Japan has 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 these differences is not easy.

"Which one should I choose?" "What are the differences between them?" "How much do they cost?"

I have visited various bathing facilities across the country, and each has its own characteristics and charm. In this article, I will systematically classify Japan's bathing facilities and explain their features.

1. Onsen: Facilities to Enjoy Natural Hot Springs

Bathing facilities that use natural hot springs (hot water that springs from the ground). It is a genuine onsen containing components defined by the Onsen Law.

Natural hot spring water, diversity of spring qualities, medically recognized health benefits. Many are located in the suburbs or tourist areas, surrounded by nature.

By Type

Day-trip Onsen Facilities

You can bathe without staying overnight. Fees range from 500 to 1,500 yen. Operating hours are around 10:00 to 22:00. You can enjoy onsen casually.

Public Bathhouses (Soto-yu)

Public bathhouses used by locals. Fees range from 100 to 500 yen. You can feel the local atmosphere and experience the culture of the onsen area. I also like public bathhouses. Interacting with locals is fun.

Onsen Theme Parks

Large day-trip onsen facilities. They have multiple baths, saunas, and relaxation spaces. Fees range from 1,000 to 3,000 yen. You can enjoy them all day long.

Recommended for those who want an authentic onsen experience, are particular about spring quality and effects, and want to relax in nature.

However, many are located away from urban areas, and operating hours are limited. Tattoos are often prohibited.

2. Sento: Community-based Public Bathhouses

Community-based public bathhouses that use heated tap water. They are at the heart of Japan's traditional bathing culture.

They are community hubs where locals visit daily. Showa-era retro atmosphere, tile art, Kerorin buckets. Unified fees defined by the Public Bathhouse Law. Located in residential areas, continuing the culture from the Edo period.

Fee Range

In Tokyo, it's 520 yen (for adults), 490 yen in Osaka, and 400 to 500 yen in rural areas. Children's fees are about half.

Charm of Sento

Many sento have walls painted with Mount Fuji. This is a tradition from the Showa era. The "bandai" where you pay the entrance fee. Conversations with the grandma sitting at the bandai are one of the pleasures of sento.

The yellow washbasin "Kerorin" is a must-have in sento. It's an icon of Japanese sento culture. And drinking coffee milk with your hand on your hip after a bath. This is sento culture!

When I first entered a sento, I was impressed by the Showa retro atmosphere and the interaction with locals. Conversations with the grandma at the bandai, the Kerorin bucket, coffee milk. Everything was fresh, and I felt the depth of Japanese culture.

Some sento also have natural hot springs, known as "onsen sento." They are hidden spots where you can enjoy onsen in urban areas.

Recommended for those who want to experience local Japanese culture, enjoy a Showa retro atmosphere, and bathe affordably.

However, facilities are basic (simple), and there may be no towel rentals. Operating hours are short (around 15:00 to 23:00).

3. Super Sento: Large Leisure-type Bathing Facilities

Facilities that have expanded and leisure-ized sento. Many do not use onsen, but some do.

Large facilities with multiple baths, saunas, and bedrock baths. High leisure value with massage, dining areas, and manga corners. You can stay for a long time and spend the whole day. Family-friendly and enjoyable for children. New with clean and modern facilities.

Example Facilities

The bath area includes indoor baths (large baths), jet baths, electric baths, open-air baths, saunas (dry, steam), and cold plunge baths.

Other facilities include bedrock baths (extra charge), massage and esthetic services, dining areas and restaurants, manga corners, relaxation spaces (tatami rooms), karaoke, and game corners.

Fee Range

Basic bathing fees range from 600 to 1,200 yen. Bedrock baths are an additional 300 to 600 yen. Towel sets are an additional 200 to 400 yen.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy with family, relax all day, enjoy various baths, and include meals in their enjoyment.

I also often use super sento. The comfort of being able to stay all day and the diversity of enjoying various baths are attractive.

4. Sauna Facilities: Facilities Specializing in Saunas

Bathing facilities centered around saunas. Saunas are the main attraction rather than onsen or baths.

High-temperature saunas, mist saunas, löyly services. And cold water baths and comfortable outdoor relaxation spaces. These are authentic facilities for sauna enthusiasts.

Fee Range

1,000 to 3,000 yen. Luxury saunas can be over 3,000 yen.

Recommended for those who want to focus on the sauna experience, experience "totonou," and stay for a long time.

I use sauna facilities several times a week. Facilities that offer an authentic sauna experience help reset the mind and body.

5. Onsen Ryokan: Enjoy Accommodation and Onsen

Traditional Japanese accommodations where you can enjoy onsen. In-room dining, kaiseki cuisine, hospitality. You can deeply experience Japanese culture.

Fee Range

10,000 to 50,000 yen per person for one night with two meals. Luxury ryokan can be over 50,000 yen.

Recommended for those who want to experience authentic Japanese culture, enjoy a leisurely onsen trip, and spend a luxurious time.

I also occasionally stay at onsen ryokan, and I am always impressed by their hospitality and the quality of the onsen.

6. Capsule Hotel & Sauna: Convenient Urban Facilities

Facilities with saunas and large baths attached to capsule hotels in urban areas. Popular among businessmen and travelers.

Fee Range

3,000 to 6,000 yen for accommodation (including sauna and large bath). 1,500 to 3,000 yen for sauna use only.

Recommended for those who want to stay affordably, enjoy saunas in urban areas, and use facilities until late at night.

7. Health Land: Large Facilities Open 24 Hours

Large bathing and leisure facilities open 24 hours. They have baths, saunas, bedrock baths, massages, dining areas, relaxation spaces, manga corners, and more.

Fee Range

2,000 to 3,000 yen (including bathing and relaxation). An additional 1,000 to 2,000 yen for accommodation (nap).

Recommended for those who want to spend 24 hours, stay affordably, and enjoy with family.

Which Facility Should You Choose?

If You Prioritize Onsen Experience

Choose onsen (day-trip onsen facilities, onsen ryokan). You can experience genuine onsen.

If You Want to Experience Japanese Culture

Choose sento. You can enjoy the Showa retro atmosphere and interaction with locals.

If You Want to Enjoy with Family

Choose super sento or health land. Both children and adults can enjoy all day.

If You Prioritize Sauna Experience

Choose sauna facilities or capsule hotel & sauna. You can have an authentic sauna experience.

If You Want a Luxurious Trip

Choose onsen ryokan. You can experience Japan's finest hospitality and onsen.

If You Want Affordability

Choose sento or capsule hotel & sauna. They offer high cost performance.

Conclusion: The Charm of Diversity

The diversity of Japan's bathing facilities is a cultural pride of the world. Onsen, sento, super sento, sauna facilities, onsen ryokan, capsule hotels, health land. Each has its own characteristics and charm.

I have visited various facilities, and I am amazed by their diversity every time. When you visit Japan, be sure to experience various bathing facilities. Each facility will show you different aspects of Japanese culture.