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Tokyo’s Hidden Gems: Traditional Hot Spring Bath Houses

While many travelers venture to Hakone or Gunma for hot springs, Tokyo itself harbors authentic hot spring experiences in its traditional public bathhouses (sentō). These local institutions, supported by government subsidies, offer genuine thermal waters at incredibly reasonable prices. Most hot springs are concentrated in two main areas: around TOKYO SKYTREE® and near Haneda Airport. While some facilities feature saunas as an additional option (requiring extra fees), others focus solely on traditional bathing. Here’s your guide to Tokyo’s most beloved hot spring bathhouses, all welcoming to international visitors and tattoo-friendly.

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Traditional Japanese Bathing

STEP
Entry Process

Remove shoes and place in shoe locker *
Take wooden tag from locker
Look for gender-specific areas (red characters for women, blue for men)
Pay at front counter
Purchase/rent towels if needed

STEP
Before Entering Bath


* Undress completely
* Store clothes in locker
* Secure key with elastic band to wrist
* Take only small towel to bath area

STEP
Bathing Process


1.Before First Bath
* Perform kakeyu (splash warm water on body) –
Start from feet and work up –
Helps body adjust to temperature

2. Main Bathing Cycle
* Soak in hot bath (8-10 minutes)
* Take cold bath (30-60 seconds)
* Rest in chair for about 10 minutes – Use outdoor cooling area if available (recommended) –
Keep towel wrapped around you
* Wash body with soap at washing station during breaks between cycles * Repeat this cycle 3-5 times

STEP
Post-Bath

Splash cool water on hands and feet before leaving * Dry off well * Take time to cool down completely .

*Note: Average visit time is 1-2 hours. Remember, bathing should be relaxing, not challenging.*

Important Safety Note

Listen to your body – don’t overdo it * Stop bathing immediately if you feel: – Dizzy or lightheaded – Unusually tired – Uncomfortable in any way * Take a longer rest if needed * No need to complete all cycles – your wellbeing comes first * Stay hydrated throughout your visit

Featured Bath Houses

Koganeyu (Kinshicho)

Tokyo’s most beloved hot spring bathhouse near Skytree

A 1932 establishment reimagined for modern times while preserving traditional charm. Features a craft beer bar at the entrance, deep cold plunge pool, and artisanal sauna. The facility perfectly balances historic elements with contemporary design, making it Tokyo’s current most popular sentō.

Essential Information

Address:4 Chome-14-6 Taihei, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0012
Hours: Mon-Sun 6:00-9:00, 11:00-24:30 (Sat 15:00-24:30)
Price: ¥550 (Adults), Sauna +¥330-580
Access: 6-min walk from Kinshicho Station North Exit

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Location

Togoshi Ginza Onsen

Black spring waters near Haneda Airport

This facility brilliantly embodies its vision of “21st-century bathing culture.” The indoor baths feature rare black hot spring waters known for their skin-beautifying properties, while the outdoor section offers crystal-clear thermal waters. The comprehensive bathing options include carbonated baths, jet baths, and electric baths, though these are alternated between gender sections daily. Located in the heart of the vibrant 1.3km Togoshi Ginza shopping street, visitors can combine their bath with a stroll through one of Tokyo’s most authentic shopping arcades, famous for its affordable local delicacies and traditional shops. The facility’s relaxation area even serves local sake, perfect for unwinding after a therapeutic soak.

Essential Information

Address:2 Chome-1-6 Togoshi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo 142-0041
Hours: 15:00-25:00 (Sun/Holidays 8:00-12:00 morning bath)
Price: ¥550 (Adults), Sauna ¥800
Access: 3-min walk from Togoshi Station

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Location

Mikokuyu

Historic waters with modern comforts

Operating since 1947, this establishment offers three distinctly temperature-zoned hot spring baths. Features jet baths, waterfall showers, medicinal baths, and a semi-outdoor bath with TOKYO SKYTREE® views. Uniquely offers barrier-free family bathing rooms, perfect for those needing assistance.

Essential Information

Address: 3 Chome-30-10 Ishiwara, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0011
Hours: 15:30-26:00 (Sun 15:00-24:00)
Price: ¥550 (Adults), Family Bath ¥1,500/90min
Access: 16-min walk from Kinshicho Station

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Location

Daikokuyu (Oshiage Onsen)

Night owl’s thermal paradise

Sister facility to the famous Koganeyu, but with its own character as Japan’s first 24-hour public bathhouse. Features natural hot springs, medicinal baths, carbonated baths, and a unique foot-massage walking pool. The outdoor cooling area offers hammocks and reclining chairs with TOKYO SKYTREE® views.

