Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA — Attraction in Tokyo

Sakura ♨️ is warm and classy. Someone told me it was built around 2005, so nothing feels outdated. They have brass handrails and lots of natural hardwood. It's well apportioned. Everything about it is high-quality.

I had a fantastic foot massage, one of the best I've ever had with Yamashita-san. I also enjoyed a light dinner before heading home, fully refreshed.

Every single staff member I interacted with was helpful and kind. I understand why there are so many rave reviews here on Google Maps. I will add mine to the chorus.

The waters were soothing and pleasant, especially the milky "Sakura" bath.

Since Sakura ♨️ is near the heart of Tokyo, I understand that land is at a premium. There aren't as many bathing pools as one might find in the countryside, but the five I tried are of exceptionally high quality.

The men's sauna is quite expansive. The staff places soft, fluffy towels on the wood, changing them frequently. How nice! I usually go to a small, crowded sauna near my Tokyo home, but the one at Sakura ♨️ feels like a small movie theatre.

One question 🙋‍♂️. I don't understand why the Japanese like to watch tv all the time while at an onsen. TV in the sauna? Really? Why bother. If it were up to me, there would not be televisions in the sauna or the relaxation spaces, but I understand that is a part of this culture. I'll let it go :)

I also got a little confused learning how to use the locker. When the receptionist, who thankfully spoke English, showed me how to use the wristband key in the locker system, she did so relatively quickly. She didn't ask me to test it myself to see if I truly understood how it works. Thankfully, one of the male attendants in the locker room showed me how it works. Once I got it sorted, no issues.

Overall, I can say that after 20 years of living in Tokyo and visiting many onsen across Eastern Japan, Sakura ♨️ is genuinely world-class. I feel rested and rejuvenated after spending about five hours there.

With two massages and a meal, I paid just under 10,000 JPY. For Tokyo, that represents decent value for money.

Sakura ♨️ seems to attract a sophisticated clientele because it costs slightly more than some other day spas in the area.

Parking at the Swimming Center next door was free since I stayed a long time and purchased extra services.

If I could make any request or suggestion, it would be for them to find a way to accept PayPay. I am glad that they accept credit cards and Suica. I imagine they were thinking about this or working on it.

Otherwise, I really can't think of anything I would change about this place. It seems pretty close to perfect as far as I've seen.

Thanks again, and we will see...

A great experience. Please be prepared as you will be nude in front of strangers. But once you get used to it you will feel very free! No one will stare at you (in my experience). They speak some english but you may want to bring something to translate at the front desk. Cannot use your phone once you enter the locker room area. They will give you English instructions on paper. Bring a hair tie, you must put up you hair. You cant wear a bathing suit. Bring your own towel or rent theirs. If you forgot a thing you need there is a vending machine to with razors, hair ties. When you first enter before going to the front desk there is a place for your umbrella and a locker for your shoes, take the key. The front desk will give you a braclet you use to charge anything and for your personal items locker in the changing room. It's about 12in x 24in maybe, I fit a lot in there. Next to the check in counter is another counter where you can purchase extra services like a body scrub. Make sure you enter in the correct side, womens or mens. Then after you are undressed in the locker room go to the shower area and rinse off. Then pick a pool, the hot springs is in the very back, it is so hot you cannot stay in to long, but you cool off quick because it is outside (it is walled off dont worry). Its a little salty, do not dip your head in, these baths are for soaking not bathing. You can lounge about, you dont need to soak the whole time. The scrub area is in a room near the baths, you need to reserve a time as stated before. You may be scrubbed nude near other people being scrubbed at the same time. You lay on a table and they will scrub your chest and buttocks too only if you give permission, so let them know if it's off limits. When you're done you may want to condition your hair at the showers. And rinse off any extra dead skin from the scrub. Some of the adult women may bring in there young children including sons. There is an area by the locker room you can dry your hair. There is shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face lotion. There is a place to eat when you are done if it's still open. Be sure you check the times. It's a long walk from the station, so may be best to take an uber. Maybe before you go do a quick search on customs for public bathe in japan. It's a great authentic japanese experience I recommend you try...

For Management's Attention – A Message from a Long-Time Patron This message is directed to the management team and may not apply to one-time visitors.

I posted a very favorable review of Somei Sakura Onsen several years ago and have been a loyal customer for over 15 years. However, this time my review is less enthusiastic, for several reasons:

Lack of Continuity in Staff: There's a high turnover rate, and even as a frequent visitor, I no longer experience the familiar, welcoming service once expected—aside from interactions with the few regular staff who remain.

Point Expiration Without Flexibility: Loyalty points have an expiration date, and if you miss it, no effort is made to assist—even for long-standing regulars. After 15 years of loyalty, this feels disheartening.

Rising Prices, Declining Value: Prices have increased and are set to rise again in August 2025. With these new rates, one would expect a more premium experience—especially for regular patrons. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

Due to these changes, I no longer visit as often. Where I once came three times a week, I now come just once. When I simply want a casual bath for ¥500, I go elsewhere in Sugamo. If I want a true onsen experience, I take the Mita line and travel to larger, better-equipped, and more reasonably priced facilities.

I still visit Somei Sakura because it’s close to home—but I no longer consider it my first choice.

A Message to the Direction Team: Take care of your long-term customers.

Suggestions:

Introduce a premium monthly membership with card-based check-ins.

Send exclusive offers or updates to loyal members via email.

Recognize and engage with regulars—you might be surprised how much value we bring.

Invest in a CRM system to track loyalty and personalize service.

I've promoted this onsen to countless friends and newcomers over the years. Please don't take regulars...