Tokyo is known for its futuristic skyscrapers and cutting-edge culture, but just beyond the hustle and bustle, Japan’s ancient culture of “healing” (Iyashi) is alive and well. This is the world of Sento (public baths) and Onsen (hot springs). As a volcanically active country, Japan has an abundance of natural hot springs, and bathing is deeply rooted in daily life for health and relaxation.
Even in a megalopolis like Tokyo, there are many places where you can experience this traditional bathing culture. The forms vary widely, from historic, neighborhood sento that offer an affordable glimpse into local life, to modern spa resorts with state-of-the-art facilities.
However, for international travelers using a Japanese public bath for the first time, the unique rules and etiquette can be a major concern. A clear understanding of policies on tattoos, differences in pricing structures, and what you need to bring is essential for a comfortable experience. This article will provide all the information you need to have the best bathing experience in Tokyo.
1. Sento, Onsen, & Super Sento: The 3 Types and Their Price Structures
Japanese bathing facilities are broadly divided into three types: “Sento,” “Onsen,” and “Super Sento,” and their price structures are very different. The phrase “affordable price (from around 500 yen)” does not apply to all facilities, so it’s important to understand this distinction.
A. Sento: The Local Community Hub
Sento are public bathhouses established for the daily use of local residents. Many are long-standing, historic establishments where you can have a wonderful experience touching Japanese culture and history.
Features:
- They are community-based and let you feel old-fashioned Japanese culture.
- In Tokyo, many sento draw on “Kuroyu” (black water), a dark brown natural hot spring said to have skin-beautifying effects (e.g., Togoshi Ginza Onsen).
- The magnificent mural of Mt. Fuji painted on the bathhouse wall or the beautiful mosaic tile art are art forms unique to sento.
Price Structure:
- Sento pricing. The maximum price is set by each prefecture.
- Tokyo adult price (approx.): 550 JPY (as of July 2024). This is very affordable.
B. Super Sento: All-Day Bathing Complexes
Super Sento are large-scale bathing facilities with a wide variety of amenities. They are designed for families and friends to enjoy for an entire day.
Features:
- They are similar to modern spa resorts with state-of-the-art facilities.
- They feature diverse baths: indoor baths, spacious open-air baths (rotenburo), saunas (e.g., far-infrared, salt saunas), cold water baths, and jacuzzis.
- They are well-equipped with hot stone beds (ganban’yoku), relaxation (massage services), restaurants, kids’ spaces, and rest areas (tatami rooms or recliner chairs).
Price Structure:
- Facility’s original pricing. The entry fee is several times higher than a sento.
- Approx. all-day price: 2,500 JPY to 3,000 JPY or more. (e.g., SAKURA, Thermae-Yu, Edoyu).
C. Onsen: Nature’s Gift
Onsen refers to facilities that use “natural hot springs,” water naturally heated by geothermal energy.
Features:
- A “Sento” or “Super Sento” may use natural onsen water (e.g., Togoshi Ginza Onsen).
- In rural areas, you’ll find “Onsen Ryokan” (hot spring inns), where bathing is typically enjoyed as part of an overnight stay.
- In urban areas, they often take the form of “Super Sento” for day-trip use.
Price Structure:
- Varies completely depending on the facility type (Sento, Super Sento, or Ryokan).
[Conclusion] Choose a “Sento” if you want the experience for around 550 JPY. Choose a “Super Sento” if you want to relax for the whole day.
2. Rules Regarding Tattoos (Irezumi)
For international tourists, tattoos are the biggest concern, as they can lead to being denied entry. In Japan, due to historical background, tattoos are often prohibited at many onsen and public baths.
However, with the recent increase in inbound tourism, the number of tattoo-friendly baths (especially Sento) is growing. To avoid the unpleasant experience of being turned away, the following preparations are strongly recommended.
- Check the Facility’s Policy:
Before visiting, always check the “tattoo policy” on the official website of the bathing facility (especially for Super Sento and Onsen Ryokan). Choosing a facility that is clearly marked “Tattoo Friendly” or “Tattoos OK” is the safest bet.
