Kotobuki Yu — Attraction in Tokyo

I am Japanese, but I often see tourists struggling with certain things here, so I will write this in English.

First and foremost, make sure to bring a 100-yen coin per person. This is essential. (If you don’t have one, ask the staff at the reception to exchange money for you.) I will explain why this is necessary later.

How to Use the Facility: Store your shoes in the shoe locker. • There is a wooden tag with the locker. This is the key, so don’t forget to take it with you. Purchase a ticket at the vending machine near the reception. • You can choose from options like “bath only,” “bath + sauna,” or “bath + sauna + towel rental,” depending on your preference. Give your shoe locker key and ticket to the receptionist. • (Some staff members understand basic English.) • If you purchased a sauna ticket, you will receive a numbered tag. Keep this with you when entering the sauna—it’s proof that you paid for it. Choose a locker in the changing room. • Lockers with attached keys are available for use. • Once you place your clothes and belongings inside, you must insert a 100-yen coin to lock it. • Don’t worry—you will get your 100-yen coin back when you unlock the locker later. ※ Important: You cannot use the locker without a 100-yen coin. Many first-time visitors, even Japanese people, don’t realize this! Before entering the bath, wash your body thoroughly. • Shampoo and body soap are provided for free. • If you’re unsure, you can ask a nearby Japanese person—they’ll usually be happy to help. Enjoy the hot bath and sauna! • Do not put your towel in the bathwater. This is basic Japanese etiquette.

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About the Sauna:

There are two types of saunas: a high-temperature sauna and a low-temperature salt sauna.

High-Temperature Sauna • Take a sauna mat from the basket near the entrance before going inside. • It’s best to rinse the mat with a nearby shower before using it for cleanliness. • After use, rinse the mat again and return it to its original place.

Salt Sauna • Inside, you’ll find mud packs and salt. • Mud packs are in containers similar to body soap—take a small amount and apply it to your face for skincare benefits. • Salt is available in a bucket—rub it all over your body for better sweating and skin benefits. • There is a shower inside the salt sauna, but it is NOT for washing your body. • It is meant for rinsing off the sweat from the area where you were sitting. Please use it properly to keep the space clean for others.

Cold Bath (Water Bath) • After using the sauna, you must rinse off your sweat before entering the cold bath. • There are two cold baths, both located outdoors: • Near the high-temperature sauna → The coldest one (around 10–13°C). • Near the salt sauna → A cave-like cold bath (around 16°C). • Important: It is common etiquette in Japan not to submerge your head in the bath. (Though, honestly, even some Japanese people ignore this rule.)

Outdoor Cooling Area (Air Bath) • After the cold bath, you can relax in the outdoor area. • There are several chairs—sit back, enjoy the fresh air, and take your time. • When you’re done, rinse the chair with hot water (there should be yellow buckets near the bath). This is proper etiquette.

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Final Notes:

If you are unsure about anything, just ask a nearby Japanese person. As long as you follow the rules and etiquette, people will be happy to help you. (Please be patient if their English is...

Cross-posting from my review of Haginoyu, which I also visited in May 2023. With my favourite onsen (Jakotsuyu) closed in 2020, this is now probably the most "tourist friendly", with a vending machine in English, and a location relatively close to Ueno. There's still 101 stuff you'll need to know (instructions for newbies below). I personally wish this one had a drinking fountain and more warm than hot baths, but that's my preference. The outdoor mens warm bath is the most popular. I've seen people head-to-toes with tattooes, so definitely not a problem here.

Westerners / First Timers: Once you've found the building, take off your shoes before the wooden floor. Lock only your shoes in a locker and keep the wooden key.

Continue into the entrance and there's 2 vending machines on the right. Should be intuitive to use, and you will probably want sento & towels, or sento, sauna & towels. 3 towels for Y100 is a no brainer. If you get stuck go to the reception desk and see if someone speaks English.

Hand your ticket (s) to the reception desk, who will hand you THREE towels if you selected them... THREE towels you say? YES! One is for while showering, one is the "modesty" towel for while walking around, and the large one is for drying off at the end.

Mens entry is directly next to reception and not labelled in English. Grab a locker, strip off (yes, it's naked time), put all your stuff, the shoe key & the large towel in there. Secure the locker (you'll need a Y100 coin for this) and strap the key around your arm somewhere (it also has your sauna proof if needed). Take the small towels with you. If you want to use the toilet, now is the best time.

First you need to clean. Really, really clean. You'll see banks of stools & shower heads (you'll also see a traditional shower, don't use that). Grab a stool, rinse it with water, and sit on it. Yes, you're sitting low. You could stand too, but most sit. Use the provided supplies to slowly and carefully clean everywhere. Take your time. Use the towel if you want. Then rinse off. Thoroughly. Rinse off the stool. It's sento time!

Explore the indoor & outdoor baths. Yes you're surrounded by naked people. Yes, you're probably not used to it. The Japanese are, from a young age. Keep an eye on what others do - for example, never let your towel touch the water, and rinse off seats before & after usage. There's thermostats on the different baths - some are hot (40+C), some are cold (~20C), some are warm (30sC). You don't need to rinse between baths. Enjoy yourself for as long as need be. Chill out, relax, settle in. You shouldn't stare at anyone, or expect to be stared at.

Eventually shower (recommended), go back to the locker room (try not to drip on the floor), open your locker (the Y100 coin is refunded) and use the large towel to dry off. You know the drill from here. Don't forget the shoe key!

Head back to reception and optionally have a drink. Finally, leave & use the shoe key to get your shoes, put them on off the wooden floor, and return to the real...

Fantastic first sentō (public bath) experience! They accept people with tattoos and the staff are very welcoming even though they don’t speak much English. Highly recommended for everyone to try at least once. Many locals use this so it’s a wonderful experience.

Take off your shoes even before you enter the premises, put them in the locker near the entrance and take the wooden block number which locks your shoes in the locker.

Use the machine near the entrance by reception area to select your service eg, public bath, bath towels (including one small towel and one towel to use as a scrub) and sauna. Shampoo and bath soap are provided inside the bath house. Take the receipt and your shoe locker keys and give it to the counter, they will exchange for towels, and a token to be worn around your wrist.

Women area is pink and men are blue. Men need a 100 yen coin for lockers as security deposit which will be returned after you’re done. Women won’t need a coin, it’s key operated and you wear your key around your wrist. No phones allowed after entering through the curtains. Please respect this and don’t take photos or be on your mobile.

Leave your big towel in your locker, undress completely and go into the bathhouse. Use a small stool and a basket (to hold your towels) and wash yourself (including hair$ completely by using scrub and soap. Rinse and then use the hot/cold baths, sauna and mineral pools.

Many people will help you as they did me, if you get lost or don’t know the process, just watch and follow others. Often people will jump out of the baths and rinse and wash themselves again. Just follow their guidance.

When you’re ready to leave there is a hair dyers and lotion in communal changing area.

Don’t stress out, it’s a beautiful experience and everyone...