Kamata Onsen
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Keikyū-Kamata Station · 10 min walk (Keikyū Main Line, Keikyū Airport Line)
- Hours
- 10:00–24:00 (baths open daily; 2F dining hall open 11:30–21:00, L.O. 20:30, irregular holidays)
- Admission
- ¥600 (adults 12+), ¥200 (ages 6–11), ¥100 (under 6); sauna +¥300
- Time needed
- 60–90 min
- Best time to go
- Around 11:30 on weekdays, allowing visitors to bathe first and then access the second-floor dining hall immediately upon opening.
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Kamata Onsen is a beloved neighborhood public bathhouse (sento) in Tokyo's Ota Ward, famous for its therapeutic, ink-black mineral water ('kuroyu') drawn from deep underground. It offers a wonderfully nostalgic, retro Showa-era atmosphere featuring hot and cold pools, a sauna, and an upstairs banquet hall. It is the perfect place to experience authentic, unpretentious local Japanese bathing culture away from the tourist crowds.
What Japanese guides note
The bathhouse maintains two separate black mineral water tubs, but the high-temperature pool frequently approaches 50°C and requires testing with a foot before entering. The second-floor dining hall does not run continuously with the baths, closing on irregular days and occasionally pausing service between 14:00 and 18:00. Those planning to eat the signature kamameshi rice bowl should place their order at the reception counter before heading to the changing rooms.
Details from local sources
- Kamata Onsen was established in 1937 by Sadakichi Shima, a master carpenter specializing in traditional shrine-style bathhouse architecture. [source]
- The dark color of the undiluted sodium bicarbonate and cold chloride mineral water comes from decomposed ancient plant matter called humic acid. [source]
- The mineral water is heated with firewood, and the designated high-temperature tub can reach temperatures close to 50°C. [source]
- Visitors ordering the signature onsen kamameshi can place their order at the front desk before entering the bath to avoid waiting for the raw rice to cook. [source]
- The bathhouse provides a running station service allowing runners to change, deposit their locker key at the counter, and run before bathing. [source]
- All payments for admission, sauna usage, towel rentals, and goods must be made in cash. [source]
- An empty-handed bathing package containing admission, a bath towel rental, and basic toiletries is available at the counter for ¥900. [source]
Insider Tip
After your soak, head upstairs to the retro rest area to enjoy a cold beer, classic ramen, and maybe some local karaoke.
Frequently asked
Are visitors with tattoos permitted to enter?
As a traditional public bathhouse (sento) under Tokyo municipal regulations, Kamata Onsen permits bathers with tattoos. Guests must observe standard sento etiquette, including thoroughly washing at the sit-down washing stalls before entering the water and keeping towels out of the mineral pools.
Can you bathe without bringing your own towel or soap?
Yes. Kamata Onsen sells a full 'Tebura Set' (empty-handed set) for ¥900 that includes bath admission, rental bath towel, face towel, and basic wash amenities. Individual rental face towels cost ¥50, rental bath towels cost ¥200, and single-use toiletry bottles are available at the front counter.
How does ordering food work at the second-floor dining hall?
The second-floor dining hall operates from 11:30 to 21:00 with irregular closures and potential mid-afternoon breaks. Because the signature onsen kamameshi takes significant time to steam from raw rice, visitors can place their order at the front counter upon arrival so the dish is ready after bathing.
How hot is the black mineral water at Kamata Onsen?
The facility separates its black water into a moderate tub kept around 42°C and an exceptionally hot tub heated by firewood that can reach up to 50°C. Bathers sensitive to high temperatures should stick to the moderate tub or alternate with the cold plunge bath.
What payment methods are accepted at Kamata Onsen?
Kamata Onsen accepts Japanese yen cash only. Credit cards, contactless transit cards (like Suica and Pasmo), and smartphone QR code payment apps are not accepted for admission, sauna passes, towel rentals, or food orders. Visitors must ensure they carry physical cash.
Our Tokyo walking tours
Photos
