Best Hot Spring in Asakusa, Tokyo

 Mt. Fuji is visible from the indoor bath of Jakotsuyu (蛇骨湯), my favorite thermal oasis in Asakusa, Tokyo. Taking a hot bath can help you maintain your mental health when dealing with the cacophony and visual-sensory overload of over 13 million people in the crowded Tokyo metropolis.

Mt. Fuji Wall Mural

Refresh yourself in Tokyo's "hidden hot springs,"and then jump back into the crowds and explore one of the most vibrant cities on Earth.

Mt. Fuji is visible from the indoor bath! Actually, the view is an intricate and beautifully created ceramic-tile mural of Mt. Fuji that was created by an artist who specializes in decorating public baths. The mural is reminiscent of Edo period art, and rightly so, for the hot spring has been a part of Tokyo life since the Edo period. However, the modernized facilities are spotlessly cleaned by the family who owns and manages the hot spring. You will probably meet at least one member of the family working at the front or walking about the facility.

Senso-ji in Autumn

In Japan, female staff members sometimes walk into the men's section for cleaning or replacing towels. They usually do their business and quickly leave. I was surprised when I walked into the men's area to find fully-clothed women standing and casually chatting with naked guests and semi-naked customers in the process of dressing or disrobing. A customer called one of the women "Mama-san." She is one of the owners. No one seemed to feel that the presence of the two ladies was out of place. This attitude is a part of Japanese onsen culture that may surprise many foreigners. I find that it adds color to the experience.

Crowded Senso-ji

There are several, unknown to most tourists, hot springs near the renowned, historical area of Asakusa. Asakusa is the home of a famous Buddhist temple called Senso-ji, which attracts 30 million visitors every year. Going there is a goal of many visitors to Tokyo. Senso-ji is absolutely worth visiting, but do not forget to visit at least one of the local hot springs. Through your bathing experiences, you will learn more about Japanese culture.

Door to the Outside Bath, Rotenburo

Jakotsuyu is very easy for the hot-spring-uninitiated visitor. A bilingual vending machine stands at the entrance doling out admission tickets (450 yen or about US $4.50) and coupons for small towels, large towels, soap, shampoo, combs, and many other toiletries. All items and prices were marked in English and Japanese.

The Almost Hidden Entrance to Jokotsuyu

Although, the onsen is in the middle of a busy entertainment area with restaurants, neon lights, homeless people, and drinking establishments, the owners designed the interior of the bathing rooms so that you feel that you are no longer in Tokyo. You could be at a small community bath in rural Japan.

The onsen has an electric bath, a muscle-pounding jet bath, a sauna, an indoor bath, and a bath that is in sheltered location, yet exposed to the outside air. I give the owners a big hand for installing a small koi (Japanese carp) pond next to the outdoor bath. Cooling down in the cold fresh air while watching the slowly moving gold, orange, and red fish is another soothing experience.

The mineral-laden hot water has a brown tinge to it, and it feels very smooth on the skin. When I walked out of the onsen and back into the evening atmosphere of Asakusa, I felt cleaner and calmer than I did before entering. Such is the magic of a good hot spring!

Be aware fellow hot spring addicts that Jakotsuyu is closed on Tuesdays. It is open from one in the afternoon until midnight.

Getting There: Jokotsuyuu is within a short walk of Exit A1 of the Toei Asakusa Station, and Exit 3 of the Tokyo Metro Tawaramachi Station. However, since it is located in a small alley, finding it can be difficult. If you become lost, show the name and address to a local. The address in English is Taito-ku Asakusa 1-11-11. The Japanese address is 東京都台東区浅草1-11-11. The phone number is 03-3841-8645, and the web address is http://www.jakotsuyu.co.jp/