Azabu Kokubisui Hot Spring Takenoyu

Good to know before you go

Getting there: Azabu-juban Station · 5 min walk (Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, Toei Oedo Line)
Hours: 15:30–23:30 (last admission 23:00); closed Mondays and Fridays
Admission: ¥600 (adults 12+), ¥200 (children 6–11), ¥100 (children under 6); sauna: ¥1,200 (includes bath admission, 2-hour limit)
Time needed: 45–75 min
Best time to go: Weekday late afternoons right after the 15:30 opening, before neighbourhood regulars fill the limited number of washing stations.

Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.

Location

1-chōme-15-12 Minamiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan

Minamiazabu, Tokyo

About

Dating back to 1913, this historic Tokyo sento is famous for its 'Kuroyu' (black hot spring water), a mineral-rich, coffee-colored natural spring that leaves your skin feeling incredibly smooth. Located in the Minato district, it offers a rare, authentic neighborhood bathhouse experience with both hot and cold black water baths. It is a perfect, budget-friendly escape to experience traditional Japanese bathing culture right in the heart of the city.

What Japanese guides note

Takenoyu operates as a compact neighbourhood sento with a dedicated base of local senior regulars. Visitors must wash thoroughly before stepping into the tubs and refrain from leaving toiletries behind to reserve washing stalls. Because the washing area has few taps, weekday visits are far less congested than weekend evenings.

Details from local sources

The dressing room lockers require inserting the wooden key tag from your entrance shoe locker into the slot to operate. [source]
The cold plunge pool is filled with chilled natural black mineral water rather than standard tap water. [source]
The spring source is an alkaline sodium bicarbonate cold mineral spring with a natural underground discharge temperature of 17.8°C. [source]
The men's bathroom features a mosaic tile wall depicting a sailing vessel, whereas the women's bathroom features a mosaic tile map of Japan. [source]
An August 2011 renovation split the original single large bath into hot and lukewarm tubs and installed the cold plunge bath. [source]
Payment is cash only; electronic money cards and credit cards are not accepted. [source]

Insider Tip

Bring your own towel and soap, or purchase a cheap 'blanket set' at the front desk. Tattoos are welcome here, unlike many other baths.

Frequently asked

Are tattoos allowed at Takenoyu?

Individual bathers with tattoos are generally permitted entry as a standard Tokyo sento, though group visits by multiple tattooed customers may be declined according to in-house signage. All visitors are expected to observe typical bath etiquette, including washing thoroughly before entering the baths.

Is the cold plunge bath filled with regular tap water?

The cold plunge bath uses unheated natural black mineral spring water, which emerges from the ground at approximately 17.8°C and is circulated around 14–16°C. It allows bathers to alternate between the heated black mineral baths and the cold black spring.

How does the changing room locker system work?

Upon entering, guests take a numbered wooden key from their shoe locker and bring it into the dressing area. The changing room lockers require inserting this specific shoe key into the locker slot to lock and unlock your belongings.