10 Recommended Hot Springs (Onsen & Sentou) around Tokyo 2024

What is an Onsen in Japan?

In Japan, onsen refers to water or steam that springs from underground. By law, it must contain specified minerals above certain levels and maintain a temperature of at least 25°C (77°F).

The type of bath varies in scent, color, and texture depending on which minerals are present and in what quantities.

The origin of onsen began with "toji" (hot spring therapy), which was a place for treating illnesses and recovering health. Subsequently, the hot spring culture developed and became established through various activities, including the sale of souvenirs.

Modern hot springs have become destinations where many people seek relaxation and recovery from fatigue.

Is Sentou Different from Onsen?

A Tokyo hot spring (Sentou) is a large public bath used by local residents in their daily lives.

There are three main differences between onsen and sentou: mineral content, temperature, and pricing.

As explained earlier, onsen have regulated mineral content and temperature requirements, while prices vary by facility.

In contrast, sentou have no specific requirements for mineral content or temperature, but their prices are regulated by region.

Both facilities offer large baths where you can stretch out and soak, providing benefits for fatigue recovery and refreshment.

Additionally, onsen contains minerals in the water that can be effective for recovering from illness and healing injuries.

You Can Enjoy Hot Springs in Tokyo! Here Are 3 Must-Visit Locations!

Spa LaQua

Source: Official website

Spa LaQua is a bathing facility equipped with hot springs, saunas, restaurants, and spacious relaxation areas.

The highlight is the popular "Healing Baden," a large-scale sauna area.

Decorated in a tropical resort style, this area features various low-temperature saunas made with different materials like natural stones and rock salt, making it perfect for healing.

I usually visit around late morning, spending time sweating in the sauna and reading books. Afterwards, I enjoy a healthy dinner, making it my perfect routine for a day off.

The entrance fee at Spa LaQua includes towels and facility wear. This makes it ideal for tourists who want to create a luxurious relaxation time within their busy sightseeing schedule.

[Facility Information]
Address: Tokyo Dome City LaQua 5-9F (Reception on 6F), 1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 AM (next day)
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 03-3817-4173
Official Website: https://www.laqua.jp/spa/

Musashikoyama Onsen Shimizu-yu

Source: Official website

Musashikoyama Onsen Shimizu-yu features two distinct hot springs, each offering different therapeutic benefits.

Located in a residential area that preserves its traditional atmosphere, this Tokyo hot springs (Sentou) is surrounded by greenery and offers cleaner air compared to central Tokyo, allowing visitors to fully relax and unwind.

While many hot spring facilities charge at least 1,000 yen, Musashikoyama Onsen Shimizu-yu costs only 550 yen for adults - the same price as a typical public bath in Tokyo.

The moisturizing effect on your skin after bathing and the pleasure of soaking in the open-air bath while gazing at the stars make this affordable experience exceptionally satisfying.

[Facility Information]
Address: 3-9-1 Koyama, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays, Saturdays, and Holidays 12:00-24:00, Sundays 8:00-24:00
Closed: Mondays (weekdays)
Phone: 03-3781-0575
Official Website: http://www.shimizuyu.com/

Toshimaen Niwa no Yu

Source: Official website

Toshimaen Niwa no Yu is a place where you can spend an unforgettable day enjoying six different baths, saunas, and pools.

My recommendation is to appreciate the silence. Unlike most Tokyo hot springs (Sentou), Toshimaen Niwa no Yu doesn't play background music in most areas.

In the quietness, the occasional sound of wind and birdsong creates a deeply therapeutic atmosphere that helps relieve daily stress.

For those busy with work or childcare, this is the perfect place to temporarily escape from daily life and relax.

Immerse yourself in authentic hot springs while letting nature's sounds nourish your soul.

[Facility Information]
Address: 3-25-1 Mukoyama, Nerima-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-23:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 03-5984-4126
Official Website: https://www.seibu-leisure.co.jp/niwanoyu/index.html

Top 3 Local-Favorite Public Baths in Tokyo

Mikokuyu

Source: Official website

Mikokuyu is a public bath that serves as a beloved community gathering place.

My top recommendation at Mikokuyu is the bath on the fifth floor.
From the semi-open-air bath with its high ceiling that seems to reach the blue sky, you can see the Tokyo Skytree.

The walls feature Mount Fuji inspired by Hokusai Katsushika's ukiyo-e, a traditional design element of Japanese public baths.

This traditional Tokyo hot springs (Sentou) is cherished by locals and offers a comfortable atmosphere.

It's the perfect spot for those who want to experience authentic Japanese bath culture while enjoying the community atmosphere with local residents.

[Facility Information]
Address: 3-30-8 Ishiwara, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 15:30-26:00
Closed: Mondays
Phone: 03-3623-1695
Official Website: http://mikokuyu.com/facilities

Thermae Yu

Source: Official website

Thermae Yu is a renowned Tokyo hot springs (Sentou) facility known for its 24-hour operation, making it a truly sleepless bathhouse.

This unique establishment combines traditional Japanese bathing culture with modern entertainment, featuring hot springs, saunas, and even a sports bar.

The low-temperature sauna, celebrated for its health promotion, relaxation, and immune system enhancement benefits, gently warms your entire body while filling the air with soothing aromatherapy scents.

