Economy of space is the key to understanding the wonderful Fukumizu Onsen. Located close to two subway lines and stations and a walkable distance from Tennoji this easily accessible to anyone in Osaka.

Upon entry the changing room is quite big for the size, with an alcove towards the front of the building with an ashtray for smoking. The kind man working the bandai was fun to talk to and very welcoming. I think the other customers were surprised to see a gaijin, but everyone went about their business and no one spoke up. I kind of wished someone would have to tell the truth.

The bathing area is small, but well used layout that maximized the use of the space making it feel much larger. The main center bath had the ubiquitous koi fish tile art in the shallow part. The jets were weak but comfortable but the electric bath felt too weak for my liking. Looping around the rotenburo, was a perfect cold-water bath and a small 2~3 seat sauna. The sauna lacked a TV, but had enka music piped in. The built in seating was really comfortable. A small 1~2 sized rotenburo was filled with “Magma Onsen,” a brand of bath salts that is somewhat common in sentos of this size. While there is no hot spring here, the baths and showers are all soft water which is a bonus.

I also enjoyed the tiles along the center wall in the baths.

Overall, Fukumizu Onsen is a great small neighborhood sento. I wish I lived in this neighborhood so I could be a regular here.