Today, I’ll introduce “Sauna Center Inaricho” located in “Higashi Ueno,” Tokyo! This facility is operated by the same company as the previously mentioned sauna in Uguisudani. According to the manager, Inaricho attracts a slightly different clientele, with more locals. Experience the charm of this longstanding sauna loved by the community! Please note that it’s a men-only facility this time. Apologies to the ladies.
The location is excellent, just a 1-minute walk from Inaricho Station on the Ginza subway line! It’s easily accessible from Ueno Station as well. By the way, the previously mentioned “Kotobuki Yu” is also nearby. This area seems to be a hotbed for saunas!
Here is “Sauna Center Inaricho”! You can really feel the remnants of the Showa era here. No wonder, as this facility opened its doors back in 1984! It has a seasoned charm to it. It underwent a renewal in August this year, preserving the nostalgic atmosphere while getting a fresh makeover.
The entrance has this vibe ↑↑, with the ceiling lights and the “Front” sign at the counter giving off a Showa-era feel. The word “フロント” (Front) written on top is in katakana, used when writing foreign words in Japanese. In modern facilities, you’d likely see “Front” written in English rather than katakana. It’s these details that evoke the Showa era.
The rates are as follows!
3-hour bathing (5:00 to midnight)： ￥1,500
On weekends and holidays, reception starts from 21:00
8-hour bathing (5:00 to midnight) ：￥2,000
You can stay from entry until 8 hours. Late-night fees apply after midnight.
Overnight stay (15:00 to the next day 12:00)： ￥3,200
Capsule Room Upper: ￥3,700, Lower: ￥3,900
・Towels, bath towels, and in-house wear are provided for free.
・The usage fees for sauna, bathing, various amenities, rest rooms, and nap rooms are all included.
・3-hour extension: Beyond 3 hours, an additional ￥800 will be charged, transitioning to the “8-hour bathing” option.
・Extensions beyond 8 hours: An additional ￥400 per hour will be charged.
・Extension for late-night bathing: Beyond midnight (1:00), an additional ￥1,500 fee applies, and it transitions to a checkout at noon (12:00).
The locker room is shown here, with rows of tall green lockers. Despite the facility being old, the recent renovation makes it quite clean and well-maintained! Sauna Center Group is known for its cleanliness, and it shows in every facility.
Here is the bathing area! As soon as you enter, hot baths and cold baths greet you. The unique shape stands out! Being a sauna facility, the proportion of cold baths is substantial. Pay attention to the intricate retro and charming tiles!
Here is the shower area. While you may sense its age, it’s consistently well-maintained, ensuring no discomfort whatsoever! This is the cleanliness characteristic of top-notch Japanese sauna facilities. Make sure to thoroughly wash your hair and body here before entering the sauna!
This is the main dry sauna! With beautiful wooden panels, it creates a relaxing atmosphere. The three-tiered seating includes the top tier, which is naturally the most popular! There’s also a lower ceiling area, making it a prime spot. The temperature hovers around 95 degrees Celsius, making it relatively comfortable for a dry sauna. Additionally, Aufguss sessions are held here at 17:00, 19:00, and 21:00. Experience the fantastic heat waves during those times!
After the sauna, it’s time for the cold bath! The one in the background of the photo is the cold bath. The water temperature here is 15 degrees Celsius—a fantastic range. The water quality is excellent too! Considering the superb water quality in the cold bath at “Kotobuki Yu,” the water around this area seems to be consistently high-quality.
After sweating it out in the sauna, I highly recommend taking a nap in the relaxation room on the third floor! This is a must for a good power nap. Reserve it for when you have some extra time! Relaxing on the reclining sofas in the rest area is a traditional style seen in many Japanese sauna facilities. Definitely indulge in this relaxation experience!
The restaurant on the third floor is also highly recommended! Sauna Center serves delicious meals! They offer a variety of menu options, so there’s something for everyone.
Mabo Tofu: 580 yen
Mabo Tofu is a popular post-sauna meal choice. While it’s a Chinese dish, the Japanese version tends to be less spicy, making it a great match with rice or sake! It’s truly a delightful choice after a sauna session.
Hamburg Steak Set (with rice): 880 yen
A classic in Japanese cuisine, the Hamburg Steak is also recommended! While it falls under Western cuisine, it has its unique Japanese twist. Give it a try with the set that includes rice!
Curry Rice: 680 yen
Another classic post-sauna meal, Curry Rice! Japanese curry is seriously delicious. It’s different from Indian spiced curry or Western-style curry and pairs well with rice. Definitely try it while you’re in Japan!
Since it’s connected to a capsule hotel, it’s a great recommendation for those looking to keep accommodation costs low.
“Sauna Center Inaricho” truly offers enjoyment throughout the day! Experience this wonderful sauna facility that preserves the atmosphere of the Showa era. Enjoy your visit!
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