Tokyo Sento and Onsen Guide: Famous Bathhouses and Spas Open Late at Night
Published: 2026-10-15
Japan's bathing culture is one of the best experiences for visitors. From old-school neighborhood bathhouses to natural hot springs and big spa complexes, here are the easiest places to go in Tokyo, including ones open late at night.
The short answer
| Type | What it is | Price | Tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sento | The neighborhood public bathhouse, a glimpse of local daily life | A set, affordable price across Tokyo | Usually allowed |
| Super sento and spa complexes | Big facilities with saunas, stone baths and restaurants | Higher than a sento; most charge extra late at night | Often not allowed |
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For a late-night soak, try Daikokuyu, open until the next morning, Thermae-yu and Manyo Club, open 24 hours, or Spa LaQua, where you can stay until morning.
What a sento looks like
Mt. Fuji muralsOld-style sento often have a huge painting of Mt. Fuji on the bathroom wall (pictured: Kodakara-yu, on display at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum).
The changing roomClothes go in a basket or locker. Some sento still have a wooden front desk and an old-fashioned scale.
Kodakara-yu at the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural MuseumA Showa-era bathhouse moved to this open-air museum in Koganei. You can't bathe, but you can walk inside.How to bathe, step by step
- Take off your shoes at the entrance and put them in a shoe locker.
- Pay at the front desk. If you don't have a towel or shampoo, most places sell or rent them.
- Undress in the changing room and use a locker or basket. No swimsuits.
- Wash your body at the shower area before getting in the bath.
- Keep your towel out of the water, and tie up long hair.
- Pat yourself dry before going back into the changing room.
Famous sento
Kosugiyu (Koenji)Founded in 1933, with a temple-style building registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property. Open from the afternoon on weekdays and from the morning at weekends, until about 1:30 a.m. (closed Thursdays). Official site
Tsubameyu (Okachimachi)Founded in 1950, the first sento in Tokyo to be registered as a Tangible Cultural Property. Famous for morning baths from 6 a.m., with hot water (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). Tokyo Sento Map
Oshiage Onsen Daikokuyu (Oshiage)A sento with a natural hot-spring outdoor bath and a view of Tokyo Skytree. Open all night, from the afternoon until 10 a.m. (closed Tuesdays). Official site
Koganeyu (Kinshicho)A stylishly renovated sento with a serious sauna and its own craft beer. Morning baths too (closed 2nd and 4th Mondays). Official site🐋
Kairyoyu (Shibuya)An art-filled sento within walking distance of Shibuya and Ebisu, with an outdoor cooling-off area (closed Saturdays). Official siteSuper sento and spa complexes
Spa LaQua (Tokyo Dome City, Suidobashi)Inside Tokyo Dome City, open from 11 a.m. until 9 a.m. the next day (late-night surcharge). No entry with tattoos. Official site♨️
Thermae-yu (Shinjuku, Kabukicho)A large 24-hour complex in the heart of Shinjuku. Staying between midnight and early morning costs extra. Official site
Manyo Club Toyosu (Toyosu)A 24-hour spa in Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, with a rooftop foot bath overlooking the waterfront (late-night surcharge). Official site🍃
Maenohara Onsen Sayanoyudokoro (Itabashi, Shimura-sakaue)A natural hot spring with old-house-style buildings and a beautiful Japanese garden, open until midnight. Tattoos are OK if covered with the facility's cover stickers. Official site🌳
Toshimaen Niwa no Yu (Nerima)A spa set in a lush garden, open until 11 p.m., right by Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo. GO TOKYOℹ️
Hours, closing days and prices can change. Check each official website before you go.
If you have tattoos
- In Tokyo, most ordinary sento let you in with tattoos.
- Many super sento and spa complexes don't, though some allow you in if you cover them with stickers.
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The rules differ from place to place. Always check the official website before you go.
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See bathing etiquette in our Japan etiquette cheat sheet, and more night ideas in Tokyo after dark, without the clubs.
Places in this story
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