After rejuvenating in the hot springs and sauna, you can enjoy drinks at the rooftop bar with panoramic views or relax on comfortable sofas while watching sports.

Thermae Yu is particularly recommended for visits with friends or couples.

[Facility Information]
Address: 1-1-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5285-1726
Official Website: https://thermae-yu.jp/spa-sauna/

Natural Hot Spring Heiwajima

Source: Official website

Natural Hot Spring Heiwajima is famous for leaving your skin moisturized, smooth, and silky after bathing.

My recommendation is the Utatane-yu (napping bath). This unique Tokyo hot springs (Sentou) experience allows you to lie down in the water and is said to be effective for insomnia.

The Utatane-yu feels like resting on a fluffy bed, warming your body gradually without causing dizziness, creating an incredibly comfortable experience.

Natural Hot Spring Heiwajima offers free shuttle bus services to and from Haneda Airport during late night and early morning hours, making it perfect for relieving travel fatigue before departure or after arrival.

[Facility Information]
Address: Big Fun Heiwajima 2F, 1-1-1 Heiwajima, Ota-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3768-9121
Official Website: https://www.heiwajima-onsen.jp/

3 Essential Manners to Observe in Japanese Hot Springs and Sentou

Rinsing Before Entering the Bath

Just as in Tokyo's traditional sentou (public bathhouses), rinsing involves using the shower or washing area to cleanse your body with water before entering the bath. This practice, essential in both modern hot springs and historic Tokyo sentou, helps keep the bath water clean by removing dust and dirt from your body. It's also important to prevent shocking your body by suddenly immersing in hot water.

There are two key points for proper rinsing:

- Sit down and quietly pour water over yourself to avoid splashing others
- Start from your feet (furthest from your heart) and gradually work your way up to your neck in several stages

Specific rules may vary by facility, so check the establishment's guidelines before bathing.

Don't Walk Around the Changing Room While Wet

Whether you're at a luxurious hot spring resort or a local Tokyo sentou, walking into the changing room while dripping wet makes the floor slippery. To prevent slips and injuries, dry your hair and body before entering the changing room.

Remember to:
- Wring out your used towel thoroughly before entering the changing room
- Use a dry towel to thoroughly wipe your body and hair before moving around

Keep Towels and Hair Out of the Bath

Hair often contains styling products and dust. Similarly, towels may have lint and soap residue. Hot spring water, whether in a natural onsen or a Tokyo sentou, contains delicate natural components that need to be protected from contamination.

When entering the bath, remember these points:

- Don't put towels in the bath or rinse them in the water
- Don't wash your face or scrub your body in the bath
- If you have long hair, tie it up high or use a shower cap

Without consideration for other users, the relaxing atmosphere of hot springs and sentou cannot be maintained. By following these manners, we can preserve a pleasant and healing environment for everyone who visits.

Three Popular Saunas in Japan: A Detailed Guide by a Sauna Enthusiast

Shibuya SAUNAS

Source: Official website

Shibuya SAUNAS, located just 9 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station, boasts nine different saunas within its facility.

One of its notable features is that all amenities are provided, allowing visitors to come empty-handed.

The facility offers two special programs:

The first is a treatment using bundles of plants called "whisk," which is expected to rejuvenate both body and mind.

The second is "Aufguss," where steam in the sauna is stirred with towels, creating an experience combining elevated thermal sensation with aromatic fragrances and refreshing breezes.

This Tokyo hot springs (Sentou) facility is perfect for those seeking a stylish space to refresh both body and mind.

[Facility Information]
Address: 18-9 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 8:00-24:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: None
Official Website: https://saunas-saunas.com/

Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo

Source: Official website

Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo is a men-only Tokyo hot springs (Sentou) facility located just one minute's walk from Ueno Station, a major tourist hub.

The facility features a rare high-temperature sauna that exceeds 100°C, which is uncommon even in Japan.

This high-temperature sauna is effective for fatigue recovery, stress relief, and shoulder pain relief, helping you maintain the energy needed for sightseeing.

After sweating away your fatigue in the sauna, you can enjoy the perfect end to your day by soaking in the open-air bath with a view of the sky.

As overnight stays are available, it's recommended for backpackers and travelers looking for affordable accommodation.

[Facility Information]
Address: 7-2-16 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00-21:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-3845-8000
Official Website: https://www.saunahokuou.com/hot_spring

Sauna Tokyo

Source: Official website

Sauna Tokyo is a men-only facility featuring five different saunas and three cold water baths.

Sauna Tokyo offers five types of saunas that will delight sauna enthusiasts. These include a low-temperature sauna in semi-private rooms for thorough sweating and a far-infrared sauna that warms you to your core.

My recommendation is the steam sauna, which is a modern interpretation of Edo-period Tokyo hot springs (Sentou). Here, you can enjoy both Japanese bathing culture and sauna experience.

Sauna Tokyo is an authentic sauna facility designed for sauna enthusiasts. As it specializes in saunas, it's recommended for those who want to deeply experience the appeal of authentic sauna culture.

[Facility Information]
Address: 3-13-4 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 24 hours
Closed: Never
Phone: 03-5544-8478
Official Website: https://sauna-tokyo.jp/