Shin-Okubo may have its fair share of idol merch shops and Korean skincare boutiques, but many traditional establishments, including this small bathhouse, are still going strong amid the youthful frenzy of businesses catering to K-pop fans. Mannenyu has been a stalwart of the neighbourhood for years, with a straightforward, no-frills attitude to offering respite for nearby residents who need to unwind after a long day. Despite being in one of Tokyo’s most bustling neighbourhoods, Mannenyu charges a mere ¥520 for admission per adult, and ¥200 per child (pre-schoolers ¥100).
After taking off your shoes to store in the foot lockers by the entrance and buying an admission ticket from the vending machine, you’ll find the bathing area, separated into male and female sections. There are a few different baths in either section, set at temperatures ranging from ice cold to intensely hot. With natural light peeking through the opaque shoji-style windows and an overhead mural of blue cranes in flight, the bathhouse offers a humble yet atmospheric experience. The locale gets extra points for being tattoo-friendly, and there’s a coin laundry available to use if you want to wash your clothes as well as your hair.