Konparu-yu

Konparu-yu is a public bath that opened in 1863 and is proud of its long 157 year history. It is located in the Ginza area of Chuo Ward, Tokyo. Remodeled in 1957, it changed from a wooden public bath facility to one floor within a larger building.
The name Konparu-yu is said to be derived from the "Konparu-style" of Noh theater, because there was a Noh actor's residence on this land. Noh is an ancient performance art of Japan, and Konparu-yu bearing a name related to that is indicative of its long history.
Konparu-yu's old-timey interior maintains the essence of the traditional public bath. The bandai (reception counter in a public bath) and high lattice ceiling create a retro atmosphere even though the building is located on a corner in the Ginza area. The Mt. Fuji mural on a wall in the public bath was painted by Atsuo Nakajima, a professional public bath artist. The men's bath features a painting of Mt. Fuji colored red as if it is burning, and the women's bath displays the popular landscape of "Miho no Matsubara (Miho Pine Grove)" with Mt. Fuji in the backdrop. The wall is also a display of Kutani porcelain tile art, and the murals altogether create a great companion to your traditional public bath experieince.
(Photo courtesy: Konparu-yu)