Ota
When coming to Japan, there’s a wealth of things to do and see–even just staying within the Tokyo city limits, you’d be hard pressed to enjoy everything available in a week. On the other hand, if you just stick with the big sightseeing spots, you’ll be both crushed by crowds and probably bored in a few days. This has left a lot of overseas tourists with time–and incentive–to look for new or unique activities.
One of the things apparently gaining popularity is sento, or public bathhouses. While not quite as much fun as hanging out in hot springs in the mountains with monkeys, sento still provide a fun and different activity for anyone just looking to relax. The warm waters are especially welcome after a few days running around Tokyo! But you might want to check this handy guide before you head out for a soak in order to avoid annoying other bathers.


Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Osaka teen arrested for hacking into Internet cafe’s app to steal data, was helped by Chat-GPT
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Studio Ghibli holiday wreath adds a touch of Kiki cuteness and good fortune to your home【Photos】
Tokyo government planning to ban overhead power lines in new housing developments
Boy entering all-girls high school creates real-life harem anime
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Studio Ghibli holiday wreath adds a touch of Kiki cuteness and good fortune to your home【Photos】
Tokyo government planning to ban overhead power lines in new housing developments
Boy entering all-girls high school creates real-life harem anime
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
KFC Japan introduces a new burger 8 years in the making
Which Japanese convenience store sells the best pizzas?【Taste test】
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】