Take a well-earned dip: Public baths in the city of Chofu - Part 2

Chofu’s public baths, or “sento,” offer visitors to the city the chance to soak away their stress and relax in authentic Japanese style. 

There are four sento in the city of Chofu. All of them offer an authentic bathing experience but each has its own unique character and features.

Here are two of Chofu’s sento to seek out for a rewarding soak when you’re next in town.

Entrance fees for the sento in Chofu listed below:

Adult (12 yrs and above) - 520円

Child (Elementary school, 6 to 11 yrs) - 200円

Child (Preschool, 5 yrs and under) - 100円

Jindai-yu (神代湯)

Jindai-yu houses 10 types of bath, including medicinal, open-air, and jet baths, as well as a large washing area. Visitors can also enjoy a sauna (for a separate charge). Available medicinal baths are announced on a daily calendar.

Jindai-yu’s location near to the train station makes for ease of access and, for some, a convenient place to unwind after work. 

With candy treats and soft-serve ice cream available, as well as fine beer hand poured by staff, there is something for all the family to enjoy after taking a bath here.   

In the lobby at Jindai-yu traditional curtains, or “noren,” set an atmospheric tone and are changed to reflect the seasons. 

Hours: 2pm - 11pm

Closed: Wednesdays (or following day if Wednesday is a natl. holiday)

Address: 1-13-1 Kikunodai, Chofu City

Tel: 042-489-2641

Ume no Yu (梅の湯)

Visitors to Ume no Yu will be surrounded by the scent of hinoki as they soothe mind and body in the sento’s cypress bath and sauna. Medicinal baths are prepared at various times throughout the year. 

Once a year, Ume no Yu holds a “sento concert” which is popular among residents of Chofu.

Hours: 3pm - 10:30pm (Sundays 1pm - 10:30pm)

Closed: Mondays (or following day if Monday is a natl. holiday)

Address: 6-9-5 Jindaiji-Higashi-machi, Chofu City

Tel: 042-482-4526

Know before you go: Essential sento rules and etiquette

1: Remove shoes and put them in the foot lockers (at the entrance), take off clothes in the changing room. Keep valuables in lockers with locks.

2: Have a wash / rinse before getting in any baths. Towels are not allowed in baths. Tie-up long hair so that it isn’t soaking in the bath water.

3: When showering and washing, be careful not to spray or splash water / soap suds.

4: Return used buckets and chairs to their original locations.

5: After exiting baths wipe off excess water before entering the changing room.

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Take a well-earned dip: Public baths in the city of Chofu - Part 1