After a week of walking around (15,000-20,000 steps/day), I needed some r&r before we started the second half of our vay k. After ALOT of research, I decided to make the visit alone since my bf didn't want to try this. This worked out perfectly since we would have been separated by floors anyway and wouldn't be able to experience this place together. This also meant I could let him sleep in a little, while I could avoid the crazy crowds by going super early.

That being said, my five star review is from the perspective of a solo female traveler visiting for the first time. I only went to the onsen during my visit.

It was May (odd month *5) which meant I would get to experience the Europe zone. The gentleman at the counter was very polite and directed me to the vending machine to get my ticket. It was easy to do on my own, I paid cash and got my ticket from the vending machine.

I presented my ticket to the same person at the counter and he explained how everything works, where to go for lockers, elevators, etc. You will also be given a piece of paper (pics on yelp) with a lot of useful information in English. I was also given a wristband, but had no intention of adding any other services/food based on my previous research. If I had more time (I knew I didn't for this visit), I probably would have paid extra to try the hot stone room.

Once you pass the counter, take your shoes off immediately and walk over to the left to lock up your shoes (100 yen coin, which you get back once you come back for your shoes).

I missed the lockers for your "valuables" since I went straight up to the women's change room afterwards. I was able to lock my stuff there anyways (key with wristband). It felt safe and nothing happened to my stuff, but that's just my own personal experience. Spa world is not liable for any lost/stolen belongings, so keep that in mind and avoid carrying anything you can't part with just in case.

Here was the part that almost prevented me from coming here in the first place. Once you're on the gender segregated floor and in the women's only change room, you have to get fully nude to then enter the onsen. Timing was everything for me. Coming this early meant that there were less than 10 other women who saw me naked; 3 workers, 2 older women, 1 middle aged woman, 2 girls around my age (20-30 ish). On top of this, the place was sooooo massive that it was literally in passing, like seconds. I almost got to enjoy each onsen, steam room or sauna on my own (90% of the time) or with one other person far away. Tbh, since there was almost no one there I was able to fully enjoy each room without feeling uncomfortable. You do get a hand towel to sit on or cover your modesty. You can grab more than 1 and you can change it as many times as you like if you walk back to the change room. Just don't bring the towel into the waters with you as it's considered bad manners.

Favourite rooms in order:
Spain / Mediterranean - Waterfall, open air bath with jets, foot bath. I stayed out here for a very long time.

Dr oxygen bath - Outside of the blue grotto. Oxygenated, hydrogen, carbonated, individual bath tub. I came back 3 times

Finland - Individual tubs, I came back to this twice

Salt sauna - Sweat and exfoliate with the salt provided, rinse off when you exit

Herbal footbath - Smelt so nice. Big bag of herbs in the bath.

All of the above were a perfect temperature for me.

The rest were on the hotter side (almost uncomfortably so); Greece (medicinal bath), Ancient Rome, Atlantis with hot and cold bath, blue grotta, healing sauna, Finland sauna (hot af) and steam room. I liked these all pretty equally except the steam room. The steam room was a bit disappointing since I've been to better.

After finishing, there are towels to use and clothing (in all sorts of sizes). I put on the clothes, but I didn't have time to chill longer as it was 8:45 and I needed to leave since they were about to clean. If I had given myself more time, I would have used the coin operated massage chairs and foot massages.

I used their toiletries, brushes (one time use) and hair dryers to freshen up quickly. They have a nice vanity area to do this.

Time visited: 5:45 am 8:45am (grabbed my shoes, checked out at the machine and exited right at 9:00am)
I took the first train over. I could have stayed longer if it weren't for the cleaning time at 8:45am

Cost: 1200 yen. This was about $15.00 CAD!! I paid cash. TOTALLY WORTH IT FOR ME.

Overall impression: On my next visit to Osaka, I will 100% come back to use the onsen before 6am again. It's an indoor onsen with some over the top decor, but I was there for the waters. Set your expectations & do your research before you come! I hope it's just as empty and clean the second time around.

We were in the area (went to Last Samurai) and decided to try out Spa World because it was only a block or two away. It was a little difficult to figure out because the people there do not speak much English, but once you are in, it is a unique experience. There are separate male and female floors of themed hot and cold baths in several different rooms. You are completely naked in the baths. On the top floor, there is a co-ed area (with swimsuits) and a water slide park.

A huge relaxing place to spend the late night! A few unpleasant looks from the locals but apart from that an excellent way to relax on your trip!