Decoding Kyoto Project 2008 The Sento - Japanese Public Bathhouses in Kyoto

Hinode-yu is the old-style sento that was built in 1928 (the 3rd year of the Showa period). Passing through the noren you see a spacious dressing room which makes you feel the real atmosphere of Japanese tradition, not of a contemporary style. The reason for the very big dressing room is the structure of the suspended ceiling.

There are lockers with diamond-shaped glass, wisteria mats and willow baskets. There is even a body weight scale, which has been here since Hinode-yu was founded, and the scale indicates your weight in old Japanese numerals. Everything in Hinode-yu, right down to the shoe box keys made of wood, feels that old traditional Japanese flavor. In addition you can see a tiny Japanese style garden, tsuboniwa, filled with a certain Japanese charm that has been loved by the building's first owner.

Hinode-yu has a variety of baths. There are deep and shallow baths, jet bath, electric bath, cold bath and steam sauna. Moreover, the owner holds shobu-yu in every June. More well-known yuzu-yu is also held every December. Hinode-yu is close to Toji Temple and a hotel that is used by backpackers. You should come to Hinode-yu at least once to enjoy this old feeling.