Despite being in the heart of the city, “Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA” allows you to fully enjoy authentic natural hot spring and a sophisticated Japanese modern space. It consistently ranks high in various hot spring rankings and enjoys tremendous support from people seeking special relaxation in a day trip. This time, as it was the final review of the ranking TOP21, I visited with great enthusiasm. Here’s my review!
“The calm Japanese atmosphere makes you forget you’re in the city. The open-air bath has a wonderful sense of spaciousness, allowing for a relaxing time.”
“The hot spring quality is excellent, leaving my skin feeling smooth. The scent of the cypress bath was especially soothing and had a great relaxing effect.”
“There’s a wide variety of baths, so you won’t get bored. There’s also a silky bath and a jet bath, which healed my whole body.”
“The quality of the dining area is high, like a Japanese restaurant. The desserts were especially delicious, a blissful moment after the hot spring.”
“The staff were very courteous, making my stay pleasant. Their attention to detail made me want to visit again soon.”
“The good access, being within walking distance from Sugamo Station, is attractive. It’s easy to drop by after work or shopping.”
“The garden is beautiful, and strolling through it after bathing is one of the pleasures. You can feel the nature of the four seasons, which soothes the soul.”
“It’s clean, so you can use it with peace of mind. The changing rooms and washing areas are also kept clean, making for a comfortable experience.”
“I felt the pricing was reasonable. Considering the quality of the hot spring and the food, it’s a very satisfying price.”
“You can fully enjoy a travel mood even on a day trip. You can experience the atmosphere of a hot spring inn while being in the city.”
“There’s also a sauna, which is recommended for those who want to sweat it out. The temperature difference with the cold water bath was also pleasant.”
“The amenities are also substantial, so you can visit empty-handed. Towels, shampoo, and other necessities are all provided.”
“The rest space is spacious, allowing you to relax after bathing. Manga and magazines were also available.”
“It’s an atmosphere where families can enjoy themselves. Children’s yukata and amenities are also provided, so you can use it with peace of mind.”
“It’s also recommended to visit on special occasions such as birthdays. It will surely be an unforgettable memory.”
“It has an appeal that you won’t get tired of no matter how many times you visit. You can enjoy it throughout the year as it shows different expressions each season.”
“It’s also ideal for visiting with friends or couples. You can talk slowly in a calm atmosphere.”
“There are tourist spots such as Togenuki Jizo nearby, so you can enjoy them along with the hot spring.”
“Reservations are also possible, so you can use it smoothly even on weekends or during crowded times. Making a reservation in advance is recommended.”
“It’s a hot spring like a hidden gem that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. You’re sure to refresh both your mind and body.”
“At the dining area, you can also enjoy dishes made with local ingredients. Enjoying the seasonal flavors is also one of its charms.”
“There is also a wide range of relaxation menus such as esthetic treatments and massages. Using them in combination with the hot spring will further enhance the healing effect.”
“It is also barrier-free, so elderly people and those with disabilities can use it with peace of mind.”
Pricing:
Adults (12 years and older): Weekdays ¥1800, Holidays ¥2130
Children (4 years to elementary school): Weekdays ¥880, Holidays ¥880
*Prices are subject to change.
Review of my Visit
■ For those traveling by train: It is conveniently located about an 8-minute walk from the South Exit of JR Yamanote Line and Toei Mita Line “Sugamo Station.” Sugamo Station has multiple lines, making access from various parts of Tokyo very convenient. The directions from the station are also easy to understand, so you can arrive without getting lost. After passing through the lively Sugamo shopping street and walking a little further, you will see the calm atmosphere of Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA.
■ For those traveling by car: It is about 5 minutes from the “Sugamo Exit” of the Metropolitan Expressway No. 5 Ikebukuro Line. Parking is also available (for a fee), so you can rest assured when traveling by car. However, weekends and holidays are expected to be crowded, so it is recommended to leave with plenty of time. It’s also a good idea to check the surrounding road conditions in advance. (It’s a shared parking lot with the swimming center.)
Why is it named “Somei Onsen”?
The name Somei comes from the fact that this area flourished as a village of gardeners during the Edo period, and in particular, it is the birthplace of the cherry blossom variety “Somei Yoshino.” Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA inherited this historic place name, named with respect and affection for the region. Cherry blossom motifs can be seen throughout the hot spring facility, allowing you to feel its history.
Relaxing/Extraordinary Atmosphere: 3 points (out of 5)
Even though it’s ranked 1st, being within walking distance from Sugamo Station on the Yamanote Line, it seemed impossible to create a non-everyday atmosphere. Even if they could, I thought it would be like LaQua, which cleverly uses its downtown location to its advantage. However, I was pleasantly surprised. The entrance felt like a local public bath (sento) in the city, but once inside, it completely changed. There was a well-maintained garden and a beautifully designed residence-like hot spring inn building. Even inside, it didn’t feel like being in the city, and I really felt like I had come on a short trip. A quiet and calm space that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city spreads out. The time spent soaking in the bath while gazing at the garden is truly a blissful moment.
Quality of the Hot Spring: 4 points (out of 5)
Again, I thought that even though Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA is in the city, the “onsen” might just be for show, but… it was definitely a real hot spring. Combined with the wooden bath, it really makes you want to stay in forever.
