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

Take a dip in one of Chofu’s public baths and soak up an atmosphere of authentic Japanese culture and wellness. Go on. You’ve earned it!

There are four public baths, or “sento,” in the city of Chofu. While these sento have retained their authentic, old-fashioned atmosphere each one welcomes visitors with a unique character and features of its own. All offer the chance to escape to a different world where bathers can soak away the stress of daily life. 

Be sure to reward yourself with a dip next time you’re in Chofu.

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  (深大湯)

The baths at Jindai-yu - whose waters contain a high concentration of carbon dioxide - are popular for properties which help to improve blood flow. The bright bathrooms here are rotated weekly between male and female use. 

Up on the rooftop bathers can enjoy a soak in an authentic open-air rock bath, with views to Mt. Fuji (weather permitting).

Jindai-yu also offers two types of sauna.

In the lobby you’ll find beverages including milk - a sento staple - and draft beer, as well as snacks. The yaki-imo (baked sweet potato) stand which opens here every Sunday and Tuesday is very popular among visitors.

Hours: 3pm - 11pm (Sundays 1pm -11pm)

Closed: Thursdays / 3rd Wednesday of the month

Address: 6-17-3 Jindaiji Kita-machi, Chofu City

Tel: 042-482-4652

Tsuru no Yu (鶴の湯)

The retro building of Tsuru no Yu makes this sento a familiar favorite in Chofu. Tsuru no Yu has been welcoming bathers for over 70 years, having been established in 1952.

Medicinal baths are offered here according to the season, including yuzu baths in winter (with waters using the yuzu citrus fruit).

Visitors can also enjoy a radon bath and the rare experience of a low-temperature, high-humidity sauna.

Look out for some delightfully retro touches at Tsuru no Yu like the coin-operated hair dryers.

Locker keys (men’s only) can be kept at the reception desk to prevent them being lost. 

Hours: 3pm - 11pm

Closed: Wednesdays

Address: 1-10-2 Shimoishiwara, Chofu City

Tel: 042-482-3017

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 2