Hidden among the bustling streets of Shinjuku, Mannenyu (万年湯) stands as a welcoming oasis for tattooed travelers seeking authentic Japanese bathing culture in Tokyo's urban core. This charming public bathhouse (sento) was established in the 1960s and thoughtfully renovated in 2016, creating the perfect balance of traditional Japanese bathing aesthetics with modern comforts. Just steps from Shin-Okubo Station in Tokyo's vibrant Korean district, Mannenyu offers what many travelers with tattoos desperately seek in Japan: a judgment-free space to experience the therapeutic ritual of Japanese communal bathing, right in the heart of the world's most exciting metropolis.
Fully Tattoo-Friendly: Mannenyu welcomes guests with tattoos of any size or design with no restrictions or covering requirements, making it a rare and precious find in Tokyo's bathing scene.
- Urban Accessibility: Just a 5-minute stroll from Shin-Okubo Station and 15 minutes from Shinjuku Station—perfect for fitting into your Tokyo itinerary
- Late-Night Relaxation: Open until midnight, ideal for unwinding after a full day of city exploration
- Budget-Friendly Luxury: Experience authentic Japanese bathing culture at a fraction of the cost of high-end hotel onsen
- Silk Bath Therapy: Unique micro-bubble bath that leaves your skin silky smooth—a specialty rarely found in traditional bathhouses
- Cultural Immersion: Rub shoulders with locals in an authentic setting featuring traditional tile artwork depicting cranes and seasonal motifs
- Tattoo Acceptance: Enjoy complete freedom without concerns about covering up or being turned away
Onsen Facilities & Amenities
Bathing Experience & Onsen Etiquette
Step into Mannenyu's bathing area and you'll immediately notice the gleaming tiled walls adorned with traditional Japanese motifs—a visual feast that complements the physical pleasure of soaking. The bathhouse's sodium-hydrogen carbonate water (pH 8.6) is renowned for its skin-softening properties, leaving your skin noticeably smoother after just one visit. The variety of bathing options caters to all preferences: sink into the hot bath (42°C) for deep muscle relaxation, experience the gentle tingle of the electric bath as it stimulates circulation, or treat yourself to the signature silk bath where thousands of micro-bubbles create a cloud-like sensation against your skin. Between soaks, cool down in the refreshing cold plunge—a practice that improves circulation and invigorates the body. Unlike many traditional onsen with strict customs that can intimidate first-timers, Mannenyu's atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, making it the perfect introduction to Japanese bathing culture for tattooed travelers.
Prices & Ticket Options
- Standard Admission: ¥520 (includes complimentary body soap, shampoo, and face towel)
- Large Bath Towel Rental: ¥100
- Massage Chair: ¥100 per session
- Shoe Lockers: Free of charge
- Vending Machine Drinks: ¥130-¥200
Booking & Contact Information
No reservations are required at Mannenyu—simply walk in during operating hours and purchase your entry ticket at the front desk. Staff may have limited English, but the straightforward process makes it easy for international visitors.
🌐 Website: https://mannenyu.jp/
📞 Phone: +81 3-3200-4734
📍 Address: 1-15-17 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072, Japan
Opening Hours
- Monday: 15:00 – 00:00
- Tuesday: 15:00 – 00:00
- Wednesday: 15:00 – 00:00
- Thursday: 15:00 – 00:00
- Friday: 15:00 – 00:00
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: 15:00 – 00:00
Guest Reviews from Tattooed Travellers
✈️ From Narita Airport → 🚆 Narita Express to Shinjuku Station (approx. 80 min) → 🚶 15 min walk or 🚆 Yamanote Line to Shin-Okubo (1 stop) → 🚶 5 min walk
✈️ From Haneda Airport → 🚆 Keikyu Line/JR to Shinjuku Station (approx. 45 min) → 🚶 15 min walk or 🚆 Yamanote Line to Shin-Okubo (1 stop) → 🚶 5 min walk
🚆 From Shinjuku Station → 🚶 15 min walk northeast or 🚆 Yamanote Line to Shin-Okubo (1 stop) → 🚶 5 min walk
🚆 From Shin-Okubo Station → 🚶 Exit East Exit and walk south for approximately 5 minutes
Map
FAQ
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