Explanation of the Hot Spring Quality of Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA
The hot spring quality of Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA is a sodium-chloride strong salt spring. The natural hot spring, which gushes out from 1,500 meters underground, is expected to have the following benefits:
Heat Retention Effect: Due to the high salt concentration, you are less likely to feel cold after bathing, and your body stays warm. Recommended for those who are sensitive to cold.
Moisturizing Effect: Sodium ions retain moisture in the skin, providing a moist and smooth feeling. A welcome hot spring quality for those with dry skin.
Fatigue Recovery Effect: Abundant mineral components promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension, thereby promoting fatigue recovery.
Relief of Neuralgia and Joint Pain: The warming effect and abundant mineral components are expected to alleviate pain such as neuralgia and joint pain.
Improvement of Skin Diseases: Chloride springs have a sterilizing effect and promote skin turnover, so they are also expected to be effective in improving some skin diseases.
Although it is not free-flowing directly from the source, the carefully managed hot spring firmly retains its abundant mineral components, allowing you to fully enjoy its effects. The color of the water may be slightly brownish due to the rich mineral content. The results of the analysis and the sensation when actually soaking in the bath will allow you to realize its high quality.
Various Baths Experiences: 4 points (out of 5)
There is a variety of baths to change your mood: a cypress bath, a natural hot spring bath, a silky bath, a sauna, and a jet bath in the indoor bath. More than that, the design and harmony of each one don’t feel like “we just added the necessary features,” but rather, they align with the atmosphere of the Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA building, creating a sense of unity and calmness. It doesn’t make you feel restless or overly excited, but allows you to relax as you are. Each bathtub is carefully designed and is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Enjoying not just soaking in the hot spring but the entire space is one of the charms of Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA.
Types of Baths:
Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA offers a wide variety of baths, so visitors will not get bored. Here are the details and attractions of each:
Variety Bath: Various baths appear according to the season and events. There is always something new to discover with each visit, so you won’t get bored.
Open-Air Bath (Natural Hot Spring): You can enjoy the mineral-rich natural hot spring in an open space. You can relax and heal your body while feeling the natural breeze. At night, you can also enjoy bathing while gazing at the starry sky.
Wood Bath (Natural Hot Spring): You can enjoy the mineral-rich natural hot spring in a fragrant cypress bathtub. The soothing and gentle scent of cypress enhances the relaxing effect and provides a special bathing experience.
Silky Bath: The white water containing ultra-fine bubbles is gentle on the skin and softly envelops the body. This effect is said to enhance skin hydration, leaving it smooth. It also looks beautiful.。
Jet Bath: Powerful jet streams massage various parts of the body, relieving muscle tension. You can intensively care for areas of concern such as the seating area and the soles of your feet. (The website says it’s only in the women’s bath, but I remember there being some kind of jet bath.)
Indoor Bath (Natural Hot Spring): You can also enjoy the mineral-rich natural hot spring in the spacious indoor bath. You can bathe comfortably even on rainy or cold days. There are also bathtubs with large windows overlooking the garden, providing a sense of openness.
Cold Water Bath: Perfect for cooling down after the sauna or when you want to cool your body. The temperature is properly managed, allowing for a pleasant cool-down.
High-Temperature Sauna: Promotes perspiration and is expected to help eliminate waste products from the body. The temperature and humidity are carefully managed for comfortable use.
Mist Sauna: Even those who are not fond of high-temperature saunas can gently warm their bodies. Due to the high humidity, it promotes perspiration while preventing skin dryness. Some facilities also offer aromatherapy.
Facility : 5 points (out of 5)
It’s a tough decision. Compared to a full-fledged super sento, of course, there aren’t any unusual facilities, and the site itself isn’t vast. However, after visiting, I felt that Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA conveyed a sense of “it’s a sento but with substantial facilities,” “more of a calm adult atmosphere than a theme park,” and “unassuming luxury in a Japanese modern style” from its building, garden, dining area, and baths. When I try to recall what it was like, everything comes to mind smoothly. I felt comfortable there, so I gave it a 5! Everything you need is provided without excess or deficiency, and you can feel the consideration for a comfortable stay in every detail.
Food: 5 points (out of 5)
Honestly, like Maenohara Onsen, considering the atmosphere of the restaurant, the view of the garden, and the quality of the food, it felt like a casual high-class Japanese restaurant. The fried rice, sashimi, and desserts were all really delicious and had a refined taste. High-quality food after warming up in the hot spring is the best.
In Jordan’s ranking, where many larger super sento a little further from the city are listed, it has consistently received the No. 1 national rating. I was able to see a part of why. Certainly, the combination of this atmosphere and good access is unique. The price is also cheaper than LaQua, Izumi Tenku no Yu Haneda, and Ariake Garden, but it’s not a price for a casual visit, but rather one that makes you feel like you’re going for a proper event, which is just right. All of them are wonderful facilities that are hard to compare!
Those who want to relax and unwind in a calm atmosphere nearby, a stay that feels special without being overly formal.
Those who have particular preferences for food.
Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA is truly an oasis in the city. Through the healing of natural hot spring, the Japanese modern space, and the refined cuisine, it is a special place that makes you forget the everyday. Even as a day trip, you can achieve refreshment and satisfaction. Why not spend your next weekend at Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA to soothe your mind and body? The easily accessible location of Sugamo is also one of its appealing points, allowing you to visit casually.
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