TOKYO SAUNA JAPAN aims to introduce various saunas in Japan, with a focus on Tokyo, a popular tourist destination, especially among foreigners. However, popular tourist destinations are not limited to Tokyo alone! If Tokyo is the capital in the east, Osaka takes the spotlight as the capital in the west! So, this time, we’ll introduce the new sauna facility “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE” which opened in Osaka in April 2023!!!!
Before introducing the sauna, let me share a bit about Osaka. As Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka stands out with its unique atmosphere that sets it apart from other cities. It’s so distinctive that even among Japanese people, opinions are divided (laughs). Personally, I love it, though!! Osaka is a city characterized by warmth, liveliness, energy, and flamboyance—keywords that capture its essence. (Do you get a sense of it from the photo above?) Yet, it also has sophisticated, urban areas, making it a truly captivating place. It’s also a sacred place for Japanese comedians, and even for regular folks, conversations here tend to be quick-paced and lively!!!
Speaking of Osaka’s soul food, we can’t forget “Takoyaki”! You can find delicious takoyaki everywhere in Osaka. I think it’s the perfect post-sauna meal!! It’s one of Japan’s representative fast foods.
Now, in the heart of Osaka, in one of its central districts, you’ll find “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE”!! It’s just a 3-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station on the Midosuji subway line!!!! Located in the Shinsaibashi shopping district, it’s a convenient area for shopping as well.
↑↑It’s located on the 4th floor of this building. Since the Shinsaibashi shopping district is covered with an arcade, you can enjoy shopping without worrying about the weather. It’s an excellent destination for sightseeing as well!!
Take the elevator to the 4th floor, and you’ll find shoe lockers right in front of you!! The illustrations featuring Osaka as a motif are adorable, aren’t they? Here, you take off your shoes, put them in the locker, lock it, and head to the front desk.
In contrast to the lively atmosphere of Shinsaibashi, there’s a calm and soothing space here. You can check in at the reception. The prices are as follows ↓↓↓
2-hour course: ¥2,600
Free course: ¥3,700
※From midnight to 6 AM, an additional ¥2,000 is required as a late-night fee.
※Bath towel rental is ¥150.
“OSAKA SAUNA DESSE” is primarily a sauna for men, but there are days exclusively for women and days when both men and women can enter. Check the schedule on the official website’s homepage, as shown above! Women, please do give it a try and enjoy the experience!!
Right next to the reception, there’s a curtain, and you enter the changing room from here. On days when women can use the sauna, please pass through the red curtain on the left.
The locker room! To be honest, the lockers aren’t that spacious, so it’s better not to bring large items like backpacks. There are face towels at the entrance of the bathing area, and you can borrow them for free.
Once you enter the bathing area, start by cleaning your hair and body with the shower!! There are both standing and sitting shower options, as shown in the photo.
Now, with your body feeling refreshed, let’s head to the sauna!! “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE” has a whopping 8 saunas!! This time, let me introduce a few of them!!
・Kawa Sauna
First off, we have the largest sauna in the facility, the “Kawa Sauna”!! The distinctive feature of this sauna is, without a doubt, the bold design where the cold bath extends into the sauna itself, as you can see!! This cold bath is connected to an outdoor cold bath, allowing for an energetic style where you can go from the sauna into the cold bath, dive in, and come out. However, don’t forget to rinse off the sweat with water before getting into the cold bath!!
The sauna itself has a moderate temperature and humidity, making it relatively easy to enter. It’s the most popular sauna at “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE”!!
Also, at “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE,” it’s clearly stated whether talking is allowed in each sauna. By the way, in the Kawa Sauna, speaking softly is okay!
Here we have the Niwa Sauna, located near the relaxation area. It’s a sauna that accommodates about 6 people. This sauna allows conversations. Also, it has lower humidity, providing a crisp and dry sauna experience.
・Cha-shitsu Sauna
Next up is the Cha-shitsu Sauna, inspired by a traditional tea room. The floor is also covered with tatami, creating a Japanese atmosphere. This sauna has automated löyly (steam) sessions at regular intervals. What’s unique is that they use tea for the löyly! The pleasant scent of tea fills the sauna room with each löyly. In this sauna, talking is prohibited!!
・Minamo Sauna
Here we have the Minamo Sauna. “Minamo” means water surface in Japanese. When you sit down in this sauna and look up, you can see the reflection of the light from the outdoor cold bath sparkling on the ceiling. You can relax while gazing at this. As it’s a relatively low-temperature sauna, you can spend a leisurely time. Soft conversations are allowed.
・ Mori Sauna
Among the saunas in “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE,” the hottest is the “Mori Sauna“!! It can accommodate up to 8 people and is a high-temperature, high-humidity sauna with steam and automated löyly. Conversations are prohibited here!! The sauna has a dim and calm atmosphere, recreating the humidity of a forest using steam and storm. The dried trees, natural light coming in through the window, and swaying objects give the feeling of a quiet garden. The stove and stones, with a temperature setting constantly above 90°C, perform automated löyly, and there’s even a device that releases steam with a pleasant scent (the scent of the forest, using Artemis herbs!)! The perceived temperature is really scorching!!
Let’s move to the “Semi-Open Air Area,” which serves as a relaxation space. This area allows for casual conversations, so you can fully share the charm of the sauna. Rest areas are not limited to just this one; there are others scattered around. Explore and find the place where you feel most relaxed!!
After relaxing in the sauna, let’s take it easy at the outdoor relaxation area~~. The rest area is located behind the reception. Although there are no power outlets, you can still use it as a workspace. There’s also a smoking area right next to it.
First on the list is the “Curry Oden” (Assorted 5 types for 1,000 yen, Assorted 3 types for 700 yen). Oden is a traditional Japanese home-cooked dish. This is an original dish with a curry twist. The carefully selected ingredients for oden, especially the processed fish cakes sourced from the market, make it a delightful and comforting taste~.
Make sure to try this too!! The “Amazing! Salt Sauna Pudding” (550 yen) is limited to 20 servings per day. It’s an original pudding from a certain Osaka confectionery for “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE”! Served with carefully selected charcoal salt, it gently soothes your body, still warm from the sauna, melting like a treat.
Once you’ve satisfied yourself with sauna and meals, the next step is to check out the goods! “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE” has a rich collection of original merchandise. The items are so attractive that you might want to collect them all!
How was it? This sauna facility is packed with attention to detail, from the high level of saunas to the variety, and even to the merchandise and meal menus. When you visit Osaka, be sure to drop by “OSAKA SAUNA DESSE”!!
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