Ueno Hot Springs & Sentou Guide 2024: Exploring Bathhouses and Onsen
The Ueno district inTokyo is not only home to a wealth of tourist attractions but is also famous forUeno Park (Uenokoen), a popular spot for jogging and leisure. Situated near theImperial Palace, another well-known running destination, Ueno attracts many locals who unwind at asentou (public bathhouse) after their workout or stroll.
As part of theTaito ward, Ueno retains much of the charm of Tokyo’s old-town atmosphere, with retro bathhouses nestled among residential streets and renowned sauna facilities near the station. In this guide, we’ll explore the bestsentou, saunas, and bathhouses that Ueno has to offer.
What is a "Sentou"?
Asentou is a traditionalJapanese public bathhouse. These bathhouses evolved into a unique aspect of Japanese culture, regulated under thePublic Bath Law by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare.
Sentou entry fees are set according to local regulations, meaning prices vary across regions. Although Tokyo once had close to 400 sentou facilities, the number has gradually declined as more households now have private baths. However, modern sentou with amenities like saunas, open-air baths, and mist baths have emerged, attracting visitors seeking a more indulgent bathing experience. Beyond hygiene, sentou serve as importantsocial spaces where locals gather and engage with their neighbors.
Differences Between Sentou and Onsen
The key difference between asentou and anonsen lies in thewater quality and temperature. Onsen are defined by water sourced from a hot spring with a temperature of at least 25°C or containing specific mineral components, even if below that threshold. Unlike sentou, onsen facilities may not charge for access to the baths.
Sentou, however, are subject tostrict hygiene regulations under the Public Bath Law, ensuring safe bathing environments. Since these baths also promote public health, local governments provide subsidies for water usage, making sentou economically accessible. Unlike onsen, sentou fees are standardized and set according to municipal guidelines, ensuring affordability for residents and visitors alike.
Must-Visit Sentou in Ueno: Cherished by Locals for Generations
1. Kotobukiyu
Source:Official X
Located inHigashiueno, Kotobukiyu was founded in 1952 and is one of Tokyo's largestsentou, equipped with expansive open-air baths and saunas. Inside the bathhouse, visitors are treated to a breathtaking mural ofMt. Fuji, providing a sense of spaciousness and serenity while soaking in the baths.
The men’s section offers two types of saunas: asalt sauna and afar-infrared sauna. There are also two distinct cold baths featuring natural underground water—one in the open-air section and another in acave setting. These cold baths are particularly refreshing in summer, yet comfortably mild during winter.
Kotobukiyu also rotatesnine varieties of medicinal baths daily, offering guests the chance to experience new healing properties on every visit.
Address: 5-4-17 Higashiueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:30 AM – 1:30 AM
Closed: Third Thursday of each month, January 1st & 2nd
Phone: 03-3844-8886
Website:https://kotobukiyu.jp/
Towel Rental: No
Shampoo & Body Soap: Provided
2. Tsubameyu
Source:Official website
Located nearOkachimachi Station,Tsubameyu is a beautifully preserved wooden sentou, perfect for those wanting to experience the charm of Japan’svintage bathhouses. The high-ceilinged dressing room, intricate lattice-patterned wooden ceiling, and baths decorated with Mt. Fuji lava stones make it a nostalgic treasure.
Due to its historical value, Tsubameyu was designated aRegistered Tangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government in 2008—the first sentou to receive such an honor. Despite being surrounded by modern high-rises, Tsubameyu retains its retro charm, providing a glimpse into the past.
The baths are filled with underground water heated toover 40°C, ensuring a toasty soak even in the coldest months. If you're staying nearby, this sentou is worth visiting for a warm and memorable experience.
Address: 3-14-5 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays
Phone: 03-3831-7305
Towel Rental: Available (for a fee)
Shampoo & Body Soap: Provided
3. Donburisakaeyu Natural Hot Spring
Source:Official website
Located in Minamisenju,Donburisakaeyu offers not only traditional baths but alsonatural hot spring water and a variety of relaxing amenities. This sentou is tucked within a quiet residential area, providing a peaceful getaway with facilities such as an open-air bath,electric bath, herbal medicinal baths, and a sauna.
