Welcome to the blog “Tokyo Sauna Japan” where we aim to spread the culture of Japanese saunas to the world!
What should you do when visiting Japan as a tourist? Tokyo Skytree? Asakusa? Eating Japanese food? Or perhaps shopping in Harajuku or Omotesando? While those are all wonderful options, we would like to suggest experiencing Japan’s fantastic saunas! We would like as many foreign tourists as possible to experience the amazing saunas in Japan.
In this special first edition, we will be introducing the incredibly famous bathhouse, Koganeyu, located in Kinshicho, Tokyo. This place is so renowned that it easily ranks among the top saunas in Japan. It’s absolutely perfect for anyone who wants to start their sauna journey in Tokyo!
It’s a great location, just a 6-minute walk from JR Kinshicho Station or Kinshicho Subway Station! It’s very convenient to access.
During the walk from the station, you can catch a glimpse of the Tokyo Skytree.
Kinshicho used to have a strong image as a district known for its bars and red-light establishments, but in recent years, it has undergone redevelopment and become a popular area for families as well. In this neighborhood of Kinshicho, there is a traditional public bathhouse called “Koganeyu” that has been rooted in the community for a long time. Astonishingly, it was established in 1932, making it a century-old institution that has been providing warmth to the local residents. It’s a special place to experience Japanese popular culture! Perhaps due to its deep historical roots, it is one of the rare public bathhouses in Japan that allows tattoos.
Furthermore, in 2020, Koganeyu underwent a full renovation! And let me tell you, it’s absolutely amazing!!
This bathhouse, which was renovated by architect Jo Nagasaka, cleverly utilizes a skeleton of concrete structure while preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of traditional public bathhouses. It creates a unique space that is truly one of a kind. Just the architecture itself is worth seeing!
Here are the usage fees as follows:
Usage fee for bath only (sauna not available):
Adults: 500 yen (1 hour 20 minutes)
Middle school students: 400 yen
Elementary school students: 200 yen
Infants: 100 yen (optional)
Sauna (Weekdays):
Female +300 yen / Male +500 yen (2 hours) *On Wednesdays, genders are switched. Sauna (Weekends):
Female +350 yen / Male +550 yen (2 hours) Rental towel set: +200 yen
Please note that the sauna is an optional add-on! If you choose to use only the bath area, you won’t have access to the sauna. Be sure to purchase the sauna set as described below!
Upon entering through the noren curtain, you’ll find the ticket vending machine on your right, just like in the old days. As you can see, you’ll need to purchase an admission ticket from the vending machine, so it’s recommended to bring cash. There are also English instructions provided. To use the sauna, you’ll need to purchase the sauna set (1,200 yen), which includes bathing, sauna, and a rental towel.
However, as mentioned earlier, this bathhouse (sauna) is extremely popular, and it can get crowded, making it difficult to enter at times. Before buying a ticket, it’s a good idea to ask the staff, “Can I enter now?”
If the bathhouse is crowded and you’re unable to enter, you can ask the staff to make a reservation for you. They will ask for your name and tell you to come around a certain time, like “Please come around XX o’clock.” The staff is friendly, so even if you don’t speak Japanese, using translation software or other means should work fine! If you have to wait, you can also have some tea at Koganekitchen on the second floor (details below).
By the way, here are the operating hours:
Weekdays, Sundays, and holidays:
6:00-9:00 / 11:00-24:30
Saturdays:
6:00-9:00 / 15:00-24:30
Closed on the second and fourth Mondays of the month
Weekday afternoons are relatively less crowded and a good time to aim for. It tends to get busier in the evening. Since it opens at 6:00 AM, starting your day with a quick sauna before sightseeing can be a great plan!
By the way, Koganeyu is also famous for serving craft beer. However, it’s strictly prohibited to consume alcohol before using the sauna! Enjoy your drink after you leave the bathhouse!
You will remove your shoes and place them in the shoe storage area. This is a traditional shoe box arrangement. Insert your shoes and remove the wooden tag. Hand over the ticket and the wooden tag to the staff. In exchange for the wooden tag, you will receive a locker key, and if you have a sauna set, you will also receive a wristband. The wristband serves as an identifier for sauna users.
This is the locker room. When it’s crowded, it can be quite small, so let’s use it while being considerate of each other. Take off your clothes, grab a small towel and some water (in a water bottle), and head to the bathing area!
The bathing area is designed in the traditional style of Japanese public baths. For those who have never been to a Japanese bathhouse before, you can consider this as the standard style of Japanese bathhouses!
First, let’s wash our bodies and hair using the fixed showers.
After washing your body, it’s tempting to go straight to the sauna, but since we’re here, let’s also enjoy the Japanese bathhouse experience. There are four types of baths:
“あつ湯” (hot bath)
“薬湯” (medicated bath)
“炭酸泉” (carbonated bath)
“水風呂” (cold bath).
Save the “炭酸泉” for later, as it’s a special treat after the sauna. I recommend starting with the “薬湯” first. Then, try the “あつ湯,” which means hot bath and is quite hot.
Once you’ve enjoyed the bathhouse, it’s time for the long-awaited sauna area. Let’s go~~~~~~!!
Contrasting with the public bathing area we were in earlier, the sauna area is a space enveloped by the skeleton of concrete. It showcases the brilliance of architect Jo Nagasaka’s design sense and creates an exceptional atmosphere.
The sauna features a unique design with walls covered in maifanite stones. It can accommodate around 10 people. If it’s crowded, we can wait outside the door. There are sauna mats placed at the entrance, so let’s remember to bring them inside.
The sauna stove is equipped with an automatic löyly system, which means that at specific times, it will generate löyly (steam). It feels incredibly refreshing and pleasant.
After warming up in the sauna, it’s time for the cold bath, right? This cold bath has a beautiful bluish tint, and it’s absolutely stunning. Remember to thoroughly rinse off the sweat before entering (this is not only good manners but also a legal requirement!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
After the cold bath, wipe off the water from your body and head to the outdoor bathing area! It’s incredibly luxurious to have an outdoor bathing space in the prime location of Tokyo. Personally, I feel like I become one with the city of Tokyo when I relax here. The fact that the outdoor bathing area is tucked away in a small alley adds to its charm. Please make sure to experience this sensation of pleasure!
After enjoying multiple rounds of sauna, I highly recommend returning to the public bath area and indulging in the “炭酸泉”! When you immerse yourself in the extremely lukewarm water, you’ll feel all the tension leaving your body and a sensation as if your body is melting into the bathtub. It will take you to a state of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation!
・Kogane Kitchen
The second floor of the facility is occupied by a café called “Kogane kitchen.” It’s a great place to visit while waiting or after you’ve finished enjoying the bathhouse.
How was it?
I introduced you to “Koganeyu” a truly remarkable public bathhouse that perfectly represents Tokyo Sauna Japan. It offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese public baths and contemporary art, creating a highly satisfying experience. The sauna, water bath, and outdoor bathing area are all of exceptional quality, making it a must-visit destination for sauna enthusiasts in Tokyo.
I highly recommend experiencing the sauna at “Koganeyu” a long-established public bathhouse located in Kinshicho. It provides an unforgettable and wonderful time for you to cherish. Please enjoy your visit!
Thing to do in Japan is Sauna!!!!!
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