Japan offers an astonishing variety of bathing facilities. Onsen, sento, super sento, sauna facilities, onsen ryokan, capsule hotels... For foreigners visiting Japan for the first time, understanding the differences between these can be challenging.
"Which one should I choose?" "What are the differences between them?" "How much do they cost?"
This article systematically categorizes Japanese bathing facilities, explaining their features, typical costs, and how to enjoy them. After reading this, you'll be able to choose the facility that best suits your travel style.
1. Onsen: Facilities to Enjoy Natural Hot Springs
Definition
Bathing facilities that use natural hot springs (hot water that springs from underground). These are genuine hot springs containing components defined by the Onsen Law.
Features
- Natural Hot Spring Water: Genuine hot springs that spring from underground
- Diverse Mineral Content: Completely different mineral compositions depending on the facility
- Health Benefits: Medically recognized health effects
- Location: Often in suburbs or tourist areas
- Atmosphere: Surrounded by nature
Types
Day-Use Onsen Facilities
- Bathing only without staying overnight
- Price: 500–1,500 yen
- Hours: Around 10:00–22:00
Public Bathhouses (Soto-yu)
- Public bathhouses also used by locals
- Price: 100–500 yen
- More local atmosphere
Onsen Theme Parks
- Large day-use onsen facilities
- Multiple baths, saunas, relaxation spaces
- Price: 1,000–3,000 yen
Recommended Use Scenes
- Want a genuine onsen experience
- Particular about mineral content and health benefits
- Want to relax in nature
- Want to enjoy an onsen trip
Points to Note
- Often located far from urban areas
- Limited hours of operation
- Tattoos often prohibited
2. Sento: Community-Based Public Bathhouses
Definition
Community-based public bathhouses using heated tap water. They are at the heart of Japan's traditional bathing culture.
Features
- Community Hub: Locals visit daily
- Showa Retro Atmosphere: Tile art, Kerorin buckets
- Standardized Pricing: Prices set by the Public Bathhouses Law
- Location: In residential areas
- History: Culture continuing since the Edo period
Price Range
- Tokyo: 520 yen (adult)
- Osaka: 490 yen
- Other Areas: 400–500 yen
Children's prices are about half.
Charm of Sento
Mount Fuji Paintings Many sento have walls painted with Mount Fuji, a tradition from the Showa era.
Bantai Culture Paying at the entrance "bantai." Conversations with the elderly lady sitting at the bantai are part of the sento experience.
Kerorin Yellow Buckets The yellow washbasin "Kerorin" is a sento culture icon.
Coffee Milk Drinking coffee milk with your hand on your hip after a bath. This is sento culture!
Onsen Sento
Some sento have natural hot springs, known as "onsen sento." They are hidden spots where you can enjoy onsen in urban areas.
Recommended Use Scenes
- Want to experience local Japanese culture
- Enjoy a Showa retro atmosphere
- Want to bathe affordably
- Want to interact with locals
Points to Note
- Basic (simple) facilities
- Towels may not be available for rent
- Short hours of operation (around 15:00–23:00)
3. Super Sento: Large Leisure-Style Bathing Facilities
Definition
Facilities that have expanded and leisure-ized sento. They often do not use onsen, but some do.
Features
- Large Facilities: Multiple baths, saunas, stone saunas
- Leisure Elements: Massage, dining, manga corner
- Long Stay Possible: Can spend the whole day
- Family-Friendly: Enjoyable with children
- Clean and Modern: New facilities
Facility Examples
Bath Area
- Indoor Bath (Large Tub)
- Jet Bath
- Electric Bath
- Open-Air Bath
- Sauna (Dry, Steam)
- Cold Plunge Bath
Other Facilities
- Stone Sauna (extra charge)
- Massage & Spa
- Dining & Restaurant
- Manga Corner
- Rest Area (Tatami Room)
- Karaoke
- Game Corner
Price Range
- Basic Bathing Fee: 600–1,200 yen
- Stone Sauna: +300–600 yen
- Towel Set: +200–400 yen
Recommended Use Scenes
- Want to enjoy with family
- Want to relax all day
- Want to enjoy various baths
- Want to enjoy meals too
Representative Chains
- Ofuro no Osama
- Spa Resort
- Gokurakuyu
- Ryusenji no Yu
4. Health Land: Large Bathing Facilities with Accommodation
Definition
Large leisure facilities open 24 hours with accommodation options. It's an even larger version of a super sento.
Features
- Open 24 Hours: Available anytime
- Accommodation Available: Nap rooms, private rooms
- Abundant Entertainment Facilities: Games, karaoke, billiards
- Rich Dining Options: Multiple restaurants
- Suitable for Long Stays: Can stay 1 night or several
Price Range
- Admission Fee: 1,500–3,000 yen (extra charge for late night)
- Private Room Use: +3,000–10,000 yen
Recommended Use Scenes
- Want to use late at night
- Want simple accommodation
- Want to stay for a long time
- Want to enjoy entertainment too
5. Sauna Facilities: Specialized Sauna Facilities
Definition
Facilities specialized in saunas. Often attached to capsule hotels.
