-sabi aesthetic reminiscent of teahouse architecture, as well as the warmth that can only be found in wooden architecture.

The restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes that incorporate plenty of seasonal flavors. The "Kongo Nabe," served in particular in winter, is characterized by its creamy flavor, made by cooking ingredients in milk, and has been a beloved specialty for over 70 years since the restaurant opened. If you want to indulge a little, you can add dishes to the regular menu. You can also enjoy the finest ingredients, such as grilled Japanese Black beef and live abalone.

You can see a blend of Japanese and Western architectural designs throughout the building. The hearth next to the entrance is one example, and the space, lined with furnishings such as pottery and calligraphy, gives you the feeling of having traveled back in time. The lobby diagonally opposite the hearth has a Western-style design, and you can order coffee or tea to enjoy.

Nanten-en offers not only outstanding hot spring quality, but also a rich landscape with historic buildings and beautiful gardens. Its tranquil setting complements the greenery of the Kongo-Katsuragi mountain range, making it the perfect environment for a relaxing bath. If you're looking to take the next step from a standard hot spring tour, this is the place to visit.