- Covering Up:
If you have small tattoos (e.g., within 8cm x 13cm), some facilities may permit entry on the condition that you cover them with a cover seal (waterproof, skin-toned tape) or sports tape. These seals can be bought at drugstores or online.
- Private Baths (Kashikiri-buro):
If you have tattoos or are simply uncomfortable bathing nude with others, using a private bath (kashikiri-buro / kazoku-buro), offered at some facilities (mainly Onsen Ryokan and some Super Sento), is another option.
3. What to Bring & Amenities: Free or Paid?
The information “towels and amenities are available” can be ambiguous about whether they are provided for free or are for rent/sale. There is a significant difference in how Sento and Super Sento provide amenities.
A. In the case of a Sento
Basically, the local style is to “bring everything yourself.”
Towels:
- It is standard to bring your own.
- Most sento sell or rent towels for a fee. (e.g., Daikoku-yu rents a towel set (large/small) for 130 JPY).
Amenities (Shampoo & Soap):
- Often, they are not provided (you must bring your own or buy small single-use packets).
- However, some facilities (like Daikoku-yu) may provide rinse-in shampoo and body soap for free.
Recommended Checklist (for Sento):
- Small towel (for washing your body)
- Large bath towel (for drying off)
- Shampoo, conditioner, body soap
- A change of clothes
B. In the case of a Super Sento
In most cases, towels and amenities are included in the entrance fee (you can go empty-handed).
Towels:
- The entrance fee almost always includes the rental of a bath towel and a face towel.
Amenities:
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body soap are provided for free in the bathing area.
- The changing room is also often fully equipped with toner, lotion, hair dryers, etc.
4. Specific Manners for a Comfortable Bath (Bathing Etiquette)
A public bath (Onsen or Sento) is a place that emphasizes “mutual consideration” so everyone can have a comfortable time. This is not a religious ritual, but a functional set of rules for hygiene and relaxation.
Step 1: Manners Before Entering the Bath Area (Changing Room & Washing Area)
- Get Nude in the Changing Room:
Before entering the bath area, remove all your clothes in the changing room (Datsuijo). Wearing swimsuits or underwear is prohibited. (*Except at some mixed-gender facilities or spas)
- Wash Your Body (The Most Important Rule):
Before getting into the bathtub (yubune), you must first thoroughly wash your hair and entire body at the “washing area” (Araiba). This is the most crucial rule to keep the bathwater clean.
- Rinse Off Completely:
After washing, rinse your body well so that no soap or shampoo gets into the bathtub.
- Tie Up Long Hair:
Tie up long hair with a hair tie so it doesn’t touch the water. Floating hair is considered unpleasant by other bathers.
- Tidy the Washing Area:
The washing area is a shared space. Lightly rinse the stool and bucket (oke) you used with hot water, and return them to their original place if possible.
Step 2: Manners Inside the Bathtub
- Enter Slowly:
The bathwater temperature depends on the facility, but it can be hot, from 40 to 44 degrees Celsius (104-111°F). To avoid stressing your heart, enter slowly, feet first.
- Keep Your Towel Out of the Water:
The small towel (for washing) you bring into the bath area must not be put in the bathtub. This is to avoid dirtying the water. It is common to place the towel on the edge of the bath or on top of your head.
- Be Quiet:
The bath is a place for relaxation. Do not talk loudly, run, or splash. Keep long conversations to a minimum.
- Prohibited Actions:
Do not swim, submerge your head (dive), or play in the water.
Step 3: Manners When Returning to the Changing Room
- Dry Off Lightly:
After getting out of the bath and before returning to the changing room, use your small towel to wipe excess water off your body. This is an important consideration for others, to keep the changing room floor dry.
Other Important Rules
- No Smartphones/Cameras:
To protect privacy, using smartphones (mobile phones) or taking photos in the changing room and bath area is strictly prohibited. Enjoy it as a digital detox opportunity.
- Bathing After Drinking Alcohol:
Bathing while intoxicated is extremely dangerous and strictly forbidden.
- A Post-Bath Drink:
You will sweat a lot after bathing. Enjoying a traditional “Fruit Gyunyu” (fruit milk), a “bottle of milk,” or a beer from the vending machines in the changing room or lounge is one of the great pleasures of Japanese sento culture.
