mist – Japanese House with Private Outdoor Sauna

Hotel Description

So I stumbled across this little place called mist in Nishinari-ku, and honestly, it’s one of those finds that makes you feel like you discovered something special. The whole setup is tucked away on a quiet residential street in Sanno – you know, the kind of neighborhood where locals actually live, not where tour buses dump people off. Getting there from Osaka Station takes maybe 20 minutes on the subway, and you’ll probably walk past it twice before spotting the subtle signage (I definitely did).

What immediately grabbed me was how they’ve managed to create this authentic Japanese house experience without feeling like a theme park version of “traditional Japan.” The space breathes differently than your typical hotel – wooden floors that creak just right, sliding doors that actually slide smoothly, and this sense of quiet that settles over you the moment you step inside. But here’s the thing that really sets it apart: that private outdoor sauna they mention? It’s not some afterthought addition. They’ve positioned it perfectly in the small courtyard space, and using it in the evening while listening to the neighborhood wind down – kids heading home from cram school, the distant sound of someone cooking dinner – it’s pretty magical, actually.

The whole experience feels refreshingly honest for a 3-star place. You’re not getting marble bathrooms or 24-hour room service, but you are getting something that feels real and thoughtful. The owner clearly put effort into the details that matter – proper water pressure, comfortable bedding, and a kitchen area that’s actually functional if you want to grab ingredients from the nearby Tamade market and cook something simple. I mean, staying in Nishinari-ku means you’re in a grittier part of Osaka, but that’s part of the appeal. You’ll find incredible local food within walking distance, none of the tourist markup, and people who are genuinely surprised to see foreign visitors in their neighborhood. The sauna becomes this perfect way to decompress after wandering around areas like Shinsekai or Sumiyoshi Taisha, especially during those humid summer months when Osaka can feel like a steam bath itself. Fair warning though – if you need constant hand-holding or get nervous in residential areas that feel lived-in rather than polished, this might not be your speed. But if you want to experience Osaka like someone who actually lives here, rather than just passing through, mist delivers on that promise.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $209. Three-Bedroom House with 2 × 1 double bed and 2 futon beds for Max persons: 2

Reviews

• Sylvia from Puerto Rico – 23 July 2024 (8/10)

  The house is very charming and comfortable. The outdoor shower and sauna are great additions and give the house an outdoor space that we got to enjoy.
  
  What could be improved: We arrived past check-in time and the property had not been cleaned. This was disconcerting. The cleaning service arrived shortly so we left our luggage and came back later that night and everything was tidy.

• Knuth from United States – 17 May 2024 (8/10)

  Cozy and traditional.
  
  What could be improved: The Sauna did not work or get up to temp,

• Xiaoyun from China – 10 September 2023 (9/10)

  Nice location
  Compared to hotel, the whole apartment is really big.
  
  What could be improved: Not 100%clean, especially the toilet

• Wnn0 from Taiwan – 12 May 2025 (7/10)

  What could be improved: The room is too small for a 6-people family.

• Christopher from Australia – 27 May 2025 (9/10)

  Easy access, private and no physical contact check-in, flexible host’s and really welcoming property with a lot of space, beds well prepared, with washing machine which was our main reason to decide as we are travelling in Japan for the first time and had washing to do! Close to street food, convenience store and railway station.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing, everything was great!

• Abdumavlon from United Kingdom – 12 May 2025 (9/10)

  It was wonderful experience to stay in this place. I usually don’t give easily high score to any place, but this place was above the high score! I would definitely stay here again if I come to the Osaka next time!
  
  What could be improved: Only the sauna had no enough heat.

• Peter from New Zealand – 19 February 2025 (6/10)

  Location was great, lovely to stay in a more authentic property while on holiday
  
  What could be improved: Sauna was a big attraction, but it struggled to heat up in winter

• Ching from France – 18 July 2024 (9/10)

  What could be improved: Need a little chair for bathroom

• Pakyan from Hong Kong – 28 June 2024 (9/10)

  Nice setting! Facilities were great!
  
  What could be improved: For long staying, Maybe need a space for sleeping on down stairs for old people

• Fq from Malaysia – 1 June 2024 (9/10)

  Everything was great🤩

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities