Public baths, like sento and onsens, hold significant importance in Japanese culture. Recently saunas are also becoming a trend in Japan. Despite many prohibiting tattoos, our “8 Stunning Saunas in Tokyo That Permit Tattoos” post highlights not only unique and cool saunas but also tattoo-friendly options.
Kairyou-yu (Ebisu)
In late February 2022, the public bath underwent a remarkable renovation, emerging as an exceptional sauna. With a perfect blend of sauna, cold bath, and outdoor air bath, it offers a unique experience. Representing the Reiwa era, this cool public bath stands out, emphasizing lighting and BGM. The sauna room excels in temperature, humidity, and lighting, providing a piping-hot environment. The high seats near the ceiling enhance the sauna experience, calming the heightened heart rate. A new outdoor bathing facility, equipped with nine comfortable chairs, allows for an open-air bath experience when not too crowded. Undoubtedly, this sauna is of seriously high quality, with the only drawback being occasionally overcrowded.
Address: 2 Chome-19-9 Higashi, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0011
Koganeyu (Kinshicho)
In 2020, Koganeyu, a traditional neighborhood sento, transformed into a modern public bath with a craft beer taproom. This sauna delivers an outstanding blend of sauna, cold bath, and outdoor air bath, ensuring a top-tier public bath experience. The outdoor area, embellished with plants and featuring eight well-equipped chairs, exudes a luxurious ambiance uncommon in regular public baths. Nevertheless, akin to Kairyou-yu, Koganeyu is immensely popular among locals, often leading to crowded conditions.
Address: 4 Chome-14-6 Taihei, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0012
Matsumoto-yu (Ochiai)
Matsumoto-yu, a historic sento bathhouse in Nakano, has undergone its first major renovation in 85 years. The renewed facility features a classic dry stone sauna with a Finnish stove and an autoroulu, ensuring a constant and even steam supply. The women’s steam room boasts a luxurious interior with benches adorned in tiles made from ore sourced from Austria’s Bad Gastein mountain spring town and lava from Mt. Fuji, emitting far-infrared radiation for potential body recovery benefits. After a sauna session, proceed to the bathing area, including a water bath with Tokyo’s deepest depth at 150 cm and excellent water quality. Or relax in an herb-infused, bright pink bath inspired by traditional Japanese medicine (kampo). Post-bathing, unwind in the Japanese-style relaxation room, where an original stained glass window adds a touch of nostalgia to the experience. Matsumoto-yu invites you to rest and enjoy the revitalized amenities after your rejuvenating bath.
Address: 5 Chome-29-12 Higashinakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0003
Hotta-yu sento (Nishiarai)
Known as Tokyo’s finest public bath sauna, Hotta-yu is praised by locals. The herbal sauna, utilizing a kettle for autoroulu twice hourly, offers a unique experience. The ambiance, resembling a tea room, complements tasteful background music, creating a highly emotional setting. The outdoor water bath, with a depth of 160cm, allows you to bathe under the night sky, connecting with nature and momentarily forgetting the Tokyo hustle. Situated in Adachi Ward, away from the city center, it’s a must-visit facility at least once, promising a distinct and memorable experience.
Address: 3 Chome-20-14 Sekibara, Adachi City, Tokyo 123-0852
Bunka Yokusen (Ikejiri Ohashi)
Established in 1932, Bunka Yokusen underwent a full 2011 renovation, transforming into a modern public bath with a focus on healing. Preserving old-fashioned charm, it emphasizes a leisurely atmosphere. Jazz music plays throughout, even in the baths, a unique touch. The newly introduced nano hot water and soft water baths enhance the experience.
Address: 3 Chome-6-8 Higashiyama, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0043
SaunaLab (Kanda)
“SaunaLab Kanda” provides an authentic Finnish sauna experience, bringing nature to the city. They offer 5 saunas for self-lowering and an ice sauna mimicking Finnish winter at -25 degrees Celsius. Afterward, unwind in the “Forest Library.” Note: Reservations are crucial, so kindly make one at least 2 hours in advance.
Address: 3 Chome-3-9 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0054
Solo Sauna Tune (Shinjuku)
“Solo Sauna Tune” pioneers private solo saunas in Japan, offering complete relaxation. Enjoy a private room with clothing changes, sauna and cold baths, and breaks. Stretch or lie down at your convenience. Ideal for sauna beginners, play your favorite music and self-lower at your pace. The shower room features an overhead shower for a refreshing cold water experience. The dimmed lighting in the rest area ensures a comfortable break. Additionally, a spacious sauna room is available for group enjoyment with friends.
Address: 23-1 Tenjincho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162-0808
Shibuya Saunas (Shibuya)
Produced by Katsuki Tanaka, an author of the book “Sa-do,” and a prominent Japanese sauna ambassador, “Shibuya SAUNAS” features nine sauna rooms, including one with a sound system, and four cold baths. Men’s and women’s bathrooms change daily, allowing access to all sauna rooms. Attention to detail extends to the carefully chosen amenities. On the first floor’s lounge space, savor casual vegan cuisine crafted by Yusuke Nomura, the fourth-generation owner of Shojin Ryori Daigo, a two-star recipient from Michlein Guide for 16 consecutive years.
Address: 18-9 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0031
