The Ultimate Guide to Super Sento(スーパー銭湯) and Kenko Land(健康ランド) for Expats in Japan

As an expat living in Japan, you might have heard of the terms スーパー銭湯 (super sento) and 健康ランド (kenko land) when it comes to leisure and relaxation. Both of these facilities offer a variety of hot spring baths, saunas, and other amenities that can help you unwind and rejuvenate after a long day or week. In this guide, we'll explain what スーパー銭湯 (super sento) and 健康ランド (kenko land) are, how to use them, , what to expect during your visit and how to find them.

スーパー銭湯 (Super Sento)

スーパー銭湯, also known as "super public baths," are large bathhouses that offer a wide range of hot spring baths, saunas, and other facilities. They typically have different areas for men and women, and some places may offer mixed-gender areas as well. The entry fee for a スーパー銭湯 is usually around 1,000 to 1,500 yen, and you can stay as long as you like.

When you arrive at a スーパー銭湯, you will be given a locker key and a small towel to use during your visit. Most facilities will have a changing area where you can leave your clothes and belongings. After changing, you can then explore the various baths and saunas. Some スーパー銭湯 may also have outdoor baths, restaurants, and massage services.

健康ランド (Kenko Land)

健康ランド, or "health land," is a type of spa that is similar to スーパー銭湯 but may offer additional amenities such as beds for sleeping, karaoke rooms, and even game centers. The entry fee for a 健康ランド is usually around 2,000 to 3,000 yen, and you can stay for up to 24 hours.

When you arrive at a 健康ランド, you will be given a locker key and a yukata (a lightweight kimono-style robe) to wear during your visit. You can leave your clothes and belongings in a locker and then explore the various facilities, which may include hot spring baths, saunas, and relaxation rooms. Some 健康ランド may also have restaurants, massage services, and beauty treatments.

Tips for Using スーパー銭湯 and 健康ランド

• Be sure to follow the rules and etiquette of the facility. For example, it is customary to rinse your body before entering a bath, and tattoos are often not allowed.
• Don't be shy about using the amenities. Many スーパー銭湯 and 健康ランド have unique features such as electric baths or cold water baths that you may not have experienced before.
• Bring your own toiletries and towel, as they may not be provided. (Note: 健康ランド usually provide all you need, but some スーパー銭湯 do not provide them or provide them with extra fees.) 
• If you're not comfortable being naked in front of others, you may want to look for a スーパー銭湯 or 健康ランド that offers private baths.

How to find スーパー銭湯 and 健康ランド

There are several directory websites for you to search スーパー銭湯 or 健康ランド.

• アソビュー(asoview/あそびゅー)[in Japanese]
An online booking site for Outdoor and Indoor Asobi Experiences in Japan.
If you prefer reading it in English, here is a link to English language version of the site Auto-Translated into English by Google Translate.


• 24 Hour スーパー銭湯[in Japanese]
Search 24 Hour スーパー銭湯 by prefecture at 「スーパー銭湯全国検索」(Super sento nationwide search) website.


• スーパー銭湯 with overnight stay option[in Japanese]
Search スーパー銭湯 with overnight stay option by prefecture at NIFTY Lifestyle website.

In conclusion, スーパー銭湯 and 健康ランド are great places to relax and unwind in Japan. By following the rules and etiquette of the facility, bringing your own toiletries and towel, and exploring the different amenities, you can make the most of your visit.

Note: This post was written by ChatGPT and edited by the A Bit of Nippon team in order to provide information about Japan in English.