Amami Onsen Nanten-en: An Expo 2025 ryokan in rural Osaka

Amami Onsen Nanten-en is a traditional ryokan hidden deep within the countryside of southern Osaka. The surrounding villages have a surprising amount of history and the nearby mountains are full of mystery.   

Nanten-en’s main building is a registered cultural asset, designed by the famous architect, Tatsuno Kingo, the same man who designed the iconic Tokyo Station. The building is a little over 100 years old and built in a style called Sukiya-Zukuri, meaning Tea House style.   

The owner is an Omotesenke Tea Master and Ikebana master who often holds classes with guests, accompanied by one of several English speaking members of staff. He also prepares fresh flowers from the large gardens to be displayed in the alcoves of the guest rooms.   

The guest rooms themselves are traditional Japanese style with tatami mat floors, futon beds and low tables while the natural hot springs are open nearly 24 hours and a rich source of radium which helps to sooth tired minds and bodies.   

This slice of village life and traditional culture is only 40 minutes from the bright lights of downtown Osaka, 90 minutes from Kansai Airport and 90 minutes from the sacred mountain retreat of Koyasan making it the perfect base to experience both the old world and the new.