24 Kaikan Sauna Shinjuku
Tucked away in Tokyo's vibrant Shinjuku Ni-Chome district, 24 Kaikan Shinjuku stands as a prominent gay sauna and cruising spot. This eight-story establishment offers a variety of amenities, including dry and steam saunas, a jacuzzi, solarium, video room, private cabins, and a snack area. The rooftop features tanning beds and a cold bathtub, providing a unique relaxation space.
Open 24/7, 24 Kaikan Shinjuku welcomes both locals and foreigners; however, guests may be asked to present their passports upon entry. The admission process involves removing shoes, changing into slippers, purchasing a ticket from a vending machine, and exchanging it at the front desk for a key and a bag containing a robe and towel.
While private cabins are available, they can be pricey, leading much of the activity to occur in the common areas. The clientele is diverse, typically ranging from individuals in their 30s to 50s, encompassing various body types.
As the largest facility of its kind in Tokyo's gay district, 24 Kaikan Shinjuku is a notable destination for those seeking a sauna experience in the heart of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife.
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Reviews
Based on 252 reviews 22:07 26 Dec 25I 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.
22:34 19 Dec 25I 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.
13:23 09 Dec 25best 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.
12:19 10 Nov 25Quite a few negative reviews but I guess most come from people with European saunas expectations. Extremely clean as you’d expect in Japan, mixed crowed, all types of bodies, ages, nationalities. And yes, things do happen if that’s what you’re in for
23:22 09 Nov 25I 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.
12:00 13 Oct 25When 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.
03:41 27 Sep 25OK. WHAT EVERY TRAVELLER IS WONDERING:-Yes, you can enter if you have either tattoos or long hair. Just no make up is allowed (I had nails and it was ok).-You can pay the entrance fee 3200y with card. You just need 10cents for shoes locker.-80%, 20% foreigners-the only down thing, the fact that you gotta walk barefoot everywhere once you are inside
05:14 21 Sep 25This sauna is located in the gay area! It is one of the only saunas that welcomes all foreigners and all shapes and ages! There are many local japanese and other asian guys as well as a mix of tourists! You need a small 10 yen coin to bring to put your shoes inside the shoe lock box before you purchase the entry fee! It has 8 floors and also has an elevator, but you can also use the stairs! Has 2 hot tubs and one cold plunge! Sauna has dry sauna, wet sauna and a mist sauna! Most fun happens on third floor sauna area or fourth or fifth floor dark rooms! There is also smoking room inside and vending machines that sell beer! It is a busy place
18:22 20 Sep 25Will not go back. Service was fine but the guys here do not understand consent at all. If you are attractive at all do not come here. They will be too persistent. To the point that you won’t feel comfortable and have to leave.Also, side note, the price isn’t 2500 yen. It’s 3900 yen ☠️
23:31 12 Aug 25The old man running the front desk is a jerk. I asked what I could do if I didn’t have any coins for the shoe locker. He told me to change it, in their bill changer. I mentioned I just arrived and didn’t have any yen.He got me a 10 piece for the shoe lockers, but was such a jerk and so exasperated about it. It’s the equivalent of a penny. If it’s that big of a deal, I would’ve bought something.But why spend my money where I’m treated like trash. No thanks. It was dead anyway, and the only people I saw there were old men. 70+.
21:27 31 May 25To be honest, it’s not a sauna of any kind of international standard. It’s mostly just a few floors of people sleeping (and snoring) on mats on the floor and the attendant behind the counter yelling angrily at you in Japanese if you take a few seconds to put your shoes on when it’s time to leave.It’s pretty mediocre as far as the experience, and demeaning with the attendant yelling at you when you don’t understand why
22:05 14 May 25Total awesome place! This place rocks, rocks & rocks! The whole place is a study in Japanese classic retro vintage design, aesthetics and architecture! Don,t change anything! Keep it all as it is!Why so many negative comments?Its a beautiful true classic retro Japanese Gay scene saunna club! The double hot tub is awesome!The 2nd floor lounge and the elevator are aesthetically beautiful!The beds are awesome - 3 types to choice from.The rooms are great for downtown Tokyo.The 2nd floor lounge is awesome - UltraMan would love this place!There is an idea! Add a few UltraMan and Baltar pictures on a few walls!smokers welcome! Lots of vending macchines!
16:35 08 Mar 25Stayed here for a few times after missing the last trains. Experiences were great, and able to get some sleep as well.
03:08 06 Mar 25This sauna is popular because there's no other decent option.There's no lube or condoms available anywhere in the public spaces,which is absolutely insane in a gay sauna. The steam room is tiny, not hot and rarely has steam in it and the wooden head rests are completely rotten and it smells terrible. One of the 2 dry saunas is barely warm. Half the sprinklers in the "mist" room are broken or not functioning properly and the ceiling is covered in black mould. The sling room is only closed by a small curtain so it's impossible to use with privacy. The video room plays the most depressing Japanese gay porn. There's never staff cleaning anything. The only good features are the hot baths.
21:27 30 Jan 25So.. don't be full by the amount of the floors.Most of them people are sleeping and snoring. The only floor that is an actual sauna is floor 3. Which means, it's one floor sauna to be honest. I didn't get the vibe. I didn't like the vibe. And I came super fit and horny. Ready to do it all. But, no. Don't waste your time here.
02:03 20 Jan 25No ppl on Sunday night plus price at 3300 compare to others quite pricy but not to mention many floor but I guess only happening at one floor.
02:51 25 Nov 24I want to give 000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 star because i came there and the old man who is managing the sauna is so rude. As a first time comer, i was not briefed anything and i was yelled rudely by the old man that i had to take off my slipper while i was in the reception which made me think that i had to leave this nasty place
06:44 30 Oct 24I found this place really good. Very clean. Friendly. Like a standard onsen. 3 pools,Wet and dry saunas. And all the other things you expect.
23:57 25 Oct 24I found the employees are nice if you are respectful and try to learn a couple of Japanese words. Good mix of ages and races on Friday and Saturday nights. Remember to take your shoes off within the first step of walking through the front door.
24 Kaikan Sauna Shinjuku Tokyo reviews from Google, Yelp and WhereIsGay
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Information +81 3-3354-2424 http://www.juno.dti.ne.jp/~kazuo24/shinjyuku/shinjyuku.htm 24 Kaikan, 2 Chome-13-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan Last Updated10 February 2025
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