When most individuals envision public bathhouses, thoughts of antiquated and outdated facilities often come to mind. In recent years, the emergence of avant-garde communal baths has sought to redefine this perception. Their stylish ambiance could easily be mistaken for an upscale spa or a retreat. Rest assured, these establishments promise a 360-degree transformation of the conventional image associated with public baths.
In this installment, we present a curated selection of 5 "designer public bathhouses" in Tokyo, Japan. Can you believe these are, indeed, public bathhouses? For a nominal entrance fee of 470 Japanese yen, you can revel in the offerings of all the communal baths showcased here!
Cultural Springs / Ikejiri-Ohashi
"Culture Springs," in operation since 1928, stands as a venerable onsen with a rich history, having undergone renovations around 2011. The establishment boasts not only its traditional bath facilities but also features a sauna room with two tiers of seating, accommodating a total of six individuals—three on the upper level and three on the lower level.
The lighting within the bathhouse exudes a soothing and relaxing ambiance. The inclusion of "nano hot water," containing particles of nano-bubbles, is renowned for its potential in effective weight management and the inhibition of atherosclerotic lesions formation.
After immersing oneself in the bath, a sense of ethereal serenity envelops both body and mind, facilitating recovery from profound fatigue.
- Culture Springs Information
- Address: 3-6-8 Higashiyama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Google Map
- Phone: 03-3792-4126
- Admission: 大人470円
- Business Hours: Weekdays 15:00–25:00 (Last entry 24:30) / Sat-Sun 15:30–24:00 (Last entry 23:30) / Sunday Early Bath 8:00–12:00 (Last entry 11:30)
- Official Website
Hisamatsu-yu / Itabashi-ku
The natural hot spring "Hisamatsu-yu" has been in operation since 1956 and underwent a redesign in 2014. Delving deep into the earth at a depth of 1500 meters, the establishment taps into a high-quality sodium chloride hot spring source, offering patrons an experience of "exceptionally hot baths."
The facility is conceptualized as a "public bath in the light and wind, amidst a forest." Incorporating movable skylights on the grid ceiling, a courtyard nestled between changing rooms and washing areas, and bright spaces absent in traditional communal baths.
The design introduces a novel dimension to the conventional image of public bathhouses – this is the essence of "Hisamatsu-yu."
To further defy the traditional portrayal of public baths, the walls of the bathing area project captivating animations, depicting the "moments of dripping, accumulating, drifting, and flowing." The integration of such artistic elements into a communal bath marks a groundbreaking endeavor.
- Hisamatsu-yu Information
- Address: 4-32-15 Sakuradai, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo Google Map
- Phone: 03-3991-5092
- Admission: Adults - 470 yen
- Business Hours: 11:00–23:00 (Last entry 22:30)
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Official Website
Minatoyu / Hatchobori
Minatoyu is a public bathhouse with a sauna facility located in Hatchobori, Chuo-ku. Beyond its contemporary design, the standout feature here is the inclusion of two types of baths, equipped with spacious and stylish tubs.
Patrons can indulge in two types of baths: the "Silk Bath," featuring ultra-fine bubbles that enhance blood circulation, and the "Electric Bath," where a faint electric current flows between electrodes in the tub.
Moreover, the hot water in the baths is entirely supplied by mineral-free soft water. This gentle on the skin water offers excellent insulation and moisturizing effects, making it highly recommended for individuals with dry skin.
Additionally, there are two popular sauna options: the "Comfort Sauna" utilizing far-infrared rays and the "Rock Sauna," where water is dripped onto heated stones.
- Minatoyu Information
- Address: 1-6-2 Minato, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Google Map
- Phone: 03-3551-0667
- Admission: Adults - 470 yen
- Business Hours: 15:00–24:00 (Last entry 23:00)
- Closed: Saturdays
- Official Website
Fukunoyu / Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku
In 2011, Fukunoyu in Bunkyo-ku underwent a comprehensive renovation, presenting a rejuvenated ambiance. The establishment embraces striking modern Japanese design, featuring a gourd-shaped opening above the entrance.
The interior color scheme, grounded in feng shui principles, is designed with the auspicious notion of "good fortune descending upon the customers." Admiring the exquisite murals on the walls becomes a delightful indulgence.
The male and female bath areas undergo weekly rotations and offer artificial radium hot springs modeled after the Sancho Onsen in Tottori Prefecture, body jets, and beauty jet baths.
For the weary adult, the medicinal bath "Benzaiten no Yu" infused with natural herbs is an unmissable experience. Additionally, the facility includes a fully-equipped public bath with ceramic baths, sitting baths, cypress wood baths, and more.
- Fukunoyu Information
- Address: 5-41-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Google Map
- Phone: 03-3823-0371
- Admission: Adults - 470 yen
- Business Hours: Weekdays 11:00–24:00 / Sat-Sun, Holidays 8:00–24:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Official Website
Shimizu-yu／Musashikoyama
Operating since 1924, the onsen "Shimizu-yu" in Musashikoyama boasts a century of history. With a chic interior and exterior resembling a boutique hotel, it defies the conventional notion of a public bath.
This onsen offers the enjoyment of two distinct hot springs. One is the "Kuroyu Onsen," gushing from strata dating back one to two million years. Even among Tokyo's black hot springs, it stands out with its fine texture, presenting a crystal-clear deep amber hue—indicative of a high-quality onsen. Infused with fresh mineral components, it bestows moisturizing and insulating benefits for radiant skin. It is said to alleviate conditions such as neuralgia, muscle pain, arthritis, and shoulder stiffness.
The other, known as the "Golden Spring," springs forth from the Upper Miocene formation dating back 5 million years, at a depth of 1,500 meters. Rich in iodine, it is reputed for its effectiveness in treating cuts, abrasions, and sore throats.
It is also recommended for promoting overall health and addressing conditions like cuts, burns, chronic skin diseases, and more.
In addition, the establishment provides sauna facilities and a rock bath, subject to an additional fee.
酒店还提供桑拿浴室和岩盘浴设施，但需额外收费。
- Shimizu-yu Information
- Address: 3-9-1 Koyama, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo Google Map
- Phone: 03-3781-0575
- Admission: Adults - 470 yen
- Business Hours: Weekdays 12:00–24:00 / Sat-Holidays 12:00–24:00 / Sundays 8:00–24:00
- Closed: Mondays
- Official Website
