Doesn’t the gable roof above Atami-Yu remind you of simpler times? Atami-Yu is a public bathhouse in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward. It has been a place for people to relax for over 70 years. This bathhouse is in Kagurazaka. That area once teemed with geisha entertainers.
Atami-Yu has a gable roof. This roof style was common for sento during the Showa period. That era lasted from 1926 to 1989. You will pass through noren curtains at the entrance. Then, you will remove your shoes. You will proceed to the separate changing rooms for men and women. A 2-meter-high wall divides these rooms.
Hiroshi Yoshida and his wife Akemi greet patrons. Hiroshi is the second-generation owner. He is 80 years old. Akemi is 71. They sit at the front desk when Atami-Yu opens. That is at 2:45 p.m.
Atami-Yu is named after a hot spring resort in Shizuoka Prefecture. Kagurazaka geisha used to visit Atami-Yu twice a day. They bathed before applying makeup for work. They also bathed to remove makeup after work. Locals often visited too. Around the time of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, business declined. More homes had bathtubs then.
Today, many people frequent Atami-Yu. Local employees and students are among them. Overseas tourists visit too. Some people visit even though they have bathtubs at home. Akemi says that every day can be dramatic. Customers enjoy interacting.
Cypress wood is a main component of the building. It has a stately grid-style ceiling and thick beams. Cypress is long-lasting and resistant to rot. The floors are polished. It may not be spacious but Atami-Yu is certainly comfortable.
Hiroshi says that they carefully clean the changing rooms and bathrooms daily. This helps their guests feel good. The temperature of the two bathtubs changes with the season. During summer months, they are around 41 C and 42 C. A large painting of Mount Fuji decorates a wall. It inspires thoughts of the past and future. These thoughts come to those relaxing in the welcoming waters of Atami-Yu.
Atami-Yu is more than just a bathhouse. It is a community hub. It is a place to relax and reflect. The warm waters and friendly atmosphere of Atami-Yu offer a unique escape from the city. It is a place where you can experience a piece of Tokyo’s history. You can feel the enduring spirit of its people. So, step inside. Let the waters of Atami-Yu wash away your cares. Embrace the warmth and tradition of this beloved bathhouse.