Sento saunas in Kumamoto, Japan
たかの湯
Takano-yu is a neighbourhood sento in Sakae-machi, Higashi ward, near Kengun-machi tram stop, and a member of the Kumamoto public bathhouse association. It heats tap water, has a sauna, and the proprietress recommends the soft water from bakuhanseki stone set into the tubs. Bring your own towel and soap, as none are lent. Open 2 PM to 10 PM, closed Mondays; adult entry is ¥550.
大福湯
Daifuku-yu is a neighbourhood sento near Fujisakigu-mae station in Tsuboi, a member of the Kumamoto public bathhouse association. It has three saunas, described by the owner as high-temperature, low-temperature and a 'freezing' room, alongside nine kinds of bath, and its cold bath is fed by cold spring water. Sauna use costs ¥100 on top of the standard ¥550 adult bath fee. Open 1 PM to 11 PM, closed Tuesdays.
龍の湯
Tatsu no Yu is a small neighbourhood sento in Kotohira-honmachi, between Minami-Kumamoto and Heisei stations, heated from tap water and run by a member of the Kumamoto public bathhouse association. It has a sauna, and the proprietress recommends its soft water, softened by bakuhanseki stone set into the tubs. Towels, soap and shampoo can be borrowed. Open 3 PM to 10 PM, closed on the 1st, 5th, 11th, 15th, 21st and 25th of each month; adult entry is ¥550.
たかの湯
Takano-yu is a neighbourhood sento in Sakae-machi, Higashi ward, near Kengun-machi tram stop, and a member of the Kumamoto public bathhouse association. It heats tap water, has a sauna, and the proprietress recommends the soft water from bakuhanseki stone set into the tubs. Bring your own towel and soap, as none are lent. Open 2 PM to 10 PM, closed Mondays; adult entry is ¥550.
大福湯
Daifuku-yu is a neighbourhood sento near Fujisakigu-mae station in Tsuboi, a member of the Kumamoto public bathhouse association. It has three saunas, described by the owner as high-temperature, low-temperature and a 'freezing' room, alongside nine kinds of bath, and its cold bath is fed by cold spring water. Sauna use costs ¥100 on top of the standard ¥550 adult bath fee. Open 1 PM to 11 PM, closed Tuesdays.
龍の湯
Tatsu no Yu is a small neighbourhood sento in Kotohira-honmachi, between Minami-Kumamoto and Heisei stations, heated from tap water and run by a member of the Kumamoto public bathhouse association. It has a sauna, and the proprietress recommends its soft water, softened by bakuhanseki stone set into the tubs. Towels, soap and shampoo can be borrowed. Open 3 PM to 10 PM, closed on the 1st, 5th, 11th, 15th, 21st and 25th of each month; adult entry is ¥550.