Guide

How to use a public bath

Find a public bath!

Please see the list of Shinjuku public baths and choose the one you would like to visit.

Bring along the same set of bath towels, towels, soap, shampoo, and other essentials you normally use at home when heading to the public bath.
Most public baths sell small sizes of soap, shampoo, etc., so you don’t need to bring anything with you. For more information, please see the details page for each public bath.

Ticket stand type? Front type?

Due to the structure of the bathhouse, there are two types of public baths: the ticket counter type and the front desk type.

The bathhouse has a counter and there are shoe lockers on either side of the entrance.The bathhouse is separated into men’s and women’s from the entrance, so please be careful not to take the wrong entrance.

At baths with a bandai system, the changing room is located beyond the bandai.
At baths with a front desk, the entrance to the men’s and women’s changing rooms is next to the front desk.
Most baths have lockers. Be sure to lock them and wear the key around your wrist before heading to the bathroom.
Some baths have clothing baskets instead of lockers. In those cases, please leave your valuables at the bandai system before heading to the bathroom.
You will sweat a lot when bathing, so be sure to hydrate beforehand.

When you enter the bathroom, the first thing you should do is pour water over yourself.
It is important etiquette to rinse and clean your body before getting in the bathtub.
Also, to keep the bathwater clean, it is recommended that you not only pour water over yourself, but also wash your body before getting in.

To avoid disturbing other guests, please refrain from letting long hair soak in the tub or dipping towels into the bath. By tradition dating back to the Edo period, many baths are hotter than those at home; if it’s too hot to bear, ask the people around you first, then cool it with water. About 5–10 minutes is suitable in hot water and around 20 minutes in lukewarm water—warm yourself until you break a light sweat on your forehead. When using the shower, be careful not to splash the person next to you if you’re not used to it.

When returning to the changing room from the bathroom, be sure to dry your wet body thoroughly with a towel before returning. Be sure to also dry the soles of your feet thoroughly.
Finish by drying your body with a bath towel or similar, and then change into your clothes. Relax in the lobby or elsewhere with a drink.
You will sweat a lot in the bath, so be sure to stay hydrated.
Be careful not to leave anything behind when you leave.