Cozy and Warm! Top 3 Popular Sento (Public Baths) Near Asakusa, Tokyo — With Skytree Views

Text and Photos by /MATCHA

The Oshiage area of Asakusa is home to many famous tourist spots such as Tokyo Skytree and Senso-ji Temple. Naturally, it also boasts a rich Japanese bathing culture. In this article, we’ll introduce three popular sento. There’s “Jako-tsu-yu,” where you can admire koi fish, “Mikoku-yu,” where you can soak while gazing at the Skytree, and “Daikoku-yu,” a spacious open-air bath with an expansive feel. You’re sure to find a hot spring you’ll love here.

Add a Soak to Your Asakusa Sightseeing Trip

Sento have long been a well-known type of public bath in Japan, so they often feature colorful elements of traditional Japanese bathing culture—like murals of Mount Fuji or noren (fabric door curtains) at the entrance.

The Asakusa and Oshiage districts, home to famous Tokyo attractions such as Senso-ji Temple and Tokyo Skytree, are also well known for their abundance of hot springs. Here, we’ll introduce three recommended sento.

1. Just a 7-Minute Walk from Senso-ji Temple! “Jako-tsu-yu (蛇骨湯),” Operating Since the Edo Period

Just a 7-minute walk from Senso-ji Temple, “Jako-tsu-yu” has been in operation since the Edo period—an establishment with a long history. All of its baths use natural “black water,” known for its dark hue.

Inside, you’ll find amenities typical of a classic sento, including a mural of Mount Fuji, an electric bath (※1), a sauna, and an open-air bath—all thoughtfully equipped. First-time sento-goers should definitely give it a try.

※1: Electric Bath... A hot spring that emits a mild electric current. Known to help relieve fatigue.

Men’s Bath with a View of Koi Fish

The open-air bath at Jako-tsu-yu has a classic Japanese atmosphere. In the garden pond visible from the men’s open-air bath, you can see koi fish swimming, making it quite a hit. There are also chairs available, so if you want to take a break during your soak, you can sit and enjoy the fish. Water cascades down from above the pond, and the sound of the splashing is very refreshing. This is one of the most popular baths at Jako-tsu-yu.

Women’s Bath with Classic Japanese Decor

The women’s open-air bath has a quaint ambiance, featuring decorations like shoji-inspired walls (traditional Japanese sliding doors) and plant arrangements. Both the men’s and women’s baths are equipped with high-power jet baths (※2) and body jets (※3), as well as electric baths.

※2: High Power Jet (ハイパワージェット)... A device in the tub that shoots out jets of hot spring water.
※3: Body Jet (ボディジェット)... A system that releases hot spring water from multiple directions around the tub.

Additional Services for Traveler Peace of Mind

Since 2006, with the increasing number of international visitors,they’ve added ticket machines that offersupport in four languages: English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.. They also provide shampoo, body soap, and towel rentals (small/large), covering all the essentials for a bath experience—you can show up with almost nothing and still enjoy a relaxing soak. Towel sets, towels, razors, toothbrushes, and more are also sold in kits (tax included, 140 yen).

Tattooed Guests Are WelcomeMaking it a very foreigner-friendly spot. There are also thoughtful services, such as 20-minute phone charging for one device. Please note,Jako-tsu-yu does not offer luggage storage,so we recommend using a coin locker to store your bags before your visit.

2. “Mikoku-yu (御谷湯),” a Semi-Open Air Bath with Skytree Views

Located just a 20-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree, Mikoku-yu is famous for letting you soak while enjoying views of the Skytree. It’s a building-style sento, with facilities on the 1st, 4th, and 5th floors. The 1st floor houses the front desk and rest area, while the 4th and 5th floors are the bathing areas.

The 4th floor features a cave-themed design, while the 5th floor offers an open and airy feel thanks to its high ceilings. Each floor has a distinct atmosphere. Additionally, the floors are gender-separated—with the 4th floor being men’s and the 5th women’s (or vice versa), alternating weekly. If you don’t get to use your preferred bath on the day, you can try again the following week.

By the way, this bathhouse was recently renovated in 2015, and all facilities are in excellent condition. The bathing courtyard, Mount Fuji murals, and wooden designs at the entrance and changing rooms all have a very traditional Japanese charm. Mikoku-yu promotes itself as being “accessible for elderly guests and those with limited mobility.” Obstacles have been entirely eliminated—for example, the bath tubs are set lower in height, allowing those with foot or back issues to bathe with peace of mind.

A 5F bathhouse with an open feel

The ceiling of the 5F bathhouse is high, giving it a very open atmosphere, and you can also see a lacquer painting of “Kajikazawa in Kai Province” from Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (※4).From the large glass windows of this semi-open-air bath, you can gaze at the Tokyo Skytree.Soaking in the hot spring while enjoying the beautiful scenery feels truly luxurious.

※4: Katsushika Hokusai (かつしかほくさい)... a ukiyo-e artist from the late Edo period.

A peacefully toned 4F bathhouse

The 4F floor has a cave-themed design with soft lighting that creates a gentle ambiance. There is also a uniquely set-upnon-temperature-sensitive hot springon this floor, where the water is maintained at a temperature close to body heat—this is especially popular among those who enjoy long soaks.

