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.

Traditional Japanese Bathing

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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