How to Enjoy Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu: Baths, Saunas, Food, and More! Discover Japanese Sento Culture at Its Best

How to Enjoy Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu: Baths, Saunas, Food, and More! Discover Japanese Sento Culture at Its Best

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Written by GOOD LUCK TRIP
Head Editor : TOLCD Co., Ltd.

Asakusa is a charming downtown area filled with attractions like Kaminarimon Gate and Sensoji Temple, as well as streets that retain the atmosphere of the Edo period.
In this nostalgic neighborhood lies a hot spring facility that has long been beloved by locals: Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu.
Since its opening in 2001, Matsuri-yu has served as a place of relaxation for many, embodying the bathhouse culture deeply rooted in Asakusa.
This article introduces key points on how to fully enjoy Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu.
If you're interested in experiencing Japan’s traditional downtown culture, don’t miss it.

The History and Etiquette of Sento Culture

History

The history of Japan’s public bathhouse culture dates back to the Edo period (1603–1867).
It is said that the earliest sento were steam baths that became accessible to the general public.

Spacious baths that relax both mind and body
Spacious baths that relax both mind and body

Eventually, the style of soaking in a hot bath became popular, and for the bath-loving people of Edo, sento became an essential part of daily life.
Even hundreds of years later, sento continue to be cherished across generations in Japan, offering both physical and emotional comfort.

Observe proper etiquette and enjoy a pleasant experience for everyone.
Observe proper etiquette and enjoy a pleasant experience for everyone.

Bathing Etiquette

Typically, you begin by removing your shoes at the entrance and placing them in a shoe locker, then check in at the front desk.
Before entering the bath, it is customary to wash your body, avoid putting towels in the bathwater, and keep noise to a minimum.
Also, please be aware that some facilities restrict entry to guests with tattoos, so it's best to check the official website beforehand.

What Is Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu?

Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu is one of the largest hot spring facility in Tokyo, featuring 11 types of baths and three types of saunas (two in the men’s area).
In addition to bathing, guests can enjoy body care treatments, take naps, or relax with a meal or a drink—it’s a space where you can spend your time however you like.

The Tokyo Skytree right in front of you!
The Tokyo Skytree right in front of you!

From the bathing area, you can admire views of Tokyo Skytree, the tallest structure in Japan, making the location an added delight.
Body care options range from simple foot treatments to full Thai-style massages and Indian head therapy—ideal for travelers looking to unwind.

Take a break in the relaxation area.
Take a break in the relaxation area.

You’ll be given a loungewear set in the style of a jinbei upon entry, allowing you to relax in comfort after your bath.
You can eat, nap, and bathe again—this is a place where you can truly experience a dreamlike state of bliss.

Access

Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu is just a 1-minute walk from Exit A1 of Tsukuba Express’ Asakusa Station.
It’s also accessible within a 5-minute walk from Tawaramachi Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and an 8-minute walk from the Asakusa Stations on the Tobu Skytree Line, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, and Toei Asakusa Line.

If you’re visiting by car, you can use the ROX underground parking lot.
By presenting your parking ticket at the front desk during payment, sento users can receive up to two hours of free parking. If you spend more than 5,000 yen in the facility, parking is free for up to four hours.

How to Enjoy Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu

10:30am – Start Your Day with a Relaxing Bath

After entering the facility, place your shoes in the shoe locker and proceed to the front desk.
Check in and receive a locker key along with your loungewear.
This key can be used for payments inside the facility—such as meals or body care treatments—so you can enjoy the facility hands-free—an added convenience.

Check in at the front desk and receive your locker key upon entry.
Check in at the front desk and receive your locker key upon entry.
A bath filled with negative ions
A bath filled with negative ions

Once you’ve changed in the locker room, head to the bathing area.
Be sure to bring a towel into the bath area—it’s useful for tying up your hair after washing or for drying off before returning to the locker room.

Find your favorite bath.
Find your favorite bath.

One of the biggest highlights of Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu is that you can enjoy 11 different types of baths at any time.
There’s a Tourmaline Bath believed to boost metabolism, a Seawater Bath where you can float gently, and baths that replicate the ambiance of famous hot springs. You’ll also find aroma-infused specialty baths that soothe both mind and body.
If you’re feeling tension in your shoulders or lower back, try the Body Massage Bath or the Hyper Jet Bath, which use water pressure to stimulate tired areas in a pleasant way.

Powerful jets provide a massaging effect.
Powerful jets provide a massaging effect.

Once your body is warmed up, head to the sauna for some detox time.
Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu offers three types of saunas (two in the men’s section). The standard dry sauna lets you relax and sweat it out while watching TV.
The Thermarium Sauna gently envelops your body with radiant heat from the walls and floors, combined with soothing steam. This mild sauna is especially good for hydrating your skin.

