Sakoya

From OSWIKI

The Sakoya Onsen is a very popular, upscale, modern style spa/hot springs. It is located in the central area of Tokyo, and open to the public for a somewhat pricey fee (around $35 to enter and $150 for private areas), and does allow those with tattoos to enter, unlike most public baths. It houses both interior and exterior onsens, both are mixed gender. The interior onsens are nude, and the exterior require a bathing suit. Because of this, the exterior onsen is more popular with women. Private ceder baths are also available in small 8x8' rooms. These private onsen can seat 4-5 people. Two large scale private rooms are available. They are done in the same stone style as the exterior, and can seat up to 30 people.

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Upon entering Sakoya you will be greeted by a hostess who will take your money, provide you with a small and large towel, a cotton print bath robe, bath slippers, small hotel sized shampoo, soap, etc., all in a bag. You then are pointed toward a locker room area where you are given a space to store your things and are asked to shower before entering the onsen area. No soap products are allowed in the onsen itself. The male and female shower rooms are separate from the bath areas and divided by gender.

Next you choose which bathing area you like: interior, exterior or private. The interior area looks very much like a wooden in ground pool with constantly running outlets of water. There are also large windows looking over a view of a small private garden. The exterior onsen is made to look like a natural onsen with rocks, boulders and natural woods used to make shelters from sun and inclement weather. A private room is more expensive and covers the cost of at least four people using it, and then slightly more if there are more people. Large enough parties can get a discounted rate, but not by much. This covers the cost of the bagged items that individuals get.

After enjoying the onsen it is popular to don the robe and move to the lounge where you can indulge in delicious foods, sake and tea. The decor of the lounge is a little more modern than most Japanese homes. It has several small tables with legless, backed chairs that look much like cushions with backs, a large plasma screen tv and some comfortable couches to relax in comfort. The foods and sake are not included in the entrance fee of Sakoya, but the tea is complimentary.

Layout Map

Image Information

Top image: the exterior, clothed bath.

Second row: Three exterior private baths.

Third row, left to right: Interior bath, clothing storage baskets, and shower room.

Fourth row: Large party interior private baths.

Fifth row: Interior bath followed by three interior private baths.