Japan has a rich culture of onsen (natural hot springs) and super sento (large bathhouses). Since ancient times, “ofuro” (baths) have been a way of washing away the stress of the day; however, they have continued to evolve. In 2026, the newest form of bath culture, the “ofuro café,” is more popular than ever, blending the deep relaxation of a spa with the cozy, stylish atmosphere of a modern lounge.
Just as the name suggests, an ofuro café is a fusion of bathing and café culture. Here, you can enjoy a long soak and then retreat to a stylish café space to read, work, or chat. It is a whole new way to unwind.
Ofuro Café utatane (Saitama)
Among these facilities, we highly recommend Ofuro Café utatane in Saitama. Inside, you can enjoy various baths, including electric current baths and jet baths. The facility also features an open-air outdoor bath (rotenburo) to let your stress float away.
There are also many body care options available like special mud packs limited only to women, but the special “akasuri” (scrubbing) and lymphatic massages can be experienced by men too! Don’t forget about beauty treatments after your relaxing bath!
Ofuro Café Yumoriza (Mie)
After your bath, go ahead and get in some relaxation time in the beautiful café! You can find all sorts of items on the menu including set lunches, pasta, and deserts. Furthermore, the freshly-ground coffee is free so it might just be the perfect place to take pleasure in chatting with your friends while enjoying a drink!
You can also enjoy the relaxation area that includes hammocks and a napping area. After relaxing in the bath you might feel so good that you might just fall asleep right there! The facility is open from 10 am to 9 am of the following morning, so you can even stay overnight if you like. Private rooms are also available for those who want their own private space to relax in (reservations required).
There is one more spot we’d like to recommend called, Ofuro Café Yumoriza. This ofuro café is designed on the concept of a “mini modern theater” and has its own special charm. Ise Jingu, which is popular among foreign travelers, is easily accessible from here. The facility also has a free shuttle bus that runs to and from Kintetsu-Yokkaichi train station.
Without a doubt the standout feature of this ofuro café is enjoying onsen along with “taishu engeki” (common people’s theatre), which has been loved by the “common folk” of Japan since the Edo period. You won’t find many other onsen facilities that offer this kind of experience!
Of course, there are great baths! The various baths available include indoor as well as magnificent outdoor baths, and you can also experience a modern “touji,” steam sauna to cure medical ailments. The steam sauna is very similar to a “gambanyoku,” bedrock stone-sauna, so it not only helps discharge bodily toxins, but has other benefits that include effects such as promoting soft skin which is surely enough to get all you beautiful women excited.
On the second floor, you can find all kinds of ways to relax including a lounge packed with manga along with a restaurant that offers genuine Japanese cuisine and sweets. Open from 10 am to 9 am the following morning, so you choose to stay overnight. This facility also has super cheap capsule rooms, so if you wish, you can even get a solid relaxing night of sleep.
Details
Ofuro Café utatane
Address: 4-179-3 Onari-cho, Kita-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama
Contact: +81-48-856-9899
Business Hour: 10:00 am – 9:00 am the following day
Ofuro Café Yumoriza
Address: 311 Ikuwa-cho, Yokkaichi-shi, Mie
Contact: +81-59-332-2611 10:00 am – 9:00 am the following day
