Hidden away at the foot of Mt Ikoma near the border of Osaka and Nara prefectures and overlooking the city of Higashi-Osaka from its dramatic hillside location, this hot-spring inn was designed by Kisho Kurokawa, the visionary architect perhaps best known as the progenitor of the Metabolist movement.
The open-air baths on the rooftop offer eye-popping views of the city below, with several Osaka landmarks visible in the distance. When booking, ask for a room with views towards central Osaka. The one-night stay packages that include lunch and dinner offer superb value.