An old-fashioned public bath with a watch stand

With a retro feel to it, Sekaiyu is the epitome of a typical “sento”, or public bath. There is a watch seat with an attendant, often replaced by a reception counter today. Men and women have to go through separate entrances. Be careful not to walk past and miss Sekaiyu, as there is no signboard or entrance curtain indicating the location. It is located just a few minutes away from Ningyo-cho, its closest station.

A magnificent painting of Mount Fuji!

The changing room might seem a little small, but it is very clean. There is an impressive painting of Mount Fuji on the wall. There are two tubs, one shallow and one steep, both very hot.
Sekaiyu is always packed with regular customers and locals.

Unchanging style

At Sekaiyu, there is no exterior bath, no sauna, no shower booths and no cold bath. There is no mirror in front of most faucets. The overall decor is very simple. But it’s this simplicity that appeals to the customers. Sekaiyu is in fact quite popular among sento-goers, as it reminds them of the “good old Showa times”.
Sekaiyu wants their customers to feel and enjoy the traditional sento atmosphere.

Be careful not confuse this Sekaiyu, located in the Chuo district, with another by the same name in Takadanobaba.

writer：nozomi

Photos from
exblog
chuwalk