[Special] Exploring the Charms of Ota City’s Public Bathhouses with Saunas: A Guide to Maintaining Wellness

Youcity takes pride in its signature kuroyu (black) hot spring water, which is sourced from a depth of 120 meters. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of baths, including electric baths, jacuzzis, and cascading hot water baths, in addition to the thermal waters. Separate saunas are available in the men’s and women’s bathing areas.


The sauna at Youcity Kamata features a far-infrared heater.
The temperature inside the sauna is kept at a comfortable 85-95℃. According to a spokesperson from Youcity, Mr. Kotaro Nakamura, “The kuroyu hot spring effectively warms the body to the core. To avoid excessive heat when using both the kuroyu and the sauna, we regulate the sauna temperature to be a bit cooler than the standard range of 90 to 100°C.” For a complete wellness experience, it is suggested to cool down in the water bath after the sauna and then enjoy an air bath, which allows the skin to be refreshed by the outdoor air and light.


The outdoor kuroyu hot spring creates an inviting open-air bath atmosphere.
This facility is particularly favored by sauna lovers for its unique feature of open-air bathing. Unlike many urban public bathhouses that lack outdoor facilities, this one provides benches next to the open-air kuroyu hot spring, allowing guests to unwind in the fresh air. The water bath is equally favored by those who may choose not to use the sauna, with many praising the invigorating sensation of the jacuzzi .


The third-floor YCK Hall is available for private party reservations.
Following a sauna session, guests can retreat to the YCK Hall on the third floor for further relaxation. Guests can sing their hearts out on the karaoke stage or enjoy live music performances. A highlight of the experience is the sa-meshi, which rivals the quality of restaurant dining. Regulars often recommend the karaage fried chicken, known for its crispy batter that bursts with juiciness at first bite.


Karaage fried chicken is available for 600 yen, and it’s so delicious that some patrons have requested the recipe.

Sakurakan boasts two distinctively designed bathhouses, Ichi-no-yu and Ni-no-yu , with a unique system where men and women alternate between them on the 1st and 15th of each month. Both sections are equipped with Finnish-style saunas, and Ichi-no-yu also features a steam sauna that’s included in the standard bathing fee. Additionally, there’s an outdoor bath that’s exclusively open on weekends.


The Finnish sauna is heated using a stove. Please use a rental towel provided specifically for sauna use when entering the sauna.
The Finnish sauna is heated to 98°C, while the steam sauna offers a milder environment at approximately 50°C. “If the high heat and low humidity of the Finnish sauna aren’t to your liking, the steam sauna at Ichi-no-yu is a comfortable alternative. The feeling of being enveloped by steam is very soothing,” suggests Ms. Yuno Ido , the third-generation proprietor.


Ni-no-yu features a uniquely structured water bath, ingeniously making use of a long, narrow outdoor space.
Sakurakan is also home to a natural kuroyu hot spring, a serendipitous find by the last-generation proprietor, the father of the current owner. The discovery of the hot spring was nothing short of miraculous; the initial drilling plan was to reach a depth of 90 meters, but just shy of that at 88 meters, when hope was waning, the hot spring sprang forth.


After enjoying the sauna, visitors have the option to relax with manga or engage in various games. The retro arcade games, in particular, attract attention and are frequently featured by TV stations.
For an appetizing sa-meshi experience, visit Sakurakko (closed on Tuesdays), a Chinese restaurant located in the annex building directly opposite the spa. Ms. Ido recommends the Sakura Set, which features fried rice, a flavorful yet light ramen, and succulent gyoza dumplings. Select menu items can also be delivered to the Sakurakan dining area, available exclusively on weekends.


The Sakura Set is priced at 850 yen. Additionally, a bottled beer served with a chilled glass is available for 550 yen.

This cherry tree serves as the emblem of Sakurakan. Come spring, visitors can delight in the sight of its blossoms from the outdoor bath in Ichi-no-yu. Although the cherry tree that was visible from the outdoor bath in Ni-no-yu has been removed due to age, the planting of a new cherry tree in its place is planned.

Omori-yu, known as “Yabamori” (meaning “hot Omori-yu”) by sauna enthusiasts, is renowned for its exceptionally high-temperature far-infrared saunas. The men’s sauna reaches a scorching 116°C and the women’s sauna not far behind at 110°C. The proprietor, Mr. Kazushige Tanabe , implemented these intense temperatures as a strategic move to quicken customer turnover and prevent overcrowding, a particularly savvy decision during the pandemic. This bold approach has not only been effective but has also sparked lively discussions among sauna enthusiasts, who now regard Omori-yu as a must-visit for a truly extreme sauna experience.


Beneath the clock lies a collection of vihta, bundles of dried birch branches and leaves.
The sauna comes well-appointed with a sauna mat, a fan to manually generate heat waves, an aromatic spray, and a vihta—a quintessential Finnish sauna accessory believed to stimulate blood circulation and tighten pores when gently tapped against the skin. However, here the vihta serves a different purpose; it’s not used in the traditional manner but rather placed to enhance the sauna’s ambiance and infuse the air with its natural scent. To modulate humidity and add a fragrant element, hojicha leaves are introduced to the kettle. Additionally, a few drops of mint oil in the water bath create a refreshingly invigorating effect. “I merely raised the sauna’s temperature. The rest—the installations and innovations—were inspired by the customers,” Mr. Tanabe reflects.


Omori-yu combines modern facilities with the charm of a traditional Japanese bathhouse, showcasing both its timeless roots and contemporary updates.
The establishment’s facade, reminiscent of a journey back to the Showa era, stands as one of its most beloved attractions. The bathing facilities have been upgraded to include a luxurious multifunctional shower head (exclusive to the women’s area), which gained popularity recently. Additionally, a simplistic sauna dome has been introduced, offering bathers a sauna-like experience while submerged. This delightful public bathhouse brims with the owner’s inventive spirit.


The shoe lockers, adorned with stickers from saunas across the nation at the owner’s request, have also become a hit with visitors.

How did you find our spotlight on public bathhouse saunas? We invite you to try these beginner-friendly havens of relaxation and wellness.

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If you would like to know more about public bathhouses in Ota City, please check out the article Ota City is a Hot Spring Town with More Public Bathhouses than Any Other Ward in Tokyo!
Ota City is a Hot Spring Town with More Public Bathhouses than Any Other Ward in Tokyo!
https://unique-ota.city.ota.tokyo.jp/en/charm/health/pickup-202112-2/