While exploring Asakusa’s Kannon-ura area in the afternoon, you may notice a few people who are carrying along their bathing gear into Akebono-yu. This popular public bath was established in 1949 and since its major renovation in 2010, it now attracts more and more guests due to its unique wall paintings.
Inside, women can look forward to a large image of Mt Fuji fronted by Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji Temple’s iconic Kaminarimon-gate and Sumida River, rounded off by a broom-riding witch in the upper left corner of the mural. The bathing area for men, on the other hand, sees nearly the same composition but topped off with an image of Godzilla (we're not kidding!) peeking over the mountain into the bath.
Do note that the water at the main baths are set at a high 44C. To avoid heat stroke, it's recommended that you take a dip in the partially open-air jet bath, which has a slightly lower temperature, before heading into the main bath. In spring, the bathhouse is even more photogenic as the traditional architecture is surrounded by dozens of blooming wisteria flowers.