Hot Springs in Tokyo? 3 Hot Spring Baths in the City

Do you like hot springs (onsen)?

There are many famous hot spring locations in Japan, such as Yufuin, Nagano and more. But little do people know that Tokyo has its own share of hot springs, with waters flowing freely beneath the city. In this article, we would like to focus on onsen resorts in the Tokyo area where guests can enjoy baths with natural hot springs.

We have selected three baths, from famous ones to lesser known ones. Normally, you can’t take a look at baths before you visit a hot spring, but thanks to the power of Google Indoor and Street View, we can!
Let’s take a peek!

1. Minato ward: Azabu Kokubisui Onsen Take no Yu

When one mentions hot springs in Tokyo, you are sure to come across this name. Azabu Kokubisui Onsen Take no Yu has been in business since 1913. It is a historical public bath that has gone through two reconstructions, and now stands on the first floor of an apartment complex.

Entrance

Like in traditional Japanese baths, there is are seats along with massage chairs, and a blood pressure measuring device located inside.

Ladies' Bath

This is the interior of the women's side. It's pretty unique to see a map of Japan painted on the wall. The hot springs here are called Kokubisui (黒美水) and are said to make one's skin very smooth.

Men's Bath

This is the bath in the men's side. On the left, there is a sauna that can be used for an additional charge.

Azabu Kokubisui Onsen Take no Yu
Address: 1-15-12 Minami Azabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo
Phone: 03-3453-1446
Price Range: Adult (above middle school) 460 Yen, Elementary school 180 Yen, Infants 80 Yen
Homepage:Azabu Kokubisui Onsen Take no Yu (Japanese)

2. Ota ward: Kugahara Yu

Next, we will introduce the Kugahara Yu hot spring.

At Kugahara Yu, you can select from two different types of hot springs. One is the carbonated hot spring and the other is a natural hot spring - Tokyo's famous dark water hot spring. The carbonated hot spring is generated by the high and dense level of carbon in the water. This is an unusual spa where you can try a rather rare sort of hot spring in a major city.

The Entrance

The entrance has a very open space with high ceilings. Let's begin by taking a look at the men's bath.

Men's Bath

A massive mural of Mt. Fuji, which is a common motif in public baths, extends from the men’s to the women's bath. You can also use the steam bath for free and their infrared sauna for 200 yen.

When you head into the back, you will find the area with the natural hot springs with dark water. It is so dark thanks to the minerals that you can't even see the bottom!

Women's Bath

The women's bath is large and brightly lit.

Once you enter the women's bath, on the right hand side, there is the area for the dark hot springs. Chairs are also available as well, so you can take a break and cool down from time to time.

The steam bath is also free and an infrared sauna is available for 200 yen in the women's bath too.

The large bathtub seen there is the carbonated hot springs bath. It is said that the dark water in the tub is also great for the skin as well. Some people have also said that it helped ease their hip and nerve pains as well.

Kugahara Yu
Address: 2-14-15 Kugahara, Ōta Ward, Tokyo
Telephone: 03-3754-4452
Price Range: Adult (above middle school) 460 Yen, Elementary school 180 Yen, Infants 80 Yen
Homepage: Kugahara Yu

3. Edogawa Ward: Otome Yu

Lastly, we will introduce to you a hot spring with a traditional feel in Edogawa ward, Otome Yu. Edogawa ward created a character named "Oyu no Fuji" and is making efforts to emphasize the hot springs.

Entrance

Compared to the previous two baths, the entrance is on the larger side. There is even a small eating space near the admission seat. It is a bath where you can relax comfortably.

Men's Bath

The inside is mainly white with natural light coming in to create a relaxing atmosphere while bathing.

In this space, you can enjoy an open air bath. Being able to feel the outdoor breeze gives the bath a different feel from an indoor one.

When you go up the stairs on the left hand side, you can enjoy a natural dark hot spring in a cypress wood tub. The fresh scent of the wood is sure to help you relax further as you soak in the aromatic bath.

This is the sauna space. A large water bath and a powder room are found here to fix yourself up before leaving the hot spring.

Women's Bath

The women's bath is just as large and well lit as the men's.

This is the view of the open air bath while looking down from the cypress bath.

The sauna space is almost the same as the men's. The powder room is very clean and looks nice to use.

Otome Yu
Address: 7-3-13 Funabori, Edogawa Ward, Tokyo
Telephone: 03-3689-1854
Price Range: Adult (above middle school) 460 Yen, Elementary school 180 Yen, Infants 80 Yen
Homepage:Otome Yu (Japanese)

In Conclusion

What do you think of these hot springs? We hope that Google Street and Indoor View have given you a better idea of what to expect from a Japanese hot spring and public bath. Although it’s great fun to take a trip out of town and stay at a hot spring resort, being able to casually stop at a hot spring while in the city is exciting too. Next time you’d like to soak in a hot bath, why not stop by one of these easily accessed hot springs right here in Tokyo?

*The rates written on this article are current as of November 2016.