After arrival: shoe locker → ticket machine → front desk
More and more facilities are now accepting cashless payments (transportation IC cards, credit cards, QR codes) at the front desk for bathing fees and amenities, but ticket machines, drink vending machines, and other facilities may only accept cash. In particular, hair dryers are mostly coin-operated, using 10 yen or 100 yen coins. Check the logo posted at the entrance to see if payment is accepted at the front desk, and if you have any questions, it’s a good idea to ask the staff.
Payment and cashless options
More facilities now accept cashless payments (IC cards, credit cards, QR payments) for bathing fees and amenities at the front desk, but ticket machines and equipment often remain cash-only. Most dryers operate on 100-yen coins. Check the accepted payment types at the entrance, and if unsure, ask the staff.
What to bring: balancing minimal items and on-site purchases
Generally, public baths in Shinjuku Ward provide free body soap and rinse-in shampoo. Therefore, one face towel is sufficient. If you want to travel light, you can also purchase or rent towels locally. Disposable razors, toothbrushes, and makeup removers are often sold. *If you have sensitive skin, we recommend bringing your everyday items.
How to use the changing room: keep your belongings secure
Choose a locker with the same number as the locker key you received at the front desk, or an empty locker, and store your belongings there. Be sure to put your valuables in the locker and keep the key on your wrist. (Some stores will keep your valuables at the front desk, so please check when you enter the store.) Avoid occupying benches or chairs for long periods of time, and change your clothes quickly to make your stay more comfortable even during busy times.
Washing area basics: sit while washing and minimize splashing
At the washing area, you sit on a chair and wash your body and hair. Use the shower close to your body, being careful not to splash water on the seat next to you. After using the bucket or chair, return it to its original position so that the next person can use it comfortably. Here, pour water over yourself to get your body used to the water temperature, which will make it easier to get into the bath.
How to enter the bath: rinse → enter quietly → avoid staying too long
When entering the bath, enter quietly so as not to disturb those who have entered before you. The basic rule is not to put towels in the bath or place them on the edge. Keep conversations to a low voice, and when it is crowded, avoid holding a spot for a long time and be considerate to others so that everyone can enjoy their time. If you get hot easily, it is safer to break up your bathing into several short bursts.
Mini-guide for sauna and cold bath users
The trick is to stay in the sauna for a short time, starting from 6-8 minutes, without overdoing it. After washing off the sweat, jump into the cold water bath and aim for 30-60 seconds. After that, rest in a cool place for 5-10 minutes to calm your body. Repeat this 2-3 times and you’ll feel fully refreshed. If you feel any discomfort, stop immediately.
Facility manners: quietness, cleanliness, and courtesy
Photography is prohibited in changing rooms and bathrooms. Please be quiet and do not run, shout, or occupy a seat or space for long periods of time with personal belongings. Be careful not to let soap or hair from the washing area fly around, and leaving the area tidy after using it will leave a good impression. Be sure to follow any posted rules or instructions from staff.
Tattoo policy
The public baths introduced on this website are tattoo-friendly, but if you intentionally flaunt your tattoos in a way that intimidates or threatens others, the bathhouse will, at its discretion, refuse you further entry.
Finishing up: drying off and hydration
Before leaving the washing area and going to the changing room, rinse your body lightly in the shower. Then, dry off any excess water with a towel or bath towel. Hair dryers are often coin-operated, so be sure to take turns using them and use them for a short time. After bathing, don’t forget to hydrate, and slowly cool down your body temperature in the fresh air, which will make your return journey easier.
Helpful phrases when in doubt
“I’m new here. Could you show me how to use this?”
“Can I buy a towel here?”
“Do you accept cashless payment?”
“Where is the coin-operated dryer?”
“It’s my first time. Do you have a recommended flow?”
Summary: follow the flow—shoe locker → ticket machine → front desk → washing area → bath
First, follow the shoe locker → (ticket machine) → front desk flow, then sit down and wash your body before entering the bath, then enter quietly. If you follow the basics, you won’t get lost even if it’s your first time. Bring only the bare necessities and some coins with you to feel safe. If you follow the posted rules and the staff’s guidance, and keep quiet, clean, and considerate of others, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a Japanese public bath in comfort.