JAPAN'S BEST-DESIGNED SAUNAS11 saunas
Cave baths and cave saunas in Japan
A cave sauna of lava tile in Shinjuku, a cave salt sauna in Kanagawa, cave baths in Niigata and Miyagi — places in Japan where you bathe or sweat inside a cave-like room.
A cave sauna of lava tile and a round, cocoon-like sauna
A low-temperature löyly sauna and a cave salt sauna
A cave-like sauna and a well-water cold bath
A sauna and shower rooms in a cave-like basement
Hot spring water in a cave-like private room
Wind-rippled wood and a cave wall
Private rooms themed on the deep sea and caves
A cave bath, a far-infrared sauna and a steam sauna
A large bath, a cave bath and an outdoor rest area
A large bath, an outdoor bath and a cave bath
The Blue Grotto recreates the famous cave on Capri
Planning a visit
Hours, cold baths and tattoo rules for these 11 saunas
Nearest stations: Gotanda.
| Sauna | Area | Hours | Cold bath | Tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Koganeyu Shinjuku | Shinjuku | 12:30–24:00 (from 26 August, until 9:30 the next morning)… | THE POTION (natural groundwater, about 15–16 °C)… | — |
| Noten Yumoto Yukai Soukai Taya | Sakae | 10:00–1:00 (last bath entry 0:30), open all year (some… | — | — |
| Ofuro Café Rinne no Yu | Naka | 7:00–23:00 (last entry 22:00) | Well-water cold bath | — |
| ℃ (Do-C) Gotanda | Gotanda | — | — | — |
| KUDOCHI onsen Roppongi Onsen | Roppongi | — | — | — |
| KUDOCHI sauna Akasaka | Akasaka | 24 hours (unstaffed reception, unlock with a QR code) | In every room | — |
| KUDOCHI sauna Osaka Shinsaibashi | Shinsaibashi | 24 hours | — | — |
| Gokurakuyu Tomiya | Tomiya | Weekdays 9:00–23:00, weekends & holidays 6:00–23:00 | Cold-water bath | Not allowed — tattoos or tattoo stickers… |
| Gokurakuyu Meike | Niigata | Weekdays & holidays 10:00–24:00, weekends 6:00–24:00 | Yes | Not allowed — tattoos or tattoo stickers… |
| Gokurakuyu Matsusaki | Niigata | 10:00–24:00 (last entry 23:30) | Cold-water bath | Not allowed — tattoos or tattoo stickers… |
| Spa World | Shinsekai | Baths 10:00 to 8:45 the next morning | — | Not allowed — the official site says people with… |
From each official website. “—” means the official information we checked does not say.
Questions visitors ask
Which saunas in Japan are open 24 hours?
KUDOCHI sauna Akasaka, KUDOCHI sauna Osaka Shinsaibashi are open 24 hours, according to their official hours. Some close the baths for cleaning for a short time.
Which saunas in Japan stay open after midnight?
Koganeyu Shinjuku (12:30–24:00 (from 26 August, until 9:30 the…), Noten Yumoto Yukai Soukai Taya (10:00–1:00 (last bath entry 0:30), open all…), Gokurakuyu Meike (Weekdays & holidays 10:00–24:00, weekends…), Gokurakuyu Matsusaki (10:00–24:00 (last entry 23:30)).
Can I go in with tattoos at the saunas in Japan?
Gokurakuyu Tomiya: Not allowed — tattoos or tattoo stickers (stickers must be removed before entry).; Gokurakuyu Meike: Not allowed — tattoos or tattoo stickers (stickers must be removed before entry).; Gokurakuyu Matsusaki: Not allowed — tattoos or tattoo stickers (stickers must be removed before entry).; Spa World: Not allowed — the official site says people with tattoos (including stickers) cannot…. For the others, check the official website or ask before you go.
Which saunas in Japan have a place to rest outdoors?
Koganeyu Shinjuku, Gokurakuyu Meike have an outdoor rest area, according to their official websites.
Can I pay without cash at the saunas in Japan?
KUDOCHI sauna Akasaka: Paid by credit card.; KUDOCHI sauna Osaka Shinsaibashi: Paid by credit card.. Other places do not state payment methods on their official websites.
What are the nearest stations for the saunas in Japan?
The stations mentioned most often are Gotanda Station. Every sauna page has directions and the address in Japanese.
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