The 50-year-old Kanazawa Bathhouse in Higashi-Shinjuku will reopen as Kogane-yu Shinjuku in late May after renovation.
A “new-style public bath” designed by acclaimed artists and architects
The reception area features a beer bar serving house-brewed beer (Photo: Koganeyu Shinjuku)
Artist Riko Takahashi, who also handled the 2020 renovation of Koganeyu Tokyo, is responsible for the branding of Koganeyu Shinjuku. Architect Yuko Nagayama, known for projects like the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo Pavilion and the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, oversees the interior design.
Tomoko Shinbo, Director of Shinbo Bathhouse Co., Ltd. and proprietor of Kogane-yu, commented on the opening: “We want to make an ‘open place’ that welcomes everyone, regardless of age or status, a reality.”
Comment from Tomoko Shinbo (excerpt):
“As the proprietor of a sento, I strive daily to redefine the role of public baths in our turbulent modern society. Through this journey, I’ve come to firmly believe that a woman’s perspective and sensibility are indispensable.
When envisioning the potential of a newly created public bathhouse in Shinjuku, a place that embodies diversity, I decided I wanted to pioneer the future together with female creators.
This sento, over 50 years old, will cherish the history it has accumulated while creating a new future for public bathhouses.”
Spacious cold water bath (Photo: Kogane-yu Shinjuku)
Additionally, as a new initiative, we are introducing environmentally conscious equipment utilizing solar thermal energy—a first for a private company. Water heated by solar thermal energy will be used in the baths and showers. This will reduce CO2 emissions by 38%, transforming the facility into a new bathing establishment that also considers measures against global warming.
Kogane-yu Shinjuku Branch
📍 1F Kanazawa Mansion, 7-22-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku
👉Official Account🚇Approx. 5 min walk from Higashi-Shinjuku Station