The Ultimate Guide to Shinjuku’s Best Sento and Saunas:Relax, Detox, and Rejuvenate!
Shinjuku is a bustling district filled with department stores, large commercial facilities, and tourist attractions that draw crowds throughout the week. As one of Japan's most prominent entertainment districts, it sees an enormous flow of visitors daily.
While Shinjuku is home to traditional cultural spots like Hanazono Temple and Golden Gai's historic izakayas, many visitors might not know that it also preserves the traditional "sento (public bathhouse) culture." Given Shinjuku's large population, the area hosts several large-scale bathing facilities to accommodate the demand.
As an avid sauna enthusiast, I'll introduce you to Shinjuku's best sento and saunas.
What is "Sento," Japan's Traditional Public Bathhouse?
Sento is a traditional Japanese public bathhouse where people pay a fee to bathe. These facilities, designed to maintain public hygiene, use heated tap or well water in their baths.
Historically, sentos were identified by their tall chimneys, necessary for venting smoke from burning wood used to heat the water. However, as many facilities now use kerosene or heavy oil for heating, chimneys are becoming less common.
Recently, "Super Sento" has emerged as a popular modern interpretation. These facilities offer not just bathing but also relaxation services and dining options, making them popular all-day destinations among locals.
How Do Hot Springs Differ from Sento?
The main difference between hot springs (onsen) and sento is their water source. Hot springs use naturally occurring thermal water, while sento uses artificially heated tap or well water. Hot springs offer various health and beauty benefits due to their mineral content, while sento primarily serves hygiene purposes.
Hot springs are typically found in tourist areas and are considered recreational, while sento are more utilitarian, serving daily hygiene needs.
6 Recommended Sento and Saunas in Shinjuku - From a Sauna Enthusiast
Here are my top 6 recommendations for sento and saunas in Shinjuku.
Thermae-yu (Natural Hot Spring)
Source: Official website
Thermae-yu offers 24-hour access to natural hot springs, embodying the concept of "refreshing your senses in the heart of the city." The facility features multiple baths including an open-air bath (rotenburo), cosmetic bath (with beauty products added), cold water bath, jet bath, and various saunas.
My favorite is their carefully curated open-air bath. The water, transported daily from Nakaizu, is natural hot spring water. Known as "beauty hot spring," its soft, smooth water provides a luxurious bathing experience.
The women-only "Nordic Sungolight Cosmetic Bath" has gained attention for using approximately 3,000 bottles of one of the world's most famous beauty lotions. Rich in minerals and magnesium that maintain healthy skin, it's recommended as the final bath in your routine.
This facility is perfect for those wanting to experience various unique baths not found in typical sento.
Facility Information:
- Address: 1-1-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5285-1726
- Official Website: https://thermae-yu.jp/
- Amenities: Towel rental available, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner provided
SOLA SPA Kabukicho Shinjuku no Yu
Source: Official website
SOLA SPA Kabukicho Shinjuku no Yu is a hidden gem spa in the heart of Shinjuku, famous for its high-temperature sauna. The facility features saunas, a stylish public bath, relaxation services, and a restaurant, making it perfect for all-day enjoyment.
I visited with my sauna enthusiast friend. The sauna is traditional style with ample space for relaxation. The cold plunge pool, alternated with sauna sessions, maintains an ideal temperature. The facility offers a comic area with manga and magazines, plus comfortable sofas in the rest area, perfect for post-sauna relaxation.
Relatively uncrowded both weekdays and weekends, it's ideal for tourists seeking a casual Sentou experience. While open 24 hours, note that the bathing area is closed for cleaning from 8:45-11:00.
<Store Information>
- Address: B1/2F, 1-20-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-6205-9925
- Official Website: https://spa-solani.com/store/81/
- Amenities: Towel rental, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner provided
Mannen Yu
Source: Official website
Mannen Yu reopened in 2016 with the mission of creating a space where customers find happiness through bathing. The facility features hot baths, cold plunge pools, medium-temperature baths, electric baths, seated baths (suwariburo), and standing showers.
