Sauna no Umeyu is one of the most approachable sentos (public baths) in Kyoto. It’s crowded, friendly and fun and it’s right in the middle of one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Kyoto.
Umeyu Sento – image © Chris Rowthorn
If you’d like to try a sento (public bath), Umeyu is a great one. It used to be the favorite sento of a local organized crime gang, which had an office nearby, and that led to some tense moments for hapless travelers who wandered in and wondered why everyone had full-body tattoos (actually, it was a pretty friendly place even then). The gang office has since closed and Umeyu is now the “local” for a bunch of cool young people in the area. It’s also popular with foreign travelers staying in the many interesting accommodations nearby. It tends to be crowded, so consider going early or late. For more great sentos in Kyoto, see Kyoto’s Best Sentos.
Name in English:
Sauna no Umeyu
Name in Japanese:
サウナの梅湯
English address:
175 Iwataki-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan 600-8115
Japanese address:
〒600-8115 京都市下京区岩滝町175
Opening hours:
2:00pm-2:00am (Mon-Wed and Fri), 6:00am-2:00am (Sat and Sun)
Closed Thursday
Price:
Adult: ¥490
Nearest Transport:
3 minutes’ walk from Kawaramachi Shomen Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 17 or 205 from Kyoto Station
Telephone: 81-80-2523-0626
Website: Official Website (Japanese)
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