The natural hot spring water used at Donburisakaeyu is known tohydrate and nourish both skin and hair. Additionally, the second floor houses aprofessional massage therapist, offering shiatsu massages—perfect for extended relaxation sessions.
Minamisenju is home to several budget accommodations catering to international visitors. If you are staying in the area, Donburisakaeyu provides a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese bathing culture.
Address: 1-4-5 Nihonzutsumi, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Closed: Wednesdays
Phone: 03-3875-2885
Website: http://sakaeyu.com/roten
Towel Rental: Available (100 yen)
Shampoo & Body Soap: Provided
3 Must-Visit Sentou with Saunas! Top Saunas That Attract Tourists from far Prefecture
1. Hokuo Sauna & Capsule Hotel
Source:Official website
Hokuo Sauna & Capsule Hotel is conveniently located nearUeno Station and offers a unique experience combining sauna facilities with capsule hotel accommodations. Theopen-air bath is particularly popular for its spaciousness and the ability to gaze up at the sky while soaking. The bathwater containstogo stone, a weathered mineral known to relieve muscle tension—ideal for unwinding after a long journey.
The sauna operates at over100°C, providing significant benefits for fatigue recovery, stress relief, and maintaining health. Located on the fifth floor, the hotel restaurant allows guests to enjoy lunch or dinner after relaxing in the hot springs or sauna.
Please note that sauna access requires advance reservations from12:00 PM to 10:00 PM, so be sure to book via the website ahead of time.
Be sure to experience this popular“sacred place of saunas”, favored by locals!
Address: 7-2-16 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3845-8000
Website: https://www.saunahokuou.com/
Towel Rental: Available (100 yen)
Shampoo & Body Soap: Provided
2. Hidamarinoizumi - Haginoyu
Source:Official website
Located nearUguisudani Station,Hidamarinoizumi - Haginoyu is one of the largest sentou facilities in Tokyo, featuring a four-story building. After undergoing renovations in 2017, it now boasts a variety of baths, includingcarbonated baths, an open-air bath, and an electric bath.
The women’s section includes asalt sauna and soft water baths, while the men’s section features a hot bath. There’s also a restaurant on the second floor, offering banquet courses, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely meal after your soak.
With spacious relaxation areas, Haginoyu is an excellent choice if you want to unwind after enjoying the baths and sauna.
Address: 2-13-13 Negishi, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Thermae Domus Negishi)
Hours: Morning Bath 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM, Day/Night 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3872-7669
Website: https://haginoyu.jp/
Towel Rental: Available (100 yen)
Shampoo & Body Soap: Provided
3. Sauna Center Uguisudani
Source:Official website
Sauna Center Uguisudani is a large bathing facility located nearUguisudani Station, featuring saunas and baths. With capsule rooms on the second and third floors, it offers guests the option to stay overnight in addition to enjoying the saunas and baths.
The sauna's high humidity and comfortable large hot spring allow for long, relaxing stays. In addition to a cold bath, there’s a uniquepenguin room maintained at 6–7°C for cooling down after a hot sauna session.
After a soak, you can also find a massage room to relieve any lingering tension and a restaurant where you can enjoy a meal, making it a great facility for day trips as well. If you're looking for a place to relax in the sauna and bath, this is a must-visit.
Address: 2-4-7 Shitaya, Taito-ku, Tokyo
Hours: Open 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 03-3876-0016
Website:https://sauna-center.jp/
Towel Rental: Available (free)
Shampoo & Body Soap: Provided
Three Great Sentou and Saunas to Enjoy After Running in Ueno Park or the Imperial Palace
1. Fukunoyu (Sendagi)
Source:Yahoo! News
Fukunoyu inSendagi, Bunkyo City, is a popular sentou frequented by a diverse clientele, from locals to international visitors. Its chic café-like exterior makes it a favored spot for runners looking to relax after a workout.
The bath area is spacious, offering a 100% natural herbal bath and an artificial radium hot spring, alternating weekly between men and women. With towels available for rent, you can visit without having to bring anything with you.
The bathroom features a beautiful mural ofMount Fuji, providing a sense of openness while you enjoy your bath. The area around Fukunoyu in Bunkyo is blessed with clean spring water, ensuring a high-quality bathing experience. If you're looking to unwind, this is a highly recommended sentou.