My favorite is the silk bath (44°C) in the hot bath section. Ultra-fine bubbles remove skin impurities, leaving your skin silky smooth after bathing. The velvety texture is addictive!
The bathhouse walls feature tile art depicting flying cranes, and traditional shoji windows create an elegant atmosphere. Recommended for those seeking an authentic Japanese bathing experience.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-15-17 Okubo, Shinjuku
- Hours: 15:00-24:00
- Closed: Saturdays
- Phone: 03-3200-4734
- Official Website: https://mannenyu.jp/
- Amenities: Towel rental, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner provided
Benten Yu
Source: Official website
Operating since its 1957 renovation, Benten Yu is a historic Sentou. The bathhouse features jet baths, high-power baths, seated baths, pot baths (targeting pressure points), reclining baths, micro-vibration baths, Hoju baths (with 11 medicinal herbs), open-air baths, cold plunge pools, and alternating sauna/mist sauna.
The highlight is its rare open-air bath in central Tokyo. Soaking while feeling the night breeze is extraordinary! I frequently visit specifically for the open-air bath. With water temperature at 37-38°C, it's perfect for extended soaking. Note that the open-air bath alternates between men (odd days) and women (even days) during summer.
Recommended for those wanting to experience open-air bathing in an urban setting.
<Store Information>
- Address: 5-1 Yocho, Shinjuku
- Hours: 14:30-1:00
- Closed: Wednesdays
- Phone: 03-3357-7370
- Official Website: https://bentenyu.jimdofree.com/
- Amenities: Towel rental, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner provided
Hagoromo-yu (Public Bath)
Source: Shibuya City Official
Hagoromo-yu, established in 1950, is a historic Sentou (public bathhouse) that has been beloved by locals even after its renovation in 1992. The bathing area features two types of saunas, a cold plunge pool, electric bath, several jacuzzi-style baths, and an open-air bath.
The men's and women's baths and saunas alternate between odd and even-numbered days. For men, even days offer dry sauna while odd days provide salt steam sauna. For women, even days feature salt steam sauna and odd days offer dry sauna. Check the date before visiting if you have a preferred sauna type. The popular open-air bath has a high ceiling, making it comfortable even for those hesitant about outdoor bathing.
The lounge next to the reception houses 2,000 popular manga volumes. After refreshing in the sauna and bath, why not browse through Japan's representative comics?
<Store Information>
- Address: 3-24-20 Honmachi, Shibuya-ku
- Hours: 14:00-1:30
- Closed: Fridays
- Phone: 03-3372-4118
- Official Website: None
- Rental towels, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner available
Ruby Palace
Source: Official website
Ruby Palace is a women-only facility offering 24-hour access to saunas and body scrubbing services. Located near Shinjuku, the bathhouse features a bakugan stone sauna (using infrared rays from special stones), löyly sauna (where water vapor is created by pouring water on heated sauna stones), far-infrared sauna, mugwort steam sauna, and a large public bath.
The popular bakugan stone sauna uses stones excavated from 800 meters under the sea. With a comfortable room temperature of 50°C, it eliminates the usual breathing difficulty experienced in traditional saunas. Lying on the warm stones promises ultimate relaxation, making it perfect for sauna beginners or those who dislike high temperatures.
The facility includes powder rooms, rest areas, and cafe spaces, making it highly rated among female visitors. It's recommended for those wanting to enjoy a sauna experience without worrying about male presence.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-12-2 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 03-5272-0080
- Official Website: https://www.rubypalace.com/
- Rental towels, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner available
3 Recommended Sauna Facilities in Shibuya - Perfect Access from Shinjuku!
Here are recommended sauna facilities in Shibuya, conveniently accessible from Shinjuku.