Bath types change daily

The medicinal baths on both the 4F and 5F sides change their varieties daily. For example, the herbal bath has a scent reminiscent of herbal tea and is very stress-relieving. Depending on the season, fruits may also be added—each visit brings anticipation: “What kind of hot spring will it be today?” Some tubs use natural “black bath” hot spring water, said to have skin-beautifying effects, and it is particularly popular among women.

Yugiyu also provides English, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese versions of the Yugiyu guidelines for overseas tourists, so first-timers don’t need to worry. Also,people with tattoos are allowed to use the baths as well.Additionally, there are convenience sets available (tax included 200 JPY) or towel rentals (tax included 30 JPY), and bath towel rentals (tax included 50 JPY). The convenience sets include a towel, toothbrush, razor, and nylon towel. Body wash and shampoo are already provided in the facilities.

3. Only a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree – a spacious open-air bath called “Daikoku-yu”

Daikoku-yu, just a 10-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree, is a traditional bathhouse established in 1950. After being renovated in 2014, it added a large open-air bath, wooden decks, and a high-concentration carbonated spring, earning praise from a wide range of customers. Despite the renovation, the ceiling and exterior of the changing room still retain their 1950s look, preserving a sense of nostalgia.

A mineral-rich large open-air bath

Daikoku-yu features two types of baths: the “Large Open-Air & Salt Sauna” and the “High-Concentration Carbonated Spring.” These switch between men’s and women’s days daily (each has its own bathing area). The large open-air bath uses ultra-high concentration LeFuro water.

LeFuro water contains over 70 types of minerals and is considered to have a very high concentration of hot spring components compared to others. Soaking in it replenishes the body’s mineral deficiencies, warms you up, and is said to boost immunity. It was designed with the concept of “inviting everyone to come for ‘toji’ (※5),” making it a unique hot spring experience.
Other options include a steam salt sauna (additional charge tax included 200 JPY) and a floating bath (※6), among various other types of baths. The open-air bath has its ceiling removed, giving it an open feel.

※5: Toji (とうじ)... a form of therapeutic bathing used for healing.
※6: Floating bath (ほこうぶろ)... a deep tub designed for exercising in the water.

The wooden deck is furnished with chairs and hammocks where you can relax. From here, you can also look up and see the Tokyo Skytree. It's a great spot not only during the day but also at night when the tower is lit up, offering a completely different atmosphere from daytime.

For those wanting to soak slowly and unwind: “High-Concentration Carbonated Spring”

The other bath area features a high-concentration carbonated spring.

Carbonated springs are hot springs containing carbon dioxide. Those with particularly high CO₂ levels are called “high-concentration carbonated springs,” known for promoting blood circulation and smoothing the skin. Compared to other public baths, Daikoku-yu’s high-concentration carbonated spring is distinctive becausethe bath tub is spacious.The temperature is set slightly cooler at around 38°C, which is ideal for longer soaks. In addition, both bath areas, like Yugiyu, offer medicinal baths. All tubs use mild natural hot spring water that has skin-beautifying properties.

Clear English signage

Daikoku-yu’s official website also offers English and French translations, and it is said to welcome many overseas visitors. Fees are also displayed in English, and there are English-translated instructions for bathing. Towel rentals (tax included 50 JPY) are available, and both body wash and shampoo are provided, making it easy to visit and enjoy the baths.

People who get tattoos at Daikokuyu can also enjoy the hot springs.This is the first sento in Tokyo to operate all night (until 10 AM the next day), so you can soak in the baths late at night or early in the morning.
Let a soak in the bath be a wonderful way to end your day.

Sento is a great place to experience Japan’s unique bathing culture, but there are some rather unique rules that overseas tourists may not be familiar with. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with the bathing etiquette, you canread the linked article [Essential Knowledge] to learn about how to bathe and the manners expected in Japanese bathhouses,and help preserve the bathhouse culture together!”

After a full day of sightseeing, unwind at a sento with a relaxing hot spring soak and experience Japanese culture as the perfect ending to your day.

Bathing Information:

Jiburoyu (Snake Bone Bath)
Official Website:http://www.jakotsuyu.co.jp/index.html
Address: 1-11-11 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo
Business Hours: 1:00 PM – 12:00 AM (Closed on Tuesdays, open on national holidays)
Phone: 03-3841-8645
Rates: Adults: ¥460 | Elementary school students: ¥180 | Preschool children: ¥80 | Sauna: additional ¥200

Mikiyu
Official Website:http://mikokuyu.com/
Address: 3-30-8 Ishihara, Sumida City
Business Hours: 3:30 PM – 2:00 AM (Closed on Mondays, closed the day after national holidays)
Phone: 03-3623-1695
Rates: Adults: ¥460 | Elementary school students: ¥180 | Preschool children: ¥80

Daikokuyu
Official Website:http://daikokuyu.com/index.html
Address: 3-12-14 Yokokawa, Sumida City, Tokyo
Business Hours: Weekdays 3:00 PM – 10:00 AM the next day / Saturdays 2:00 PM – 10:00 AM the next day / Sundays 1:00 PM – 10:00 AM the next day (Closed on Tuesdays, closed the day after National Foundation Day)
Phone: 03-3622-6698
Rates: Adults: ¥460 | Elementary school students: ¥180 | Preschool children: ¥80

Author: MATCHA
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