Tokyo used to have at least one public bath (sento) in each of its numerous neighborhoods, but their number has greatly dropped in past decades. Recently, the popularity of sento has increased a little, with the larger baths offering entertainment, dining and relaxation under one roof, and the smaller, nostalgia-imbued ones allowing bathers to be brought back to the good old days.
Tokyo is not a place where onsen water surfaces naturally, but thanks to modern drilling and pumping technologies, it is now possible to get access to naturally heated water virtually anywhere if you bore deep enough. As a result, several larger bath complexes featuring hot spring water have appeared across central Tokyo.
Large bath complexes
LaQua
In Tokyo Dome City (near Korakuen, Kasuga and Suidobashi stations) Hours: Daily 11:00am to 9:00am the next morning Closed: A small number of irregular closing days Admission: 2900 yen (extra fee on weekends, holidays and after midnight)
Opened in 2003, LaQua is a popular relaxation oasis not far from Tokyo Dome in the center of busy Tokyo. It features real hot spring pools, saunas, relaxation space and various massage and beauty services. The hot spring water is brought to the surface from a depth of more than one kilometer.
Niwa no Yu
Short walk from Toshimaen Station Hours: Daily 10:00am to 23:00 (entry until 22:00) Closed: A small number of irregular closing days for maintenance Admission: 2070 yen (weekdays), 2370 yen (weekends), 2470 yen (special days), 1500 yen (after 6pm except peak seasons)
Niwa no Yu is a hot spring bath complex a short walk from Toshimaen Station in northwest Tokyo. The oasis in the city features a large Japanese garden, a variety of hot spring pools, a sizable indoor pool, saunas, relaxation and massage areas, as well as dining options. The natural hot spring water is pumped up from a depth of over 1400 meters underground.
Small bath houses
Oshiage Daikoku-yu
5 minute walk from Oshiage Station (exit B2) Hours: 15:00 to 10:00 the next morning (from 14:00 on Saturdays and 13:00 on Sundays) Closed: Tuesdays Admission: 470 yen
Established in 1949, Oshiage Daikoku-yu is an atmospheric, gender-separated sento in a neighborhood not far from the Tokyo Skytree. The public bathhouse has outdoor baths albeit with high walls. The classic interior has wooden flooring in the changing area and a tiled mural in the bath area. Chilled drinks and icy poles are sold in the small lounge area outside. Large and small towels are available for rent, and simple amenity kits can be purchased at the counter. Communal body soap and shampoo are not provided.
Atami-yu
Short walk from JR Iidabashi Station (west exit) Hours: 15:00 to 25:00 Closed: Saturdays Admission: 470 yen
Located in the picturesque backstreets of Kagurazaka, Atami-yu is a sento where the waters are heated by burning wood since the public bath opened in 1954. Both the exterior and interior feature classic, almost vintage, decorations creating a time slip to the past once you step past the threshold. Large and small towels are available for rent; however, amenity kits, soap and shampoo are not provided.
Minami Aoyama Shimizu-yu
Access: Short walk from Omotesando Station (exit A3) Hours: Daily 12:00 to 24:00 (until 23:00 on weekends and national holidays) Closed: Fridays Admission: 470 yen
Shimizu-yu in Minami Aoyama can be found in a quiet lane off the main road in the upmarket Omotesando-Aoyama district. The modern public bathhouse is located on street level under an apartment building with a small coin laundromat beside. There are a number of baths and also background music to create a relaxing atmosphere. Large and small towels are available for rent, and simple amenity kits can be purchased at the counter. Communal body soap and shampoo are not provided.
Enjoy each room's luxurious furnishings and attached bath/vanity in one of Tokyo's premier hotels. Just 25 minutes from Haneda Airport and also minutes from Tokyo Tower and Odaiba.
Featuring free WiFi and a hot tub, Mokkoan offers accommodation in Kita Ward, Tokyo. Private parking is available on site. Every room comes with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Certain units have a seating area where you can relax. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. You will find a shared kitchen at the property. The guest house also offers free use of bicycles. Yokohama is 37 km from Mokkoan, while Chiba is 41 km away. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 24 km from Mokkoan.
Set in the Ota Ward district in Tokyo, 5 km from Tokyo International Airport Terminal No2 Observation Deck, HISAYO'S INN features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi throughout the property. Each room has air conditioning and a safety deposit box. A shared kitchen comes with a refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, toaster and electric kettle. Bathrooms are shared and include free toiletries, towels, hairdryer, mouthwash and toothpaste. You will find a washing machine, tumble dryer and electrical adapter. Guests can try Japanese traditional haori jacket and have their photos taken free of charge. Rental bikes are available, and the staff can assist guests try on a yukata robe for female at a fee. Free luggage storage service is offered. Bike hire is available at this guest house and the area is popular for cycling. Oedo Onsen Monogatari is 8 km from HISAYO'S INN, while Fuji TV Odaiba is 9 km from the property. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 3 km from HISAYO'S INN.
Located in Tokyo, near Kamejimashogakko Memorial Park, Kameido Tenjin Shrine and Umeyashiki Monument, SOLA HOTEL features free WiFi, and guests can enjoy a shared lounge and a terrace. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bidet, slippers and a hairdryer. Some units include a seating area and/or a balcony. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Olinas Kinshicho Shopping Mall, Tobacco & Salt Museum and Gokinimono Museum. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 30 km from SOLA HOTEL.
Well situated in the Taito district of Tokyo, The Barn Tokyo is set 300 metres from Shikian, 300 metres from Calligraphy Museum and 400 metres from Tokugawa Tsunayoshi Mausoleum Imperial Scroll Gate. With a garden, the 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. The property is close to popular attractions like Kanei-ji Temple, Chosho-ji Temple and Kemmyo-in Temple. The units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. At The Barn Tokyo all rooms are equipped with bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Nippori South Park, Tokugawa Ietsuna's Mausoleum Gate Plaque and Kuroda Memorial Hall. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 19 km from The Barn Tokyo.
