Thank you for introducing us to the “Sauna Center” ,a men-only sauna facility that is said to be the oldest in Tokyo! Among sauna enthusiasts, it is often referred to as the “Best Sauna in Tokyo” or the “Sacred Place of Saunas in Tokyo.” It is a highly popular sauna facility. The “Sauna Center” is known for its long history as the oldest sauna facility in Tokyo, but there are also various other reasons behind its popularity. We will now share all the captivating aspects of this facility with you!
The “Sauna Center” is located just a 3-minute walk from Uguisudani Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Uguisudani Station may not be as well-known among foreign visitors compared to popular stations like Shibuya or Shinjuku. To be honest, it is considered a rather minor station. When people hear the name Uguisudani, it often brings to mind the image of a lively entertainment district. However, rest assured that this is Japan, and the area is safe and secure.
Indeed, Uguisudani may evoke the image of a lively entertainment district, but it also offers a glimpse of the traditional Tokyo downtown atmosphere, reflecting a strong connection to Japan’s popular culture. Despite being part of the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, there are still deep-rooted neighborhoods like this that exude a nostalgic charm. The scenery and location of Uguisudani, which resonates with a sense of nostalgia for many Japanese people, contribute to the allure of the “Sauna Center”.
↑↑↑↑This is the “Sauna Center”. It is easily recognizable from the outside by the Gundam and Zaku figures on display. While it is considered the oldest sauna facility in Tokyo, it has undergone several renovations, with the most recent one taking place in 2018. However, the building itself was constructed around 50 years ago, giving it a sense of time and history.
Please remove your shoes and place them in the shoe lockers, remembering to lock them. At the reception, you will receive a key and pay the usage fee. There is also a capsule hotel attached to the facility, so if you’re looking for affordable accommodation, be sure to check that out as well. The usage fees are as follows. Please note that the capsule hotel is also exclusive to male guests.
- 3-hour bathing: ¥1,500
- Available from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (next day)
- On weekends and public holidays, reception starts from 9:00 PM
- 8-hour bathing: ¥2,000
- Available from 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (next day)
- Stay up to 8 hours from the time of entry. Additional late-night fees apply after 1:00 AM
- Accommodation: ¥3,200
- Available from 3:00 PM to 12:00 PM (next day)
- Capsule Room (VIP): ¥4,900
- Upper Capsule: ¥3,900
- Lower Capsule: ¥4,100
- Towels, bath towels, and facility attire are provided free of charge.
- Usage fees for sauna, bathing facilities, amenities, rest areas, and nap rooms are included.
After paying the fees, head to the locker room on the 1st floor. Despite its age, this locker room is meticulously cleaned, so you won’t experience any discomfort. This is yet another charming aspect of the “Sauna Center”!
↑↑↑↑Inside the locker, you will find facility attire and towels. Change into the facility attire and grab a towel, then head to the elevator! Make your way to the sauna room on the 6th floor.
The experience of changing into facility attire is unique to Japanese bathing facilities and adds to the journey of reaching ultimate relaxation. It’s an important step in the process, so be sure to try it out and embrace the experience.
The sauna room has a white-based interior, creating a clean and refreshing ambiance. It features a simple layout with one hot bath for bathing and one cold water bath. The hot bath can get quite hot, so be prepared! Take a thorough shower to wash your hair and body, then dry off before entering the sauna room. Let’s go and enjoy the sauna experience!!!!!!!!!
↑↑↑↑This is the sauna room. It has a classic and charming atmosphere. While it may not have the latest features, the temperature and humidity settings are excellent. It also maintains a sense of cleanliness.
In Japanese sauna rooms, it’s common to find televisions, but this sauna room has a unique feature. It displays a video of burning firewood in a calm and tranquil manner. The sight and sound of the burning firewood provide a soothing experience. It creates an ideal atmosphere for immersing yourself in the sauna experience.
The “Sauna Center” offers Aufguss (infusion) services. On weekdays, there are a total of 5 sessions starting from 5:00 PM, while on weekends and public holidays, there are 11 sessions starting from 9:00 AM. The perfect combination of the sauna room and Aufguss creates an exceptional experience. I highly recommend visiting during the scheduled times to enjoy this unique offering.
Once you’ve thoroughly heated up in the sauna, it’s time for the eagerly awaited water bath! The water bath at the “Sauna Center” is sourced from underground water, making it soft and providing a fantastic bathing experience. The water is exceptionally clean and clear.
The temperature of the water bath is approximately 15 degrees Celsius. It’s an exquisite temperature that sauna enthusiasts find irresistible. The bath is shallow, allowing you to enter in a reclining position. This allows you to cool the back of your neck, and personally, I love this shallow water bath for that reason. Both deeper and shallower water baths have their own unique benefits!
The lighting above the water bath is brighter compared to others, creating a gentle reflection on the water surface and ceiling. When you look up at the ceiling while in the water bath, it feels like being in paradise. Even in what may seem like an ordinary water bath, there are meticulous details hidden, ranging from water quality and temperature to design and lighting. A good sauna is often accompanied by a good water bath!
For relaxation after the water bath, I highly recommend the bench right in front of the water bath! It’s conveniently located close to the water bath, allowing you to take a break immediately. While it’s an indoor rest area, you can still enjoy a sense of relaxation from the breeze coming in through the adjacent door. If you prefer an outdoor rest area, there is a discreet outdoor space for fresh air just outside the bathing area, near the emergency exit. Feel free to enjoy the outdoor rest area if you’re in the mood for some fresh air!
Additionally, the “Sauna Center” has another relaxing space called the Penguin Room. It is marked by penguin figurines.
This room is set at a temperature of approximately 6 degrees Celsius, similar to the depths of winter in Japan. There are chairs placed directly under fans where you can take a rest. It’s a great place to visit right after leaving the sauna room! Here, you can experience a different kind of relaxation compared to the water bath.
Next to the entrance of the sauna, there is a shelf where you can find water, barley tea, and salt. It’s recommended to replenish your fluids here after each session. Barley tea after a sauna session is absolutely refreshing and delightful!
When you feel a little tired, it’s a good idea to put on your facility-provided attire and take a rest in the relaxation room on the 4th floor. It’s a different kind of relaxation time separate from the sauna experience, but equally enjoyable! During your stay at the facility, feel free to move between the sauna room, relaxation room, and dining area as many times as you like.
Here’s a glimpse of the capsule hotel. It’s amazing that you can stay here at such an affordable price with a sauna included. While there are no traditional hotel-style rooms, the presence of a dining area and relaxation room ensures that you won’t feel inconvenienced. I highly recommend giving a Japanese capsule hotel a try.
I’m sure you’ll become captivated by “Sauna Center” when it’s time to leave! They also sell original merchandise at the reception, so why not consider getting some as a souvenir? The logo itself has a retro design and is quite cute!
How was it? We introduced you to “Sauna Center” Tokyo’s oldest sauna facility. Being the oldest, it offers a simple yet high-level sauna experience that caters to sauna enthusiasts. While new and stylish sauna facilities are great, I also encourage you to experience these nostalgic and charming saunas.
Next time, we’ll introduce you to the renowned dining area at “Sauna Center” that we couldn’t cover this time! The dining area is also fantastic, so please stay tuned for that!!!
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