Shibuya SAUNAS
Source: Official website
Located just 3 minutes walk from Shibuya, this facility offers "totonou" (a state of physical and mental satisfaction achieved through sauna) through various sauna experiences. The facility features 9 uniquely designed sauna rooms and a deep cold plunge pool deep enough to submerge your head, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the quintessential sauna experience.
On the 1st floor, you'll find a restaurant supervised by the Michelin-listed "Shojin Ryori Daigo." The menu includes curry and ramen rich in vegetable and fruit flavors, and popular chewy whole wheat donuts - perfect for "sa-meshi" (post-sauna meals).
I became addicted to visiting Shibuya SAUNAS with friends, enjoying the sauna followed by delicious sa-meshi, and now often visit alone when stressed. The clean facilities make it welcoming for sauna beginners.
Store Information:
- Address: 18-9 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku
- Hours: 8:00-24:00
- Closed: Irregular
- Phone: 03-6627-4757
- Official Website: https://saunas-saunas.com/
- Amenities: Towel rental, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner provided
Kairyou-yu (Traditional Japanese Public Bath - Sentou)
Source: Official website
Kairyou-yu is a historic public bathhouse (Sentou) established in 1916, located between Ebisu and Shibuya stations. Renovated in 2018 with a modern atmosphere, it's popular among young people and foreign visitors. The bathing area includes medium-temperature baths, carbonated spring baths, cold water baths, far-infrared saunas, and convection saunas.
The most memorable feature is the contemporary artist's mural in the bathing area. The unique artwork creates an otherworldly atmosphere, helping you forget you're in the city.
Their pride is the soft water with an ion balance similar to sodium hot springs. The natural properties activate skin metabolism, warming you to the core and maintaining body heat. Even when I used it in midwinter, I was amazed that I stayed warm until I got home! Highly recommended for those who have difficulty warming up or poor circulation.
Store Information:
- Address: 2-19-9 Higashi, Shibuya-ku
- Hours: 12:00-23:30
- Closed: Saturdays
- Phone: 03-3400-5782
- Official Website: https://kairyou-yu.com/
- Amenities: Towel rental, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner provided
Heavenly Hideaway Marushin Spa
Source:PR TIMES
Heavenly Hideaway Marushin Spa is a men-only traditional bathhouse (Sentou) located just one minute's walk from Sasazuka Station, opened in 1986. The bathing area features a main bath, sauna, private sauna rooms, and cold plunge pools.
My favorite feature is the private sauna equipped with Japan's first Estonian "SAUNUM" sauna stove. It accommodates 1-6 people and offers a peaceful sauna experience away from prying eyes. The benches are made from Nordic thermowood, which provides a soothing woody fragrance.
My usual routine includes getting "totonou" (achieving the perfect relaxation state) in the sauna and main bath, followed by a post-sauna meal at the restaurant. Their spicy curry is exceptional and hits the spot when you're hungry! The restaurant is located on the 10th floor, offering spectacular views of Shibuya while dining.
As a men-only facility with comprehensive services, it gets particularly crowded on weekday evenings and weekends. It's highly recommended for men who want to enjoy the sauna experience without feeling conscious about female guests.
<Store Information>
・Address: 1-58-6 Sasazuka, Shibuya-ku
・Hours: 0:00-8:00, 10:00-0:00
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 03-3376-5225
・Official Website: http://marushinspa.jp/
・Amenities: Towel rental, body soap, shampoo, and conditioner available
3 Essential Etiquette Rules for Japanese Hot Springs and Public Baths
There are three crucial etiquette rules to follow at Japanese hot springs and public bathhouses (Sentou):
1. Always wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath. This prevents contaminating the bathwater with body dirt.
2. After using wash bowls and stools, rinse them lightly with hot water and return them to their original position. Since these are shared facilities, it's important to consider the next user's comfort.
3. Avoid using smartphones in the changing room. As smartphones have cameras, their use might cause concerns about unauthorized photography.
Since these facilities are used by many people, it's essential that everyone follows these etiquette rules to ensure a pleasant experience for all users!
