高級旅館竹のやー貸切サウナ風呂ー道頓堀5分ー難波10分ー新規オープン

HOTEL OVERVIEW

Look, I’ve stayed in plenty of ryokans across Japan, but this place in Osaka’s Kozu district absolutely floored me – and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much from a brand new property. The name’s a mouthful (something about luxury ryokan with private sauna bath), but once you’re inside, you get why they’re being so specific about what they offer.

The location is actually genius if you know Osaka at all. You’re tucked away on a quiet residential street in Kozu, which means you get that authentic neighborhood vibe – I mean, there’s a tiny shrine literally around the corner and locals doing their morning exercises in the small park nearby. But here’s the thing: you can walk to Dotonbori’s chaos in about five minutes when you want that full-on tourist experience, then retreat back to this peaceful bubble. The walk to Namba is maybe ten minutes if you’re strolling, and you’ll pass some incredible local spots that most visitors never see. There’s this tiny takoyaki stand on the way that locals line up for – no English menu, just pointing and hoping for the best.

What really sets this place apart though is that private sauna setup they’ve got going. I’ve done the public onsen thing plenty of times, but having your own space to actually relax without worrying about onsen etiquette or crowds? Game changer. The whole experience feels more like staying at a wealthy friend’s place than a hotel. The rooms have that perfect balance of traditional Japanese aesthetics without feeling like a museum – you know what I mean? You can actually live in the space comfortably. The futon setup is legit too, not one of those tourist-friendly beds disguised as traditional lodging. My back felt amazing in the morning, which honestly surprised me since I usually struggle with floor sleeping.

The staff clearly know what they’re doing, even though the place just opened. Check-in was smooth, and they actually gave useful local recommendations instead of just handing over a generic tourist map. They pointed me toward a morning market in the area that I never would have found otherwise – got some of the best coffee I had in all of Japan from a tiny roaster tucked between residential buildings. The neighborhood comes alive early with people heading to work and school, but the ryokan itself stays remarkably quiet. I’m guessing they invested in proper soundproofing, because even though you’re in the middle of a city, mornings feel peaceful.

The only minor thing – and this is really picking at details – is that being so new, they’re still working out some of the kinks with timing for housekeeping and meal service. Nothing major, just the kind of small adjustments any new place needs to make. But honestly, that 9.8 rating makes total sense once you experience it. It’s not trying to be the flashiest place in Osaka, it’s just doing everything really, really well. If you want to feel like you’re experiencing authentic Japanese hospitality while still being close enough to stumble back from Dotonbori after too many drinks, this is your spot.