Top 5 best sento in Japan
- Published on : 05/11/2025
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
The sento has always been a place of relaxation and socialization, an integral part of Japanese daily life. There are still between 2,000 and 2,500 public baths in operation in the archipelago. How do you choose? Japan Experience presents its selection.
Understanding sento: Japan's bathhouse culture
The origins of sento date back to the 6th century, when Buddhist temples introduced purification rituals to the archipelago. During the edo period (1603-1868), sento grew considerably, becoming a central part of daily life.
Even today, the tradition lives on. And although most public baths disappeared with the democratization of bathtubs in the home, there are still no fewer than 2,000 sento where you can relax in Japan!
Our selection of sento in Japan
Whether we're talking about traditional baths or more recent facilities, Japan is full of sento where it's good to bathe after a long day of sightseeing. Here are 5 addresses recommended by our editors.
1. Funaoka Onsen (kyoto)
Designated a Tangible Cultural Asset of Japan, Funaoka Onsen is one of the most beautiful sento in Kyoto. Open since 1923, it features retro architecture, carved woodwork and period tiling. We love its cypress baths, as well as its electric bath (denkiburo), which is good for blood circulation.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 82-1 Murasakino Minamifunaokacho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8225
HOURS: daily, 3 pm to 11:30 pm, closed on Tuesdays, from 8 am on Sundays
WEBSITE: funaokaonsen.net
Bath basket (sento)
@TOMO on Shutterstock, standard license
2. Hinodeyu (Kyoto)
In Kyoto, Hinodeyu surprises with its retro design, emblematic of the 1930s. Also designated a Tangible Cultural Asset of Japan, this sento is particularly prized for its wooden buildings overlooking a traditional garden. Its seasonal baths with skin-friendly herbs are also appreciated. Fun fact: it served as the filming location for Mother Water (2010), a Japanese feature film tracing the daily life of a Kyoto family.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 26-6 Nishikujo Karahashicho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8423
HOURS: daily, 4 pm to 11 pm, closed on Thursdays
WEBSITE: www.eonet.ne.jp
Need to take a break? Discover our wellness activities
3. Daikokuyu (Nagoya)
Founded at the start of the Showa era (1926-1989) in Nagoya this sento is renowned for its traditional ambience, vintage tiling and various facilities, offering a typically Japanese public bathing experience. Our favorites: the cold bath (great for those sensitive to heat), the sauna and the whirlpool.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 〒453-0813 Aichi, Nagoya, Nakamura Ward, Futatsubashicho, 2 Chome-５８-番地
HOURS: daily, 3:30 pm to 11 pm, closed on Sundays
WEBSITE: aichi1010.jp
4. Ryusenjinoyu (Nagoya)
This "super sento" offers a luxurious, modern public bath experience. It features a bath with LED lights and a view of the Shonai River. It is also appreciated for its highly concentrated carbon dioxide water, which is good for the skin.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 1 Chome-1501 Ryusenji, Moriyama Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 463-0801
OPENING HOURS: daily, from 6 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. the following morning
WEBSITE: ryusenjinoyu.com
A sento in Japan
@Richard Whitcombe on Shutterstock, standard license
5. Takano-yu (Takayama)
In Takayama, this public bath has been in operation for almost 300 years (although the current building is only 70). Located along a footpath lined with temples and shrines, it offers a relaxing experience in the heart of Japanese heritage. Our favorite: the herbal baths.
FURTHER INFORMATION
ADDRESS: 107 Soyujimachi, Takayama, Gifu 506-0834
HOURS: daily, 1pm to 10pm, closed on Wednesdays
WEBSITE: takanoyu.jimdofree.com
Some useful reminders
When you visit a sento, it's important to familiarize yourself with the facilities and etiquette. Most sentos offer the following services:
- Separate bathrooms for men and women
- Large communal baths with variable temperatures
- Showers for washing before entering the baths
- Changing rooms with lockers
- Vending machines for drinks and toiletries
To make the most of the facilities without disturbing the regulars, please observe these essential rules:
- Remove your clothes in the changing area and store them in a locker.
- Wash thoroughly in the showers before entering the baths
- Avoid loud conversations and disruptive behavior
- Don't use your phone or camera in the bathing area!
- Rinse off before leaving the bathing area
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