Tokyo Onsen
#61
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: トロント
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Posts: 4,809
One of the things I like doing in the Tokyo area, especially in winter, is visiting some of the old fashioned sento.
In the Ota/Kamata area I found this place...very old fashioned and atmospheric.
http://www.ota1010.com/yu.cgi?no=059,code=e
My interest in it was piqued as it was featured in a Japanology Plus episode,
Anyone else have any old fashioned places in the Kanto area that they would recommend? Not looking for super sentos or similar, but places that are Showa era style (or before)
In the Ota/Kamata area I found this place...very old fashioned and atmospheric.
http://www.ota1010.com/yu.cgi?no=059,code=e
My interest in it was piqued as it was featured in a Japanology Plus episode,
Anyone else have any old fashioned places in the Kanto area that they would recommend? Not looking for super sentos or similar, but places that are Showa era style (or before)
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: London
Posts: 18,344
Mikoku Yu in Ryogoku is currently my favourite.
A review written when I was pregnant is here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11696386-post30.html
A review written when I was pregnant is here:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11696386-post30.html
#63
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: ATL
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Tokyo & Kyoto first time visit to Japan with some friends. Want to get a real experience so which would you recommend that isn't a 'tourist spot'? Seems like outdoor ones are the real deal but they might not exist in Tokyo itself?
#64
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 9,603
- Small sento, like this one tend to be fairly basic bathhouses. Expect segregated areas for male and female bathers. Some faucets with mirrors, plastic stools, and buckets, and a couple of big bathtubs for soaking. Most people there will be from the immediate neighbourhood. But you may find tourists who come to soak up the atmosphere of a dying tradition.
- At onsen in the rural areas around Tokyo, like this one, you will find some locals and some Tokyo-ites who have been touring the area.
- Large, modern, urban onsen, like this one, attract a range of visitors (Japanese and foreign) from a fairly wide area. These places are more entertaining than sento - You'll find bars and restaurants and a wide variety of saunas, baths, spa treatments etc. Does this make it less "real"? I don't think so.
#65
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If you need a hint, there's one nestled in a hilly residential area about 10-15 minutes walk from Chinzanso hotel. Good luck.
#66
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
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Like me, Hailstorm sees some logic to the idea that sento is "real." Historically, sento were part of daily life for ordinary people. But these days ... Well, I'd be willing to bet that fewer Japanese people have visited a sento than have visited an onsen. So which one is more "real"?
#67
Join Date: Mar 2014
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That is the kind of info I was looking for. Thanks!
I mean real as-is locals use it. It's not just tourist going there because Trip Advisor says to(although that is one reason I want to go to one).
I mean real as-is locals use it. It's not just tourist going there because Trip Advisor says to(although that is one reason I want to go to one).
#68
Join Date: Jun 2005
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Posts: 9,603
#70
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: SIN and wandering.
Posts: 1,549
I've been to LaQua and while it's in a mall, centrally located and accessible, 99% of the visitors are locals... It's still an authentic experience, imo.
#71
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: TYO
Programs: Tokyo Monorail Diamond-Encrusted-Platinum
Posts: 9,603
Yogi Berra was famous for contradictory statements like "Nobody goes there any more; it's too crowded." that make me smile. It's not intended as a harsh criticism. I can understand the desire to get under the skin of a country, but there's some irony in being inspired by tripadvisor to avoid the kind of places that you can find on tripadvisor. No?
#72
Join Date: Mar 2014
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The fact that it's listed on TA doesn't mean only tourists visit these places...
I've been to LaQua and while it's in a mall, centrally located and accessible, 99% of the visitors are locals... It's still an authentic experience, imo.
I've been to LaQua and while it's in a mall, centrally located and accessible, 99% of the visitors are locals... It's still an authentic experience, imo.
What I was trying to ask if I want to get a true experience outside of Google says "You must visit an onsen when you visit Japan for the first time". I think I relayed that incorrectly in my reply to thread.
Appreciate the info!
#73
Join Date: Aug 2003
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https://soranews24.com/2021/06/24/on...sing-for-good/
The Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari management has announced that the facility will be shutting its doors for good this fall, ending its 18-year-run as a one-stop spot for its multiple cultural experiences.
The Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari management has announced that the facility will be shutting its doors for good this fall, ending its 18-year-run as a one-stop spot for its multiple cultural experiences.
#75
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Oh dear. Haven't been there in about 12 years (Manyo Club in Yokohama is closer and a bit more to our liking), but if I get vaccinated by then I'll try and see it one more time before closure.