For runners, Fukunoyu also offers a luggage storage service. You can store your belongings, run toUeno Park, enjoy a refreshing bath, and then return to your accommodation—my favorite way to enjoy Fukunoyu!
Address: 5-41-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (8:00 AM – 12:00 AM on weekends and holidays)
Closed: Thursdays
Phone: 03-3823-0371
Website:http://www.sentou-bunkyo.com/pg65.html
2. SaunaLab Kanda
Source:VISIT Chiyoda City
SaunaLab Kanda is located in the basement of theKanda Port Building, a cultural complex. This sauna facility is designed with a focus on quality and draws inspiration from authentic Finnish sauna practices, creating a natural space infused with the scent of wood.
The facility includes a traditional Finnish sauna, anIKE sauna with a pond in the middle, and anice sauna maintained at minus 25°C. After your sauna session, you can relax in the shared space or enjoy Finnish cuisine at the café.
To ensure a comfortable experience,SaunaLab Kanda has implemented a limit on the number of guests. Reservations are prioritized, so be sure to book in advance before your visit.
Address: 3-9 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Closed: None
Website: https://saunalab.jp/kanda/
3. Saitoyu (Nippori)
Source:Official website
Saitoyu inNippori, Taito Ward, is a modern sentou that reopened in April 2015, equipped with the latest facilities. This sentou serves as a running station, providing temporary luggage storage for runners who have been jogging around Ueno Park or the Imperial Palace.
Saitoyu offers five types of baths that help relieve fatigue, allowing you to wash away your sweat comfortably. The artificial carbonated spring, jet baths, and electric baths are especially effective for relaxing after a run.
After enjoying your bath, you can savor a delicious draft beer in the spacious lobby. If you've been running around the Ueno area, make sure to visit Saitoyu afterward!
Address: 6-59-2 Higashi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
Hours: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Closed: Fridays
Phone: 03-3801-4022
Website: http://www.saito-yu.com/
Three Essential Manners to Follow at Japanese Onsen and Sentou
When visiting Japanese onsens and sentou, it is important to adhere to the following three manners:
1.Rinse Before Entering the Bath
Always rinse your body with water before entering the bath to avoid contaminating the water.
2.Do Not Submerge Towels or Hair in the Water
Make sure that towels and hair do not touch the water. This is because towels and hair can carry bacteria, which may dirty the bathwater.
3.Avoid Walking Around the Changing Area While Wet
After bathing, refrain from walking around the changing area while wet, as it can make the floor slippery and pose a risk of falling.
Enjoy your time at the onsen and sentou while respecting these rules!
Don't Forget to Enjoy "Sauna Meals" After Your Sauna and Sentou Experience!
In Japan, the concept of"sauna meals" is gaining popularity, referring to the meal enjoyed after a sauna session. This is because after sweating in the sauna, people are often dehydrated and lacking in minerals, making food and drinks taste even better.
Highly recommended options for sauna meals includeramen,tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), and izakaya (Japanese pubs). Ueno is home to many excellent restaurants where you can enjoy delicious tonkatsu and ramen, making it a typical route to enjoy a sauna followed by a meal.
Additionally, after enjoying a morning bath, hopping around izakayas nearAmeyoko for some bar-hopping fun is also a great idea. The sweat you lose after bathing enhances the flavor of the drinks.
Joining a bar-hopping tour in the evening after drinking in the afternoon is also a great experience!
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
This tour takes you to hidden izakayas in a charming neighborhood of Ueno, Tokyo, known only to locals. Guided by a friendly and multilingual guide, you'll enjoy bar hopping.
During the tour, you will visit a lively food stall village in Ueno, savoring delicious food and drinks. You'll get to enjoy fresh chicken,oden (a Japanese stew),okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and other iconic Japanese street foods, along with a "nomihoudai" (all-you-can-drink) experience within a set time.
The tour also includes a stroll through Ueno Park, offering a fulfilling experience beyond just bar hopping. Since the tour is held in small groups, you'll have a great opportunity to mingle and enjoy the company of other participants while feeling pleasantly tipsy.
I had a wonderful experience participating in this tour, as it allowed me to connect with people from different countries that I wouldn't normally meet!
Meeting Point: JR Ueno Station Hirokoji Exit
Tour Area: Ueno
Start Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM