Recently remodeled, Horai-Yu is one of the most beautiful refreshing little sento I have been to. It's almost hidden in a little residential neighborhood near the Amagasaki kyotei (boat racing) pool. The bathing area is small but the high roof and clean, modern design gives the bath an open airy feel. The nicely furnished lobby and entrance is scented with aromatherapy oils. One of the most unique things about this onsen pet washing area outside on the side of the building for washing your dog with the hot spring water.

It's hard to think that 5 years ago, when I first started going to sento near my host-mother's house this was one of the first I tried. This was well before the remodel and the place was just a typical sento. I remember walking in and the grandfather who was staffing the front desk gave me a glance and preceded to freak out. I guess there weren't too many gaijin in the neighborhood and he didn't know what to do.

As I asked the price, he quickly picked up the phone and dialed. I stood there for a second confused with my wallet in hand. Soon enough what appeared to be his son came down the stairs from there house built above the sento. He looked at me, looked back at his elderly grandfather and said something to the effect of "Why did you call me down here for this." The son went back up stairs and the grandfather timidly told me the price. I paid and went in.

I don't know if the current owners are the same as before the remodel, anyhow I didn't have any problem getting in this second time to enjoy this fabulous bath.

Horai-yu is recommended for anyone who has an interest in sento and wants to see what the future of the sento might look like. Besides that, it's just a downright wonderful place. Nice and fresh feeling. It's located in an interesting, to say the least, neighborhood and close to a train station.