Essential Information

Address: 3 Chome-12-14 Yokokawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0003
Hours: Weekdays 15:00-10:00, Sat 14:00-10:00, Sun/Holidays 13:00-10:00
Price: ¥550 (Adults), Sauna ¥300-330
Access: 6-min walk from Oshiage Station Exit B2

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Location

Hasunuma Onsen

Taisho era elegance in modern Tokyo

Renovated in 2019, this facility beautifully captures the essence of Japan’s Taisho period (1912-1926) democracy era. Features natural hot springs, high-concentration carbonated baths, jet baths, and cold plunge pools in an exceptionally clean, retro-modern setting.

Essential Information

Address: 6 Chome-16-11 Nishikamata, Ota City, Tokyo 144-0051
Hours: 15:00-24:00
Price: ¥550 (Adults), Under 6 free with adult
Access: 2-min walk from Hasunuma Station

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Sakurakan

Airport area’s premier bathing destination

Near Haneda Airport, this facility stands out with its rare electric bath and unique cherry tree viewing bath. Features a spacious relaxation area with alcohol service, making it feel more like a super-sentō. Outstanding value with ¥100 sauna access including towel rental.

Essential Information

Address: 6 Chome-35-5 Ikegami, Ota City, Tokyo 146-0082
Hours: Mon-Fri 12:00-01:00, Weekends/Holidays 10:00-01:00
Price: ¥550 (Adults), Sauna ¥100
Access: 6-min walk from Ikegami Station

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Location

Yu-donburi Sakaeyu

Retro charm in historic Asakusa

A 1946 establishment that’s become a pilgrimage site for international anime fans, located in the neighborhood that inspired the legendary boxing series “Ashita no Joe.” A life-sized statue of Joe stands nearby, making this area a must-visit for fans of the classic anime. While maintaining its nostalgic charm, the bathhouse offers a comprehensive bathing experience with electric baths, medicinal waters, micro-bubble baths, and jet streams. The facility’s eco-friendly solar heating system adds a modern touch to this historic gem, located just 1.7km from Sensoji Temple. The owner’s dedication to the local community shows in their curated map of neighborhood eateries and bars, perfect for post-bath exploration.

Essential Information

Address: 1 Chome-4-5 Nihonzutsumi, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0021
Hours: Weekdays/Sat 14:00-23:00, Sun/Holidays 12:00-23:00
Price: ¥550 (Adults)
Access: 10-min walk from Minowa Station。15 minutes from Asakusa

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Location

Musashikoyama Shimizuyu

Dual-colored springs in Musashikoyama

Originally established in 1924 and completely rebuilt in 2020, this facility uniquely offers both black and golden hot springs from 1,500-meter-deep wells. The black springs target joint pain and burns, while the golden waters provide exceptional skin moisturizing benefits. Features a women-only stone sauna.

Essential Information

Address: 3-9-1 Koyama, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00-24:00, Sun 8:00-24:00
Price: ¥550 (Adults), Stone Sauna ¥1,400 (Women only)
Access: 5-min walk from Musashikoyama Station

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Location

Special Mention: Modern Public Baths

While not offering natural hot springs, these two innovative bathhouses have become Tokyo’s most talked-about bathing destinations, revolutionizing traditional bath culture for a new generation.

Kosugiyu Harajuku

Traditional bathing meets fashion district

Opened in April 2024, this facility brings traditional bathing culture to Harajuku’s fashion hub. Located just one minute from Takeshita Street, it features unique milk baths alongside traditional hot and cold baths, perfect for experiencing temperature contrast bathing in a designer setting.

Essential Information

Address: 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya, Jingumae, 6 Chome−31−21 ,Tokyu-Plaza B1F
Hours: 7:00-23:00
Price: ¥550 (Adults)
Access: 1-min walk from Meiji-jingumae Station,5-min walk from Harajyuku Station

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Kairyoyu Shibuya

Art meets bathing

A trendsetting facility near Shibuya, revolutionizing the public bath concept with its cutting-edge design. The bathing area creates a planetarium-like atmosphere, complemented by a relatively hot sauna and refreshing cold bath.

Essential Information

Address: Kanayama Building, 2-19-9 Higashi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 12:00-23:30
Price: ¥550 (Adults), Sauna ¥450
Access: 10-min walk from either Shibuya or Ebisu Station

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Location

Note: All facilities maintain the government-regulated standard admission fee of ¥550 for adults. Prices for additional services and policies may change.

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