Do you know what a sento is?

A sento is a traditional Japanese public bath. Back in the days when most households still did not have bathtubs, sento were indispensable to daily life. They were places to cleanse the body, relax the mind, and interact with neighbors. Their history is said to go back more than 1,000 years, and from the 17th to 19th centuries they spread widely, especially in Edo (old Tokyo).
Even today, over 400 sento remain in Tokyo, preserving this important tradition.
For this article, we spoke with Stéphanie Crohin, originally from France and officially recognized as a Sento Ambassador by the Japan Sento Cultural Association, about the unique charms of sento and how to enjoy them.

Profile of Stéphanie Crohin

The history of sento

Sento developed in earnest during the Edo period (1603–1868). By 1810, it is said that there were already 523 sento in Edo, making them an essential part of daily life.
Back then, sento were quite different from today’s, often shallow baths where people poured hot water over themselves, or steam baths.
In the Meiji era (1868–1912), steam baths disappeared and deep tubs for soaking became the norm. By the early Showa era (1926–1989), with the development of modern water supply systems, sento took on the familiar form we know today.
At their peak, there were over 17,000 sento nationwide and 2,700 just in Tokyo. However, by 2019, that number had declined to about 3,700 nationwide and 530 in Tokyo.

Sento as “living museums”

Life with sento

Sento are places where the spirit of equality and respect is nurtured through hadaka no tsukiai—relationships built while naked. They foster intergenerational bonds and create community ties. They are places where locals and travelers meet, chat, and look out for one another.
Sento are “living landmarks.”
Another charm is their affordability: they provide relaxation at a reasonable price. Whether during a trip, after work, or following a mountain hike, sento offer comfort in many situations.

Sento and well-being

Tenjin-yu (Nakano)

Located near Nakano Station, Tenjin-yu is like a jewel where art, architecture, and bathing culture blend together. Renovated in December 2023, it preserves its historic atmosphere while incorporating modern elements.
Passing under the noren curtain, you find retro touches such as wooden textures, soft lighting, and old-fashioned items like vintage scales.
In the bath area, men’s baths feature a large mural of Mt. Fuji, while women’s baths display a grand painting of Cape Ashizuri above the blue-tiled tubs. A mosaic of tropical fish, which makes you feel as though you are inside a painting amid the steam, is one of my favorites.
Bath options include a hot bath (43.5°C), a lukewarm bath (40°C), and a cold bath perfect for alternating bathing, all of which refresh body and mind.
From the small garden terrace in the changing area, you can watch koi carp while enjoying a cold drink to gently conclude your bath.

Address	5-10-10 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo (7–8 min walk from Nakano Station)
Hours	15:00–23:30
Closed	Thursdays
Fee	550 yen
Website	http://tenjin-yu.tokyo/JN/

Shinsei-yu (Hatanodai, Shinagawa)

Standing near Hatanodai Station on the Tokyu Ikegami Line, Shinsei-yu is a unique sento themed around “Exercise, Relaxation, and Renewal.”
The men’s and women’s baths are completely different and are switched regularly, so each visit brings a new experience.
Taiyo no yu (Bath of the Sun) is focused on toning the body. The bath area includes walking baths, powerful jets, and a cave-style outdoor bath. The wall features a Mt. Fuji mural that has been carefully preserved for over 20 years.
Daichi no yu (Bath of the Earth) is designed for deep relaxation. It features three different jet baths, herbal baths, a rock salt sauna, and an open-air space. A large phoenix, symbolizing rebirth, is painted on the wall, enhancing the healing atmosphere.
With 18 types of bathing experiences, Shinsei-yu was the first sento to be designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as a regional health promotion hub.

Address	4-5-18 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo (5 min walk from Hatanodai Station, Tokyu Ikegami Line)
Hours	Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays 15:15–24:00, Thursdays 15:30–24:00, Saturdays 14:30–24:00, Sundays 11:00–23:30
Closed	Mondays (Open 13:00–23:30 if Monday is a national holiday)
Fee	550 yen
Website	https://www.shinseiyu.jp/(Japanese site only)
Nearby	A few minutes’ walk away is Nakanobu Kinen-yu, a charming sento with an outdoor bath and a turtle pond. The area also has many cozy cafés, perfect for strolling.

Fuku-no-yu (Hon-Komagome, Bunkyo)

Nestled in a quiet alley in Hon-Komagome, Fuku-no-yu is a contemporary sento that fuses modern architecture with refined design.
In 2011, the third-generation owner completely renovated the aging facility, transforming it into a space with the refined, Japanese-modern feel of a high-class inn, combined with artistic flair. During the day it is filled with natural light, while at night gentle lighting creates a soothing atmosphere. With the concept of “harmony of body, mind, and space,” the baths use soft water that is gentle on skin and hair. Carbonated baths and strong jet baths help relieve fatigue and bring relaxation.
Artistic details such as the Mt. Fuji mural above the tubs and delicate mosaics make it feel like a small art museum.

Address	5-41-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (5 min walk from Hon-Komagome Station, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
Hours	11:00–24:00 (from 8:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
Closed	Thursdays
Fee	550 yen
Website	https://www.1010.or.jp/mag-lens-57-fukunoyu_bunkyo/
Nearby	The area is dotted with historic temples. A recommended plan is to visit a temple in the morning for a quiet experience, then head to Fuku-no-yu at its 11:00 opening. After bathing, you can stroll through the nearby Rikugien Gardens or wander toward Yanaka to enjoy the atmosphere of old Tokyo.

How to enjoy sento

All you need to visit a sento is a small towel, compact toiletries, and an open mind. Start by giving a polite nod or saying “konnichiwa” to the staff and fellow bathers. These small gestures foster a pleasant sense of community.
It is also important to see sento as places to “reset and reconnect with yourself.” Move between the baths and sauna, occasionally pausing for reflection, and accept the gentle rhythm of heat, cold, and relaxation.
Your body will feel refreshed, your mind calmed, and your spirit faintly reborn.
This is the enduring magic of sento—where tradition, art, and human connection come together to offer us sanctuaries away from the busyness of modern life.