Laundry and a Sento Bath: Relax Like a Local near Kyoto Station and Gojo
After a long day of temples, crowds and walking, there's no better way to unwind in Kyoto than a soak at a sento – a neighbourhood public bathhouse. It's cheap, relaxing and a real slice of everyday local life.
Here's a little local secret: you can put your clothes in the wash at KOMATSU Coin Laundry, walk a few minutes to one of Kyoto's most popular sento, and come back to clean laundry. Here's how it works, plus a few other baths near Kyoto Station and some simple etiquette tips.
Sento no Umeyu: a few minutes' walk from our laundry
Sauna no Umeyu is a retro bathhouse beside the Takase River, loved by locals and travellers alike. It's only about a 3-minute walk from KOMATSU Coin Laundry.
Address: 175-1 Iwatakicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Hours: 6:00–26:00 (2:00 AM). Closed on Thursdays.
Price: Adults ¥550. Cash or PayPay.
Baths: Deep bath, shallow jet bath, cold plunge, electric bath, herbal bath and a dry sauna.
Good to know: Basic toiletries are provided and face towels can be rented. Space for luggage is very limited, and you may be turned away with big bags when it's busy – so leave your suitcase with us first.
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Kiyomizu-Gojo Station (Keihan Line) or 15 minutes from Kyoto Station.
Hours and prices can change, so please check Umeyu's official website before you go.
Wash, soak, and come back fresh
Start a wash at KOMATSU Coin Laundry. Our blue washers add detergent automatically and take about 38–41 minutes (¥200–¥700 depending on size). For the white washer by the entrance, please bring your own detergent. Payment is cash only.
Walk to Umeyu and enjoy a bath while your clothes wash.
Come back and dry. Dryers are ¥100 per run – a medium load usually needs a few runs.
Head back to your hotel with clean clothes and tired muscles fully recharged.
Our coin laundry is open 24 hours, 7 days a week – 8 minutes' walk from Kiyomizu-Gojo, 9 minutes from Shichijo and 15 minutes from Kyoto Station. Open in Google Maps
Other sento near Kyoto Station
Hakusan-yu (Rokujo): About 10 minutes' walk from Kyoto Station. A popular local bath with a sauna and cold plunge, open until midnight. Adults ¥550.
Taisho-yu: About 4 minutes' walk from the Hachijo (south) exit of Kyoto Station – handy before a late train. Usually 15:30–23:00, closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Adults ¥550.
Hours and closing days change from time to time, so please check before visiting. The standard adult price at neighbourhood sento in Kyoto is ¥550.
Sento etiquette for first-timers
Wash first. Wash and rinse your whole body at the shower stations before getting into the bath.
Keep your towel out of the water. Leave your small towel on your head or at the edge of the bath.
Tie up long hair so it doesn't touch the water.
Dry off before the changing room. Wipe yourself down with your small towel to keep the floor dry.
Tattoos: Rules differ from bath to bath. If you have tattoos, please check with the bath before you visit.
Leave your luggage with KOMATSU
Bathhouses have very little space for suitcases. Our self-service luggage storage is right inside KOMATSU Coin Laundry – book it in advance and pay by card. Moving to another hotel? Our hotel-to-hotel luggage delivery can also be booked in advance. We handle every bag with care; please don't pack valuables.
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