24 Kaikan Sauna Shinjuku

I want to note upfront that this review goes beyond what is probably typical in Japan. I’m writing as a visitor, and I’m aware that my perspective—and the way I express concern—may feel more direct or expansive than what’s culturally expected. That said, I offer this with respect, not judgment. I can’t fully erase who I am or what I care about, and in this case, restraint would feel like a disservice to an issue that affects everyone. On a basic level, the facility is clean. Mattresses are regularly stripped, black lights are used to identify which need cleaning, and I had no issues with staff or other patrons. The atmosphere was quieter than comparable places in Osaka, but I don’t attribute that to Tokyo itself—a city I’ve consistently found warmer and more welcoming than its reputation suggests. It seemed more a function of who arrived together than any “cold Tokyo” stereotype. Any language barriers were mine, not theirs. The reason for the lowest possible rating is something more serious: a missed responsibility toward the community this place serves. By contrast, Daikichi in Osaka at least provided condoms. 24 Kaikan provided no condoms, no lubricant, and no visible, proactive expectations around safer sex. There may be health literature posted somewhere, but in an environment like this, passive messaging is not enough. When a space is built around intimacy, prevention cannot be invisible. Gay bathhouses are often reduced to caricature, but historically they have been refuges—affordable, anonymous places where men can sleep safely, exist without scrutiny, or simply not feel alone. For young, closeted, or struggling men, that matters. This is part of what people mean when they speak about “community,” not as an abstract ideal but as lived support. Japan is currently moving in the wrong direction on HIV and other STIs with cases climbing in the past few years, while cities like San Francisco and Sydney have dramatically reduced new infections through condoms, testing, and PrEP. Japan’s rollout of PrEP has been late, limited, and expensive, and newer long-acting injectable options still aren’t approved. That reality makes proactive care by establishments more important, not less. It’s easy to frame condomless sex as an individual failing. It’s harder—but necessary—to acknowledge how stigma, limited education, and gaps in access shape behavior. Bathhouses don’t create these problems, but they operate within them, and they can either help reduce harm or quietly accept it. Doing nothing is still a choice. I want places like this to survive. I believe they are important, and I’m not trying to offend or lecture. But concern for each other’s well-being has to be visible in practice, not assumed. Until 24 Kaikan shows that it recognizes this shared responsibility, I can’t recommend it, and I won’t return.

When you arrive, you first have to take off your shoes and put them in a small locker — that costs 10 yen. You keep the little key with you and bring it to the counter, where you pay 3,300 yen per person. The man at the reception wasn’t very friendly, to be honest. After paying, you get a bag with a kimono-style robe and a towel so you can change. There are about six floors in total, but the atmosphere isn’t very lively. The main areas are mostly for sleeping, and not much is really happening. The saunas were also not very hot — more like medium warm. There are two small pools, one around 40°C and the other about 35°C. One funny thing to see — almost like a tourist attraction — was the long row of about eight sinks. Everyone was scrubbing themselves. It was fascinating in a weird way, but definitely not like any European sauna or other Asian saunas I’ve experienced. The lighting was extremely bright, almost like clinical LED lights, which didn’t help the atmosphere. Overall, it’s clean, but the place feels a bit dull. Most people seem to use it more like a budget hotel than a relaxing spa. Many 60+ guys! I don’t know where the rumor comes from that men over 40 aren’t allowed to come.

I originally didn’t plan to visit 24 Kaikan because of all the bad reviews, but my travel buddy kinda complained about my snoring🤭 So I let him get some rest in our hotel room and decided to check it out on my own. The entrance is on the 2nd floor. You’ll need a 10 yen coin to store your shoes and take the key to the counter. The staff was quick and efficient—definitely not rude like some of the reviews mentioned. I paid 3,900 yen, which I think a bit overpriced. This is the Saturday night after 9pm price (3,100 yen before 9). The sauna is on the 3rd floor, where most of the action happens. The crowd was about 80% locals and 20% visitors, mostly in their 20s and 30s. Some of them are really cute, and people are willing to play having fun. It did feel kinda crowded as the space is relatively small—the dark alley and cruising areas are limited. As for the other floors, don’t expect much actions —most people seem just going there to sleep 😴 Overall, 24 Kaikan feels more like a hotel that rents out one floor as a sauna. But it’s not as bad as some of the negative reviews made it sound. I met a few great guys, some locals and visitors from Paris and Madrid. I had a great time and I’d rate it 3.5 out of 5. And for anyone with tattoos, no worries. I have one on my left arm, no issues at all.

I personally had a fine time but was shocked with total disregard of consent. All night long, creepy guys walk in and out of the sleeping room and try to grab a feel. I told “no” a few times in Japanese. One guy ignored me so I kicked him to get him away. I got no sleep at all. If you want a good rest, book a private room or stay somewhere else. I recommend to come for fun but do not stay.

best place to go if you want to have fun ! open 24 hours. the price is a little higth , it went up like crazy since a couple of years... but I guess that is the norm now. But very nice, it's clean enougth. Staff is friendly. The degree of fun depends on the crowd on that moment, but usually it's busy.