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We first reported in January that Kanazawa Yokujo, a 50-year-old neighbourhood sento in Higashi-Shinjuku, would be reborn as an elevated public bathhouse with modern amenities such as a full-fledged sauna, a craft beer taproom and a DJ booth. After a slight delay, the wait is finally over, with the grand opening set for Tuesday July 7. Here's a look inside.
The renovation and reopening are the work of the masterminds behind the transformation of Kinshicho’s Koganeyu, a humble traditional sento that in 2020 was turned into a modern, tattoo-friendly communal bathhouse.
Koganeyu Shinjuku’s branding is overseen by Hiroko Takahashi, who also led the rebranding of the original Koganeyu, while the interior design is by Yuko Nagayama, whose recent projects include the Osaka Women's Pavilion at Expo 2025 and Tokyu Kabukicho Tower.
One of the highlights of the reborn bathhouse is the newly installed sauna, aptly named The Cave. Open the bright orange door set into the mosaic tile mural in the bathing area to step into an otherworldly steam room reminiscent of a hidden grotto.
Built from lava rock, the sauna features automatic löyly control and soft, dim lighting for a deeply therapeutic experience. It's accompanied by a bubbling 'beauty bath' cold plunge and a relaxation area where you can unwind under the open sky, surrounded by greenery.
No visit to Koganeyu is complete without a drink at its signature island-style bar counter. A row of taps serves five craft beers (310ml from ¥700), including Koganeyu's original lager and a fruity IPA. Be sure to try the Shinjuku Lager (¥750), brewed to commemorate the reopening. Made with New Zealand hops, it has a crisp, refreshing finish that's especially satisfying after a soak or sauna session.
The venue also features a DJ booth, with plans to host music events roughly once a week. The music can be heard throughout the bathing area and sauna, where subwoofers have even been built into the walls, adding an aural layer to the immersive experience.
The bathhouse's rebirth is perhaps best symbolised by the preservation of its beloved mural, which has been cherished by locals for generations. It has been refreshed with an earthy green gradient vignette, representing the coexistence of old and new. The building's original curved ceiling, which had been concealed in a previous renovation, has also been restored and painted in the same uguisu green, beautifully reflecting the natural light streaming in through the side windows.
Koganeyu Shinjuku is opening on July 7. See their Instagram for subsequent opening hours and closing days.
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