Thermarium Sauna with a soothing atmosphere
Thermarium Sauna with a soothing atmosphere

After building up a sweat, take a quick plunge in the cold bath to cool down, then enjoy an outdoor rest while letting the breeze wash over you.
Alternating between heat and cold gives you that ultimate feeling of rejuvenation—a blissful moment of balance.

Outdoor zone featuring a Jade Open-Air Bath, Slapping Bath, and open-air relaxation.
Outdoor zone featuring a Jade Open-Air Bath, Slapping Bath, and open-air relaxation.

The outdoor bath tubs are fitted with jade—a gemstone that contains calcium, magnesium, silicon, and iron—which provides excellent relaxation and healing effects.
There’s also a utaseyu (Slapping Bath), where warm water pours down from above, gently massaging your shoulders and easing muscle tension.

12:00pm – Satisfy Your Hunger at “Tsukiji Party Gen-chan”

After a long soak, it’s time to eat. Head over to the in-house restaurant, Tsukiji Party Gen-chan, where you can enjoy a relaxed meal in your loungewear. It’s a perfect place to unwind after a good bath.

There’s also a kids’ area where children can play.
There’s also a kids’ area where children can play.

Inside, you’ll find a large tatami dining hall with 120 tatami mats, making it spacious enough for groups and families.
Even visitors with small children can enjoy their meal without worrying about the surroundings.

In addition to the tatami hall, table seating is also available.
In addition to the tatami hall, table seating is also available.

The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including luxurious seafood rice bowls made with fresh fish, smooth soba and ramen noodles, crispy tempura, and more.
Set meals with generous portions are also available, ideal for those with a big appetite.
There’s also a good selection of alcoholic drinks, such as beer, which tastes especially refreshing after a bath.

Three-color soba noodles: nihachi, yuzu, and matcha
Three-color soba noodles: nihachi, yuzu, and matcha
Enjoy your meal with a glass of beer.
Enjoy your meal with a glass of beer.

You’ll also find plenty of snacks like French fries and a variety of desserts such as parfaits and ice cream—perfect for a light bite between meals.
Once your stomach is satisfied, head over to the relaxation area and let your body and mind unwind even further.

1:00pm – Time to Unwind in the Relaxation Area

The relaxation room Nekorobi is a soothing space lined with reclining chairs, each equipped with its own television.
Recline the backrest, stretch out your legs, and sink into your own private moment of rest.
Watching your favorite show in a quiet setting while dozing off is the ultimate comfort.

The "Nekorobi" room includes a women-only area.
The "Nekorobi" room includes a women-only area.

In the Yasuragi nap room, you’ll find custom-made nap seats specially designed for Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu.
It’s the perfect spot for those who want a quick break after their bath.

Rental blankets keep you warm after your bath.
Rental blankets keep you warm after your bath.

Nagomi, the comfort room, is an ideal space for zoning out and doing absolutely nothing.
The room is outfitted with large beanbag cushions and cradle-style chairs, allowing you to unwind in any style you like.

Over 4,500 comic books available to read
Over 4,500 comic books available to read

After a bit of rest, why not relive some childhood fun at the game corner?
With a lineup of nostalgic retro games, this area radiates a charmingly old-school vibe that brings a smile to your face.

Relive your childhood with retro arcade games.
Relive your childhood with retro arcade games.

Bathe, eat, nap and play—
This freedom to spend your time however you like is one of the best things about visiting a super sento.

3:00pm – Treat Yourself to a Luxurious Spa Experience

Finally, cap off your visit with a luxurious body care session at the spa.
One of the standout features of Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu is its wide selection of spa treatments.
Choose from body care, foot care, Thai Old Healing, Oil Therapy, India Style Head Therapy, Rafraichir Beauty, Hot Stone, or even Korean Style Body Scrubs—whatever suits your condition or mood.

Find the perfect treatment for you.
Find the perfect treatment for you.

The treatment rooms vary according to the menu, with each space tailored with appropriate lighting and interior decor to enhance the experience.
Private rooms and semi-private spaces are also available, so you can relax without worrying about being seen.

Thai traditional healing with a 2,500-year history
Thai traditional healing with a 2,500-year history

After warming up in the bath and loosening your body in the relaxation area, the final spa treatment becomes the ultimate reward.
As your stiff muscles slowly release, you’ll feel your entire being feels lighter, as if a weight has been lifted from your mind.
Many people find it so comfortable, they drift off to sleep mid-treatment.

Soothing aromas that melt away stress
Soothing aromas that melt away stress

Once your whole body is refreshed and restored, it’s time to return to daily life.
By the time you leave Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu, your heart and body will feel light and renewed.
Whether you stop by during a trip or dedicate a full day to self-care, it’s the perfect place to reset and recharge.

Wrap-up

Time spent at Asakusa ROX Matsuri-yu is a luxurious, healing experience that gently loosens both body and mind.
From bathing and saunas to food and relaxation—
You’ll gain a memorable experience while immersing yourself in Japan’s unique sento culture.