Tokyo’s Hidden Gems: Tattoo-Friendly Traditional Hot Spring Bathhouses (Sento)

Introduction

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. Here’s your guide to Tokyo’s most beloved hot spring bathhouses, where international visitors are welcomed and tattoos are generally accepted.

👁️ Kajino’s Eye: Sento vs. Sauna (Why are Tattoos OK?)

You might be wondering: “Why do some places ban tattoos while others don’t?” To understand this, we need to look at the difference between a Sento (Public Bath) and a Sauna/Spa (Health Land).

1. Public Health vs. Profit Technically, both are facilities for bathing and health. However, Saunas and Spas are purely commercial businesses aiming for profit. They often have high-end equipment and amenities to attract customers. On the other hand, Sento is a semi-public institution. They receive government subsidies and tax breaks to ensure “public hygiene and health” for local residents.

2. The Tattoo Taboo In Japan, tattoos have historically been associated with the Yakuza (organized crime). Because tattoos can scare away general customers, commercial facilities like Saunas and Super Sentos often ban them to protect their business revenue. However, Sento cannot discriminate. Since their primary mission is “public hygiene for everyone,” they generally accept all citizens, including those with tattoos. (Note: A small number of Sentos have started refusing tattoos recently, but the vast majority remain open).

3. Price & Comfort Saunas invest heavily in facilities, so you can relax there all day, but it costs ¥2,000–¥3,000. Sento is strictly for bathing (usually 1-2 hours), but the price is fixed at a super-affordable ¥550. Also, while Saunas are often male-focused, Sentos always have facilities for both men and women.

♨️ Traditional Japanese Bathing Guide

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STEP 2: Before Entering

• Undress completely.
• Store clothes in a locker and secure the key (usually on a wristband).
• Take only a small towel into the wet area.

STEP 3: The Bathing Process

1. Wash First: Sit at a washing station and thoroughly wash your body with soap.
2. Kakeyu: Splash warm water on your body to adjust to the temperature.
3. Soak: Enjoy the hot bath (8–10 minutes).
4. Cool Down: Take a cold bath or shower (30–60 seconds).
5. Rest: Sit and relax for about 10 minutes (wrap your towel around you).
6. Repeat: Cycle through this 3–5 times.

⚠️ Important Safety Note: Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, stop immediately. Stay hydrated!

Featured Bathhouses

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.

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Note: All facilities maintain the government-regulated standard admission fee of ¥550 for adults (as of 2025). Additional sauna fees and operating hours are subject to change.