Located in Tokyo, 300 metres from Zuiken Kawamura Former Residence Place Monument, Sakura Cross Hotel Tokyo Kayabacho provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi. The property is around 500 metres from Oiwa Inari Shrine, 600 metres from Bank of Japan Origin Place Monument and 700 metres from Takao Inari Shrine. Each room is equipped with a balcony. At the hotel, each room includes a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. All units will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Sakura Cross Hotel Tokyo Kayabacho include Shinkawa Historic Place Monument, Sailor Education Origin Place Monument and War Disaster Memorial Service Monument. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 27 km from the accommodation.
Conveniently situated in the Taito district of Tokyo, Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo is located 60 metres from Komagatado, 500 metres from Kaminarimon Gate Senso-ji and 500 metres from Ekimise Asakusa. Featuring a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation provides a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. Guest rooms include bed linen. The hostel offers a terrace. Popular points of interest near Hostel Chapter Two Tokyo include Hozomon Gate, Chiisanagarasunohonno Museum and World Bags and Luggage Museum. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 30 km from the accommodation.
Situated a minutesf walk away from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station of the Tokyo Metro Ginza and Marunouchi Line, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho boasts free WiFi throughout the entire property. There is a sake bar, a sushi restaurant and a teppanyaki restaurant on site, as well as a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel is directly linked to Nagatacho Station of the Nanboku Line. It is a 10-minute drive from Tokyo Station, and a 30-minute drive from Haneda Airport. Narita International Airport is a 100-minute drive away. The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho features a spa and wellness centre and a sauna facility, and the front desk offers currency exchange. Laundry services are offered at an extra cost. All rooms are air-conditioned/heated and feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Rooms come with a desk, minibar, electric kettle, a coffee machine, personal locker and a refrigerator. The en suite bathroom comes equipped with a bathtub and shower. Hairdryers, free toiletries, slippers and bathrobes provided. Guests can enjoy a variety of Japanese cuisine on site, and there are several restaurants within a 3-minute walk from Akasaka Mitsuke Station.
Situated right in the heart of Marunouchi business district, Palace Hotel Tokyo is 5-star luxury accommodation boasting 7 restaurants, a spa and a free-access fitness centre and indoor swimming pool. It is directly connected to Otemachi Subway Station and an 8-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station. Free WiFi is provided in the entire area. Offering elegant and chic ambience, each spacious room comes with a large LCD TV, a blu-ray/DVD player and a safety box. A fridge and an electric kettle are also provided. The en suite bathroom includes a small TV, a bath tub and toiletries. While staying at Tokyo Palace Hotel, guests can enjoy a workout at the fitness gym, or receive rejuvenating treatments at the on-site Evian Spa Tokyo. The concierge desk can arrange various services for guests including mobile phone rentals. Tablet rentals, copy and fax services are available for an extra charge upon request at the front desk or club lounge. Guests can enjoy authentic Japanese culinary experiences in Wadakura restaurant, Tatsumi tempura restaurant and Kanesaka sushi restaurant. Crown offers exquisite French cuisine and the city views, while Grand Kitchen serves international dishes throughout the day. Located right next to the Imperial Palace, the hotel is a 10-minute walk from Ginza shopping area, and a 5-minute train ride from Akihabara electric town. Popular Tsukiji Fish Market can be reached within a 10-minute taxi ride. Airport limousine buses are available to/from Narita and Haneda airports at an extra charge.
Situated in the center of Tokyo, Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo is 800 metres from Tokyo Station. Elegantly furnished rooms located on the upper floors boast city views. Free WiFi is featured throughout the property and an on-site fitness centre is available for guests for free. All rooms are non-smoking, equipped with a flat-screen TV, sofa and safety deposit box. The private kitchen includes a microwave, electric kettle and refrigerator. Wine glasses and coffee machine are also provided. The en suite bathroom has a bath, hairdryer and free toiletries. For guests' comfort, the hotel provides slippers and nightwear. TV programmes for children are available. The 24-hour reception offers luggage storage and concierge services. Dry cleaning services and a drinks vending machine are available as well. The hotel features the business centre and fax/photocopying services. Guests can relax at the on-site garden or shared lounge after a busy day. The on-site restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast. Restaurants, cafes and 24-hour convenience stores are within a 10-minute walk from the property. Japan Imperial Palace is a 15-minute walk away from the property, while Tsukiji Fish Market is a 25-minute train ride away. Haneda Airport is approximately a 50-minute drive from the property.
Opened in June 2013, The Edo Sakura offers accommodation in a Japanese-style Machiya townhouse located a 5-minute walk from Iriya Subway Station and a 10-minute walk from JR Uguisudani Train Station. Free Wi-Fi is available at the entire property and guests can enjoy looking out into the traditional garden. Ueno Station is a 15-minute walk away. Guests can choose to stay in rooms with Japanese futon bedding on tatami (woven-straw) floors or in rooms with Western beds on wooden floors. A fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each room. All rooms come with an en suite bathroom with a toilet and shower, while some rooms have a bathtub. A coin-launderette is available on-site. Dry cleaning services and luggage storage is offered at the front desk. A private reservable bath is available between 15:00 and 23:00 for guests to use. Rooms are all non-smoking, while a smoking area is located at the lobby. Edo Sakura is a 15-minute walk from Ueno Park and a 20-minute walk from Ueno Zoo. Senso-ji Temple is a 15-minute public bus ride away. Haneda Airport is a 50-minute train ride, while Narita International Airport is a 1-hour train ride away.