Features
- High-Quality Saunas: Focus on temperature, humidity, and facilities
- Quality Cold Plunge Baths: Use of groundwater or natural water
- Outdoor Relaxation Space: Environment set for "totonou"
- Open 24 Hours: Many operate 24 hours
- Male-Only: Many are male-only (female-only facilities are increasing)
Types
Luxury Sauna Facilities
- Price: 2,000–5,000 yen
- High-quality facilities and services
- Quiet and calm atmosphere
Capsule Hotel Attached Sauna
- Price: 1,500–3,000 yen
- Use with accommodation
- Targeted at businessmen
Price Range
- Bathing Only: 1,500–3,000 yen
- With Accommodation: 3,000–8,000 yen
Recommended Use Scenes
- Want to experience "totonou"
- Want to enjoy a genuine sauna
- Want to use late at night or early morning
- Want simple accommodation
Famous Sauna Facilities
- Check facilities highly rated on Sauna Ikitai (a nationwide sauna information site)
6. Onsen Ryokan: Accommodation-Type Onsen Facilities
Definition
Traditional Japanese accommodation facilities located in onsen areas. They offer a set of onsen, accommodation, and meals.
Features
- Accommodation with Onsen: Large baths, open-air baths
- Japanese Cuisine: Kaiseki meals, breakfast
- Japanese-Style Rooms: Tatami rooms, futons
- Hospitality: Japanese-style hospitality
- Yukata: Provided as in-house wear
Types
Luxury Ryokan
- Price: 20,000–100,000 yen/person
- In-room dining, personal attendant
- Top-notch service
Mid-Range Ryokan
- Price: 10,000–30,000 yen/person
- Meals in dining area
- Good quality service
Affordable Ryokan
- Price: 5,000–15,000 yen/person
- Room-only plans available
- Basic service
What's Included in the Price
- Accommodation (1 night)
- Dinner (kaiseki meal)
- Breakfast (Japanese meal)
- Onsen bathing (unlimited)
- Yukata & towels
Recommended Use Scenes
- Genuine onsen trip
- Want to deeply experience Japanese culture
- Special occasions
- Want to stay leisurely
7. Hotel Onsen & Large Baths: Urban Onsen Experience
Definition
Onsen or large baths installed within hotels. Available for hotel guests.
Features
- Convenient Location: Attached to hotels in urban areas
- Clean and Modern: Hotel-level facilities
- Guest-Only: Sometimes not open to non-guests
- Size: Smaller than specialized facilities
Recommended Use Scenes
- Want to enjoy onsen while using it as a base for sightseeing
- Want to use bathing facilities while staying in urban areas
8. Capsule Hotel Attached Facilities: Sanctuaries for Businessmen
Definition
Bathing and sauna facilities attached to capsule hotels.
Features
- Open 24 Hours: Available anytime
- Good Value: Accommodation + bathing for 3,000–5,000 yen
- Close to Stations: Easy access
- Male-Centric: Many are male-only
Recommended Use Scenes
- Late-night arrival or early morning departure
- Affordable accommodation + bathing
- When you miss the last train
Facility Comparison Table
| Facility Type | Onsen | Price | Time | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Onsen | ◎ | 500–1,500 yen | Limited | Genuine Onsen |
| Sento | △ | 400–520 yen | Limited | Local Culture |
| Super Sento | △ | 600–1,200 yen | Long Hours | Leisure |
| Health Land | △ | 1,500–3,000 yen | 24 Hours | Accommodation Available |
| Sauna Facilities | ○ | 1,500–3,000 yen | 24 Hours | Sauna Specialized |
| Onsen Ryokan | ◎ | 10,000 yen and up | Accommodation | Top-Notch |
Which Facility Should You Choose? Recommendations by Scene
Want a Genuine Onsen Experience
→ Onsen (Day-Use) or Onsen Ryokan
Want to Experience Traditional Japanese Culture
→ Sento or Onsen Ryokan
Want to Enjoy with Family
→ Super Sento
Want to Relax All Day
→ Super Sento or Health Land
Want to "Totonou" in a Sauna
→ Sauna Facilities
Want to Use Late at Night or Early Morning
→ Health Land or Sauna Facilities
Want to Enjoy Affordably
→ Sento or Day-Use Onsen
Want to Splurge on a Special Occasion
→ Luxury Onsen Ryokan
Common Manners When Using Facilities
Regardless of which facility you use, the following manners are common:
- Wash your body before bathing
- Do not put towels in the bath
- Tie up your hair
- Bathe quietly
- Check tattoo rules
Conclusion: The Diversity of Japanese Bathing Culture
Japan's bathing facilities are astonishingly diverse. From traditional sento to the latest sauna facilities, each has its own unique charm.
This diversity is what represents the richness of Japan's bathing culture. Depending on your budget, time, and purpose, you can choose the most suitable facility.
When visiting Japan, be sure to experience multiple types of facilities. Each offers a different experience and will teach you the depth of Japanese bathing culture.
The diversity of Japanese bathing facilities is a cultural heritage to be proud of worldwide.
