Otome-yu — Attraction in Tokyo

This is the greatest and best hot spring in the world. For my fellow gaijin, I will tell you what to do. 0- bring soap, a razor, shampoo, and whatever else you bathe with 1- take of your shoes and put them in one of the lockers then lift the wooden block to lock it. When you go inside you will see a ticket machine. If you are a man you're the left most row. 2- in order from top to bottom are the different bathes and prices starting at about $5. Just the hot spring is the top left one, plus sauna is the second to top left one, plus the black water is the third to top left one. 3- when you get your ticket give it to the woman at the counter with your block. She will give you a bag with a towel and wash cloth and a key. There will be a pink and blue covered door for men and women. 4- inside go to your numbered locker and get naked. You will take your toiletries and towels with you 5- bathe before you go into the water and one of the many spots in Front of mirrors. There are both Japanese and Western style showers. 6- get in the water/sauna and melt away the stress of this world 7- there is no limit to how long you can stay, but typically most people do not stay longer than 120 minutes. 8- note that there may or may not be Yakuza there, but they're cool people once you get to know them.

P.S. no one here speaks English, so study some Japanese phrases and you'll be fine. P.P.S. one of the pools (by the inner door with the black water on the right side) has a low electric current on the left most side of it that will change your life forever. My back feels amazing in a way it...

First time in Japan, first time ever in a public bathhouse. I'm from New Zealand and I was so nervous before going, but really wanted to have a lovely hot bath, and I wasn't disappointed. I am a foreigner. I read all about bath house etiquette prior to visiting. I was so astounded at how easy and content everyone is. There is absolutely no shame in bathing naked in public. It was such a cultural liberation. Once I got naked, it was clear that no one cared. This is a place where locals go. No tourists would know it exsists. Hosts don't speak English so I used google translate to ask if I could have a bath, paid 540 yen and was pointed in the direction of the spa and just did what I had to do. Figured out how to wash, brought my own little towel and followed the other women into the baths, and absolutely loved it. Perfect temperature, talked to a young lady with some English about the different baths regarding temperature, told about the BLOOD bath, I think it is the really hot hot bath? I understand completely why locals bath. It's the most relaxing thing ever. I will...

So obviously no photos, however I think credit goes to another guide on this line (Richard Crichlow) that gave the “coles notes to how” on how these public baths work.

For those who know not a lick of Japanese here is the quick run through of how this went and how amazing it was. I wish we had these at home.

If you decide to go bring a towel. I didn’t and I could figure out how to ask (again no Japanese).

Arrive and they quickly put it together that you are here for the baths but don’t really k ow how to communicate it. Paid 470 yen and went I to the change room.

Got naked, which is easier said than done when this is your first time and you are not quite sure. Lockers are free at this location so you luck up your stuff, take the key bracelet and head in.

Relax! There are numerous tubs with different jets and such. I liked the really hot one it was so nice with its stone basin.

And there you have it. Great place that I melt away all the kilometres I put on my feet exploring...