The best public baths in Tokyo in 2026 are Kosugiyu in Koenji, a 1933 sento famous for its milk bath, Jakotsuyu's natural black hot spring in Asakusa, Daikokuyu with an open-air bath facing Skytree and the stylishly renovated Koganeyu. For a spa day, Thermae-Yu in Shinjuku and Spa LaQua at Tokyo Dome City offer hot springs, saunas and lounges.
A sento is a neighborhood public bath, usually costing around ¥550 in Tokyo. Wash thoroughly at the shower stations before entering the bath, keep your towel out of the water and tie up long hair. Most sento welcome tattoos; large spas often don't.
A beloved 1933 sento with a milk bath.
Kosugiyu is a classic wooden-roofed sento in Koenji, dating from 1933, famous for its milky bath and alternating hot and cold baths.
It is a cultural hub as well as a bath.
Good to know: Weekday afternoons are quietest.
3-32-2 Koenjikita, Suginami City, Tokyo 166-0002
A natural black hot spring in Asakusa.
Jakotsuyu uses natural kuroyu (black) hot-spring water and has a small open-air bath, a few minutes from Senso-ji.
It is an easy sento for visitors.
Good to know: Combine with an evening at Senso-ji.
1-11-11 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
An open-air bath with Skytree views, open late.
Daikokuyu near Tokyo Skytree has an open-air bath on the roof with views of the tower and natural hot-spring water.
It stays open late into the night.
Good to know: Go at night to see Skytree lit up.
3-12-14 Yokokawa, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0003
A stylishly renovated sento with a bar.
Koganeyu is a renovated sento with modern design, a sauna and a small bar where you can have a beer after bathing.
It is a sister bath of Daikokuyu.
Good to know: Try the outdoor cold plunge after the sauna.
4-14-6 Taihei, Sumida City, Tokyo 130-0012
A 24-hour hot-spring spa in Shinjuku.
Thermae-Yu is a large onsen spa in Kabukicho with natural hot-spring baths, saunas and relaxation lounges, open around the clock.
Tattoos are not permitted.
Good to know: Good after a late night in Shinjuku.
1-1-2 Kabukicho, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0021
A big hot-spring spa next to Tokyo Dome.
Spa LaQua at Tokyo Dome City has natural hot-spring baths, saunas and lounges spread over several floors.
It is a full spa day in the city.
Good to know: Weekday afternoons are calmer.
Tokyo Dome City LaQua, 1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-0003
Neighborhood sento charge a fixed adult price set by the city, around ¥550; spas like Thermae-Yu and LaQua cost more.
Most neighborhood sento allow tattoos. Large spas such as Thermae-Yu and LaQua often prohibit them; check each one.
A small towel, shampoo and soap; many sento sell or rent them.
An onsen uses natural hot-spring water; a sento usually uses heated tap water, though some, like Jakotsuyu, use spring water.
No. Sento have separate men's and women's baths.