Tokyo Invites Tourists to Take a Bath in 2025 with its new “Welcome! Sentō Campaign.” This initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is designed to make Japan’s public bathhouses more accessible, relaxing, and welcoming for international visitors.
By adding multilingual support, discount tickets, and modern conveniences, Tokyo is encouraging travelers to experience sentō culture—one of the country’s most affordable and authentic traditions.
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What Is the Welcome! Sentō Campaign?
Starting September 1, 2025 and running until February 28, 2026, the campaign was created to make sentō culture more accessible to international visitors .
- 63 bathhouses across Tokyo have been certified as “tourist-friendly.”
- Participating locations include the famous Kotobuki-yu in Ueno, which is tattoo-friendly and boasts unique baths like its men’s cave bath and outdoor tubs.
- Travelers can expect multilingual signage, discount coupons, cashless payment options, bath amenities, and the all-important Japanese spirit of hospitality.
As a bonus, those who complete a short survey after bathing may even receive an original tenugui (cotton towel) while supplies last.
Kotobuki-yu (寿湯)
〒110-0005
Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno 4-chome, 7−17
東京都台東区上野4丁目7−17
🚇 Access:
5 minutes on foot from Ueno Station (JR Yamanote Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hibiya Line)
Close to Ameya-Yokocho shopping street
Why Is Tokyo Promoting Sentō Now?
Bathhouses have long been a cornerstone of Japanese society. They provided not only hygiene but also a community space where neighbors could talk, relax, and share life.
However, in recent decades, the number of sentō has dropped due to:
- Private bathrooms in homes becoming the norm.
- Aging facilities and operators struggling to modernize.
- Declining attendance post-pandemic, with recovery slower than hoped.
Unlike hot springs (onsen), sentō are inexpensive and urban-based. A bath costs around ¥500 (€3.18 / $3.40), and during the campaign, tourists staying at selected hotels can use coupons to reduce the entry fee to about ¥270 (€1.74 / $1.90) .
This campaign aims not to “save” sentō but to reintroduce them to visitors and strengthen overall attendance.
What Can Tourists Expect?
Tourist-friendly sentō go beyond the basics. Here’s what to look forward to:
- Multilingual support: English, Chinese, and Korean signs make it easier to follow etiquette.
- Modern convenience: Cashless payment systems for travelers who prefer cards or e-wallets.
- Extra perks: Some baths feature saunas, murals of Mt. Fuji, or quirky extras like themed “Athletes’ Baths” during sporting events.
- Discounted entry: Coupons distributed at major events such as the World Athletics Championships (September 2025) and the Deaflympics (November 2025) .
Kotobuki-yu and Beyond
Kotobuki-yu (Ueno)
- One of Tokyo’s most iconic sentō.
- Tattoo-friendly, unlike many traditional baths.
- Features an outdoor bath on both men’s and women’s sides, plus a unique cave bath for men .
Other Participating Sentō
From Shinjuku to Shinagawa and Adachi, the list of certified tourist-friendly bathhouses covers neighborhoods across Tokyo. The official campaign website Welcome Sento provides a full map of participating locations.
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How to Enjoy a Sentō (Beginner’s Guide)
- Enter and Pay – Remove shoes at the entrance, buy a ticket or pay via cashless option.
- Change Clothes – Use lockers in the gender-separated changing area.
- Wash Thoroughly First – Shower before soaking; this rule is non-negotiable.
- Soak and Relax – Slip into the hot water, usually around 40–42°C.
- Try Extras – Enjoy saunas, cold plunges, or themed baths if available.
- Exit Respectfully – Dry off before returning to the changing room.
Sentō vs. Onsen
- Sentō use regular heated water; they are affordable and located in cities.
- Onsen use natural hot springs and are often found in rural resorts.
Both offer unique charm, but sentō provide a more everyday glimpse into local Japanese life.
Conclusion
The Welcome! Sentō Campaign is more than a promotion—it’s an invitation to step into the heart of Japanese daily life. Affordable, relaxing, and steeped in tradition, tourist-friendly sentō in Tokyo are ready to welcome visitors from around the world.
So next time you see the “ゆ” sign glowing in a Tokyo street, remember: Tokyo invites tourists to take a bath, and there’s no better way to soak in Japanese culture.
Learn more about bathing culture directly from the Welcome! Sento Campaign official site.
FAQs
Q1: How long does the Welcome! Sentō Campaign run?
From September 1, 2025, until February 28, 2026.
Q2: How much does it cost to visit a sentō in Tokyo?
Around ¥500 ($3.40), but tourists can get coupons reducing the fee to ¥270 ($1.90).
Q3: Are tattoos allowed in all participating sentō?
Not all, but places like Kotobuki-yu are tattoo-friendly.
Q4: Do I need to bring my own towel?
Some baths provide amenities, but bringing your own small towel is recommended.
