Tsubameyu — Attraction in Tokyo

A small bathhouse with two small pools, one very hot and the other less so with bubbles. I didn't feel entirely welcome as a westerner (I was called a gajin when the owner thought I couldn't understand her). Only Japanese was spoken so it is tricky if you don't speak any though I got by without understanding much. The bath opens early (6am) which is a big positive compared to others. At the door, there is a mens and womens side indicated by a blue (men) and red (women) sign. You must remove your shoes at the door and place them into the wooden lockers at the entrance, then remove the wooden "number" plate. You then pay at the entrance (460 yen I think). I brought my own towel and washcloth - you can rent them but I didn't have enough Japanese to explain that. When I went the women's was on the left through a brown curtain which took you to the changing room. There are lockers in here too with keys. I took my key into the bath with me as I couldn't see any other option. The seats and bowls are by the door to the bath (inside the bath). There is shampoo and soap at the door but they are tied to the stand so you have to take some and go back to your seat. I left after just saying thank you and going back out the door I entered, picking up my shoes on the way out. All in all it was an OK experience, I'm sure it would be much better for...

Old style sento in Ueno.

Unfortunately, no yelling landlady (lol, read some of the negative reviews!) so less amusing that it might have been.

Basic, traditional local sento. And by traditional I mean there is only one attendant and they can see into each changing area so if that might make you uncomfortable maybe keep in mind. And in fact while I was coming out of the (men’s) bath area to the changing area the (female) attendant wandered in to chat with one of the locals and clean up. This doesn’t bother me at all. But others might find it disturbing.

As for the bath, others have said what’s what, simple amenities, etc. There are only two tubs, one with jets and one without. I would have liked a cold tub or cold shower to cool down but that’s personal preference and not all sento have them.

All in all, just fine and clean, in a neat high ceiling bathhouse with a nice painting to Mt. Fuji and cool volcanic rocks...

Local bathhouse has what you need for a hot bath. It serves the local community so it’s a treat for visitors to have some local experience. It’s got two small pools and the water temperature was more than 40 degrees hot. It was great! The water is chlorine treated which is fine for me.

I appreciate the fact that such bathhouses are still in business. I watch a documentary and learn that it’s costly and tiring for the owners to upkeep.

Please appreciate them by following their operation instructions and basic courtesy etiquettes. If they’re indifferent, then extend your grace.

They provide simple bath soap and shampoo. Bring your own which many locals do that. Towels are for rental at a very reasonable price of 30 yen for a small one and 60 yen for a larger size.

The entrance fee for an adult is 520 yen. The use of hairdryer is 20 yen for 3 minutes. I have long hair and used less than 6...