I apologize for the delay in updating!
Finally, the day has come to write an article about this sauna! Its name is “Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo”! This sauna holds a special place in my heart as it was the place where I first fell in love with sauna bathing. It’s a renowned sauna among sauna enthusiasts in Japan, and I’m excited to introduce its charm in full detail!
The location is in Ueno, Tokyo! It’s just a 1-minute walk from JR Ueno Station and the subway. Ueno and its surrounding areas are known for having numerous saunas. I’ve introduced several in this blog before. However, the most famous sauna in the Ueno vicinity is “Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo.” By the way, the nearest exit is the “Asakusa exit,” located after you exit the central ticket gate. If you exit from the opposite side, you’ll end up in a completely different place, so be sure to check!
Well, well, one significant reason “Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo” is so famous in Japan is not just because of its excellent facilities but also because it served as a filming location for the Japanese drama “Sadou.”↑↑↑↑↑
This drama, featuring three sauna-loving men sharing their sauna experiences, might seem simple, but it sparked a huge buzz in Japan, igniting the sauna craze. The place where these three protagonists share their stories is none other than “Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo.”
Here is your destination, covered in wine-red colored tiles! Its distinctive exterior makes it hard to miss. The reception is located on the 6th floor of this building!
Arrived at the reception on the 6th floor! Let’s take off our shoes in front of the sign. By the way, the sign reads “Please remove your footwear here.” Put your shoes in the shoe locker on the left side of the photo, lock it, and leave the key at the front desk. Here are the rates! Since this place also operates as a capsule hotel, you can stay overnight. (Make sure to make a reservation for accommodation!)
【3-Hour Course】Entrance from 10:00 to 21:00
Weekday Rate: ¥2,000
Rates for the day before a holiday, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and specific days: ¥2,200
【Late Night Surcharge】
¥1,000 – Applies when staying between 24:00 and 5:00 with a 3-hour course entrance.
There’s also an accommodation plan available with sauna access for one night!
Here’s the locker room! It may show some signs of age in places, but it’s kept clean. Inside the lockers, you’ll find indoor wear and towels. Once you’ve changed into the indoor wear, you can explore other floors too! Don’t forget to check out the restaurant and other facilities! By the way, this locker room is for day guests. If you’re staying in the capsule hotel, there are locker rooms on each floor.
On the 7th floor, there’s a changing room before the bath area. Guests staying overnight should change into their indoor wear here. It’s a good idea to leave your drinks here too. Since it can get crowded, make sure to mark your items to distinguish them easily.
Here’s the bath area! The bath is open in the center, with washing areas on the left and right. On the left, there’s a sauna and a cold water bath, while on the right, there’s a scrubbing area and a jet bath at the back. It’s not overly spacious, but there are many glass panels, allowing sunlight to enter in the morning, creating a sense of openness.
The cold water bath near the entrance to the sauna! The water temperature is around 14 degrees Celsius. It’s noticeably colder than your average cold water bath, which sauna enthusiasts absolutely love. By the way, the stones used in the baths at “Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo” are incredibly beautiful. The water has a bluish tint to it, making it quite striking.
Here’s the indoor jet bath. Near the window next to the jet bath, there are four stools facing the window, allowing you to enjoy a bit of fresh air even while inside. The window can be opened slightly, allowing for a light outdoor bath experience even in the indoor bath area. It’s incredibly relaxing here too!
Here’s the sauna room that has captivated countless sauna enthusiasts! You can also enjoy self-pouring water on the sauna stones. The setup is excellent, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius in some areas, making it generally quite hot. It’s incredibly invigorating and feels absolutely amazing!
And here’s the highlight of “Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo” – the famous outdoor bath and outdoor relaxation space! It’s rare to find such a large outdoor bath in Tokyo! The outdoor relaxation space is also quite luxurious. Sitting on a chair with your body still warm from the sauna, gazing up at the sky in the heart of the city feels truly exceptional. It’s a feeling of luxury that’s hard to beat. When your body starts to cool down, hop back into the bath. This cycle is just too refreshing and enjoyable!
After enjoying the sauna, it’s time to change back into your indoor wear and head to the 5th floor! The best part after a sauna session is definitely the meal! The restaurant here offers a wide variety of dishes at very reasonable prices. It’s open from 7:00 in the morning until 11:00 at night, so you can enjoy both breakfast and dinner here! Guests staying overnight can fully enjoy their day here.
Here’s the famous curry rice (¥750)! It’s affordable and delicious! Why is curry after a sauna session so incredibly tasty? Japanese curry – you must try it on this occasion!
“Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo” is definitely a top choice for enjoying sauna in Tokyo! With its blend of Japanese bathhouse culture, capsule hotel amenities, and top-notch sauna facilities, it’s a must-visit destination. Be sure to enjoy everything it has to offer!
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