5. [5 Recommended Healing Spots in Tokyo] Tattoo, Price & Amenity Info by Facility
Here are some representative facilities where you can experience Sento and Onsen culture in Tokyo, focusing on tattoo-friendly places and different price categories. (*Information is subject to change. Always check the official website for the latest details before visiting.)
1. Daikoku-yu – Tattoo-OK Historic Sento (Oshiage)
Located at the foot of Tokyo Skytree, this is a historic sento with a traditional atmosphere. It balances the charm of its wooden architecture with modern, renovated comforts.
- Features: Well-equipped with an open-air bath, high-concentration carbonated spring, and sauna (extra charge). Its long hours, open late into the night, are also a plus.
- Tattoo Policy: OK (Officially welcomed)
- Price Category: Sento
- Adult Price (Approx.): 550 JPY (Tokyo Sento price) *Sauna costs extra
- Amenities:
- Rinse-in shampoo and body soap are provided for free.
- A rental towel set (large/small) is available for 130 JPY. You can visit empty-handed.
2. Togoshi Ginza Onsen – Enjoy “Kuroyu” in a Shopping Street (Togoshi)
A sento in a rare location, right inside one of Japan’s longest shopping streets, “Togoshi Ginza.” You can enjoy the natural “Kuroyu” (black water) hot spring, said to have skin-beautifying effects.
- Features: Good access from Shibuya. You can enjoy it along with eating and strolling in the shopping street. Enjoy the black water in the indoor and semi-open-air baths.
- Tattoo Policy: Tattoo-friendly
- Price Category: Sento (Natural Onsen)
- Adult Price (Approx.): 550 JPY (Tokyo Sento price)
- Amenities: Not provided (paid sales/rentals available). Bringing your own is recommended.
3. Thermae-Yu – Shinjuku’s Luxurious Super Sento
A modern spa resort with state-of-the-art facilities, located in the heart of Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district.
- Features: A luxurious facility with natural onsen water transported from Naka-Izu, high-concentration carbonated spring, hot stone beds, beauty salons, and restaurants. Open 24 hours (late-night surcharge applies).
- Tattoo Policy: Prohibited in principle. However, entry is permitted only if tattoos can be completely covered by designated cover seals (up to 2, sold at the facility).
- Price Category: Super Sento
- Adult Price (Approx.): 3,200 JPY~ (Entrance fee)
- Amenities: Towels, lounge wear, and all amenities (shampoo, toner, etc.) are included in the entrance fee.
4. Ryogoku Yugoya Edoyu – A Japanese-Modern Super Sento (Ryogoku)
Located in Ryogoku, the town of sumo, this super sento features a “Japanese-modern” design.
- Features: 6 types of baths, 3 types of saunas, and a spacious lounge area (with hammocks and a workspace).
- Tattoo Policy: Prohibited in principle.
- Price Category: Super Sento
- Adult Price (Approx.): 3,000 JPY~ (Varies by course)
- Amenities: Towels, lounge wear, and various amenities are included in the entrance fee.
5. SAKURA – An Urban Oasis (Sugamo)
Located in Sugamo, known as “Grandma’s Harajuku,” this is a super sento with a calm atmosphere.
- Features: You can enjoy a beautiful, amber-colored sodium chloride spring (natural onsen), which is rare in Tokyo. The open-air bath feels very spacious.
- Tattoo Policy: Prohibited in principle.
- Price Category: Super Sento
- Adult Price (Approx.): 1,320 JPY~ (Weekday price)
- Amenities: Towels are for rent/sale separately. Shampoo and body soap are provided for free.
6. To Deeply Enjoy Japan’s Bathing Culture
Japan’s public baths (onsen and sento) are not merely places to wash the body. They have historically functioned as “community spaces” to heal the body and mind, and sometimes, to interact with local people.
Tokyo has various styles of baths, from facilities with their own natural onsen sources, to historic sento steeped in history, to multifunctional super sento.
By understanding the pricing, etiquette, and especially the rules regarding tattoos in advance, and by showing consideration for other bathers, you will be able to experience Japan’s wonderful and unique culture of relaxation. We hope you will heal your daily fatigue and spend a relaxing time at one of Tokyo’s bathing facilities.
