Yuya-Takanoyu Bekkan

I only had a few nights in Takayama and wish I'd had time to return. The clean, relaxing facilities and friendly staff and patrons made this a real highlight of my holiday. It's also a lovely glimpse of local life, and I'd definitely come back when I'm next in takayama. I'm a tattooed tourist, and tattoos were welcome. The baths include a very hot one and a larger, less hot one indoors. Outside there's a large epsom salts bath, a cold plunge right across from it, and an old-style log stove sauna. Using the ladle and bucket to pour water over the hot coals was really neat. Locals and staff helped me figure out the coin-operated massage chair, which was a good laugh. You can also get refreshments in the entrance area for a snack or drink after your soak. Highly recommended.

A really nice, inexpensive sento in Takayama, with friendly service and a welcoming attitude toward tattoos. Best sento in town.

Clean, tattoo-friendly, and staffed by helpful people, this was the most welcoming sento I've visited. On my way out, the owner struck up a chat and told me about his life in NYC. He was approachable and spoke English, which helped since I haven't learned Japanese yet. I loved the atmosphere and would recommend it to anyone. Hello to the owner from the guy who works in film, you might remember.

I'll definitely come back. It's clean and simple, and tattoos are welcome. There are two indoor baths, one at 41 and the other at 43 degrees, plus an amazing cold bath outside, a sauna, and an Epsom salt pool. Nice lounge chairs outside too.