Mouton Spa is a great place to get a massage in Osaka. Their website has lots of information, including an English page, so foreign guests can feel at ease knowing they are welcome. While their staff generally only speaks Japanese, it is possible to get in touch with them and schedule appointments in English via the LINE app. Their very responsive staff will get you set up with an appointment for your desired date and time and collect a deposit, though once you’ve been two or three times they seem to be ok with scheduling appointments without the deposit.
Their facility is located near a busy corner in the Umeda neighborhood, just a few minutes walk from Osaka Umeda station, so it is very easy to get there. Mouton itself is tucked away behind the first row of buildings so one immediately gets the feeling that, while you’re right in the middle of one of the popular and busy areas, this place will be a bit of a respite from all the hustle and bustle going on around it. While that is generally true, there are times when the noise from the surrounding area can be heard from inside the treatment rooms. It can be distracting but that is one of the trade offs you have to make to be in such a convenient location.
The first thing you notice when you walk in is how attentive the staff is. They have a front desk just inside the door so they can see you coming up the stairs. They make a mad dash from behind the counter to greet you as you arrive, including opening the door if they can get there before you. It certainly makes you feel welcome and gives a very professional feel, unlike some smaller places that sometimes don’t have a front desk or where staff might do dual duty giving massages and working reception. It isn’t unusual in Japan to arrive at a massage place and find a note on the door saying something like “all staff busy” or “no more appointments today.” Not at Mouton, they always have a dedicated staff member at that desk to greet you and help with the intake process, though they generally just sit you down and quickly introduce your therapist who takes over from there.
The interior of the waiting area is quite nice, with each customer getting their own little private couch and table where they can interact with the therapist before and after the massage, for things like confirming the chosen course, length of time, and handing payment. After your treatment is completed, it is the place you can relax for a few minutes with a drink, chat again with your therapist, and perhaps schedule another appointment if you are so inclined. When you’re ready to leave, they always walk you out, like all the way outside and down the stairs to see you off. It makes you feel nice to have them caring for you from literally before you enter until you’re out the door and on your way home. Much like their lovable sheep mascot, it leaves you with a nice fluffy, happy feeling.
Overall, Mouton Spa is a high quality establishment with great staff, several different therapists, and lots of treatment options. For more details on the Mouton Spa experience, read about our experience with one of their therapists. Like us, you might just find yourself coming back for a second visit. If you find yourself in Osaka, it is definitely worth a visit!
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