KOSUGI-YU

Koenji’s Melting Pot, and a Pot to Melt In
[updated March 2025]

Step into Kosugi-yu, and you step into a slice of Koenji life. This beloved neighborhood sento (public bathhouse) has been keeping the community warm and relaxed since 1933, earning its designation as a National Tangible Cultural Property in 2021. But Kosugi-yu is more than just a bathhouse—it’s a place where generations come together. Families share laughs, retirees soak in quiet contemplation, high school students gossip between dips, and salarymen shake off the workday over a hot soak. Add in a few local characters, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a truly unique sento experience.

Just like Koenji itself, Kosugi-yu welcomes all. The staff here greet visitors like old friends, inviting them to unplug, unwind, and immerse themselves—literally—in the soothing waters. Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular, stepping into this bathhouse feels like stepping into a second home.

Despite its deep roots in the community, Kosugi-yu isn’t stuck in the past. While many traditional bathhouses have struggled to adapt, this sento embraces Koenji’s creative and alternative spirit. Tattoos? No problem here. Events and collaborations with artists, musicians, local businesses, and craft brewers? Absolutely. They even offer a “Hashiru Kosugi-yu” program for runners, where you can store your belongings, hit the streets for a jog, and come back to refresh with a bath.

The variety of baths also sets Kosugi-yu apart. From the soothing milk bath to powerful jet baths and a rotating selection of daily themed baths, there’s always something new to experience.

With Tokyo’s sento culture in decline and redevelopment pressures looming, it’s community-driven spaces like Kosugi-yu that keep the tradition alive. Behind the scenes, close-knit family ties and a dedicated crew keep the place spotless, the boilers running, and the soap dispensers full. But it’s the regulars who truly give the bathhouse its soul—welcoming newcomers and making sure that, whether it’s your first visit or your four-hundredth, you feel right at home.

And of course, no sento experience is complete without a refreshing post-bath drink. Grab a bottle of milk or a cold beer, flip through their impressive collection of bath-themed manga, and savor the timeless charm of Kosugi-yu.

*For helpful public bath rules and customs, check out our “how-to manga” about using public baths here.

ACCESS

writers: Andy, Joel
photographers: Andy, Mark