“Sento” refers to traditional public bathhouses in Japan that have been around for decades. Since many have been in operation for many years, the facilities and equipment often carry a sense of history. Despite lacking the modern amenities of newer facilities, they possess a unique charm. In Tokyo, there are numerous “Sento,” and today, we’ll introduce you to “Kotobuki Yu,” a well-established bathhouse with a sauna in Ueno! This time, there’s a women’s bath too, so female visitors can enjoy it as well!
The location is very close to Ueno Zoo, Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the famous Koreatown, with convenient access from Ueno Station. Access from various stations is as follows:
・8 minutes on foot from Ueno Station (JR, Subway)
・2 minutes on foot from Inaricho Station (Subway Ginza Line)
「Kotobuki Yu」 is right here! The building has a unique charm, standing out among the modern structures. Don’t you find the roof distinctive? It incorporates a style commonly seen in shrines and temples.
In fact, “Kutobuki Yu” is so famous among Sento enthusiasts that it’s said there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t know about it! You can see the shoeboxes beyond the entrance curtain. Once you pass through the curtain, take off your shoes and store them in the shoebox before entering.
By the way, the operating hours are from 11:00 AM to 1:30 AM, which is quite late, and they are closed only on the third Thursday of the month.
Once inside, the first thing to do is to purchase a ticket! You can buy it at this ticket machine. The one labeled “当日券” in Japanese is the ticket. Bathing is 520 yen, sauna is an additional 350 yen, and the rental towel set is an extra 100 yen. Even with everything included, it’s reasonable at 970 yen! It’s great that you can go in empty-handed for this price!
After handing over your ticket at this counter, you enter the changing room. If you rented a towel, you’ll receive it here. The system around here is traditional, and it brings a sense of comfort.
This is the changing room. With familiar sights like a fan and a scale, it gives that nostalgic and welcoming feeling that you wouldn’t find in the latest facilities. This is the essence of a Sento.
Moreover, what’s remarkable about this facility is the meticulous cleanliness. I saw a documentary about this Sento on YouTube, and they really take cleaning seriously.
What a cute illustration! It beautifully captures the atmosphere of the women’s bath at Kotobuki Yu. You can see there are two indoor baths, one outdoor bath, one sauna, and one cold bath. It might not be as spacious as the latest sauna facilities, but it seems quite well-equipped!
The iconic Mount Fuji mural is such a classic touch in Japanese Sento. The vibrant colors and the modern depiction make it a cheerful welcome. Exploring different renditions of Mount Fuji in various public baths is indeed one of the joys for Sento enthusiasts.
It’s intriguing that the mural may have changed; visiting to see the current artwork would be a delightful experience!
A noteworthy feature of “Kotobuki Yu” is its open-air bath! It’s quite unusual for Sento to have an outdoor bath, and especially here, the men’s outdoor bath is considered one of the largest in Tokyo’s public bath scene. Experiencing such a spacious outdoor bath in the heart of Tokyo must be incredibly refreshing!
Let’s dive into the sauna experience at “Kotobuki Yu“! Despite Sento primarily focusing on baths, this particular establishment has a sauna that attracts sauna enthusiasts. Here, they offer a far-infrared dry sauna with temperatures reaching around 100 degrees Celsius. Despite its age, the sauna is well-maintained, ensuring a clean and odor-free environment—a fantastic experience!
After the sauna, it’s time for the cold plunge! “Kotobuki Yu” surprises with not one but two types of cold baths in the men’s section. The first one is an outdoor cold bath, and the second one, shown in the lower picture, is a unique cave-style cold bath. What’s even more interesting is that these cold baths are supplied with naturally sourced underground water, free from any additives. Many sauna enthusiasts are captivated by the smooth and natural feel of the water, making it a perfect way to cool down after the intense heat of the sauna. A trip to these cold baths is a must for sauna lovers!
Now, the men’s section of “Kotobuki Yu” boasts yet another sauna experience—a salt sauna! The temperature is a bit lower than the previous dry sauna. Inside, you’ll find salt that you can apply to your body. As you sweat, the salt dissolves, providing a unique experience. When you leave the sauna, there’s a shower to rinse off any remaining salt. Prepare to be amazed by how smooth your skin feels afterward! This is no exaggeration—it’s the real deal!
How was that? While the latest sauna facilities are great, there’s something special about Sento that resonates with many—it’s that enduring charm. When you visit Japan, I highly recommend checking out these long-standing establishments along with the modern ones. I introduced “Kotobuki Yu,” which is also suitable for Sento beginners. Give it a try when you have the chance!
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