5 most beautiful designer sento and bathhouses in Tokyo

Formerly a run-down yet cheerful community bathhouse, Koganeyu underwent a big change in 2020 that transformed the facility into a cross between a modern sento and a craft beer taproom. This metamorphosis was steered by artist Hiroko Takahashi and Schemata Architects, who added contemporary design intricacies while retaining the bathhouse's intrinsic charm.

Visitors are greeted by a craft beer bar at the entrance, where they can rent towels and later enjoy a drink. The bar also takes on the role of a DJ booth, echoing music against the concrete ambience.

The bathing zones for men and women, despite being separated by a 2.25m half-wall, are united by a shared mural of Mt Fuji by Yoriko Hoshi, intended to promote camaraderie. The changing rooms feature a noren curtain by Iichiro Tanaka, reading 'oi' – a jovial greeting. Customers can choose from baths with varied temperatures and an open-air cold plunge pool after a sauna session.

Mita's 90-year-old Paradise bathhouse, rejuvenated by Ozeki Product Research Institute, blends traditional charm with contemporary flair. As guests step in, they're embraced by the rich scent of Japanese cedar from the lockers and serenaded by the gentle strains of traditional folk tunes. The primary bathing space is an oasis of calm, with intricate wooden carvings and lush greenery.

Visitors can luxuriate in the original bathtubs, now graced with soft blue tiles, or opt for a refreshing dip in one of the two chilled baths set at 16 and nine degrees Celsius. An expansive sauna, crafted from hinoki cypress, releases a soothing hojicha (roasted green tea) aroma, and for those craving privacy, five secluded booths await. The crowning touch is found upstairs: a dynamic digital mural, celebrating the animated artistry of a local creator.

It’s worth noting that Paradise caters only to men, except for three days a month (on the 10th, 20th and 30th, 10am-12midnight) when it’s ladies day.

Another sento to be rejuvenated by Schemata Architects is Komaeyu. Founded in 1955, this sento remained a constant over the years while Tokyo became increasingly urbanised, and today it’s the oldest bathhouse in the Komae city vicinity.

Now enhanced by offerings of beer on tap, light bites and coin-operated laundry facilities, Komaeyu has become an ideal haunt for backpackers who want to do their washing while getting in some R&R.

The bathwater here is set at a piping 42 degrees Celsius, so it’s pretty hot for unseasoned sento-goers, but once you get used to the temperature you’ll feel like you’ve reached nirvana.

Hisamatsuyu stands out from the crowd with its unique bathrooms, which feature projection mapping displays you can enjoy while having a soak. The audiovisual element was conceived by the art collective Atelier Omoya. Founded in 2003, the group has a talent for transforming everyday materials into art, and their projects can be found at locations from Yokohama to the Charles de Gaulle International Airport in Paris.

But Hisamatsuyu offers more than just visual delights. On select days of every month, the baths feature aromatic infusions such as loquat leaves, peppermint or lavender, further enhancing the bathing experience.

Established in 1945, the multi-storey Mikoku-yu underwent a transformation in 2015. The soft smell of timber welcomes visitors as they pass the entrance to put their shoes in the wooden cubbies. Unlike traditional sento, Mikoku-yu features a number of different baths, with each set at different temperatures ranging from 25 to 46 degrees Celsius.

There are medicinal baths that change on a daily basis, with some days featuring fresh herbs and others featuring rice bran and milk. Go to the fifth floor and you'll find a semi-open air bath where you can get a glimpse of the Tokyo Skytree.