Kabuki Springs & Spa

Possibly the best bathhouse in the Bay Area. Kabuki Springs is tucked away off a busy street in Japantown and feels like a portal to another dimension, one full of warm water, a quiet atmosphere, and plenty of lemon ginger tea. I was instantly drawn to how intentional everything feels here, from the dark wood of the sauna to the sleek tile in the showers. It feels carefully crafted to be both modern and timeless, with the Japanese motif flowing through all of the design. Personally, I love the dim lighting in the baths; with no windows, it feels like time is suspended. Is it midday, or midnight? Sunny, stormy? Early, late? You can’t really tell when you’re there, and that feels like the point. It’s an escape in its truest, most relaxing sense. Attendants are constant in the baths, which makes it feel far more luxurious than what the price would suggest. Cucumber, lemon, or plain water are all on tap, as are iced hand towels, salt scrubs for the steam room, and hot lemon ginger tea. I loved how cups are encouraged to be reused (I hate seeing the giant pile of single-use cups in the trash at other spas). I’m holding out hope, however, that traditional green tea may make an appearance in the future! I’d recommend attending on one of the single-gender days, as I found that lent itself best to the fully immersive experience. Shower sandals are available, though I found them a bit uncomfortable. Next time I’ll be sure to bring my own. As a bathhouse enthusiast, I cannot recommend this place enough. I can’t wait to bring my friends here to learn for themselves just how relaxing and rejuvenating the sauna, seam, soak, and plunge rotation can be.

The communal baths were a marvelous experience from beginning to end. The staff at the front desk was helpful and thorough with explaining the locations, materials, and process. It was oh so lovely to move from wet warm to cold wet to dry hot to steamy hot to ambient temperature. Rinse and repeat. The cold washcloths & ice water were appreciated. I’ve never felt so relaxed AND alert from a bathing experience before. I am still feeling the pleasant effects of the bathing after a night of rest. Highly recommended.

Solid spot. It’s a bit dungeony without windows. The communal cold plunge fits 5 people which is fun. It doesn’t say what the cold plunge temp is, maybe 50? I went with a friend to catch up but you’re not allowed to speak. They have tea and water. Nice spot but I like Alchemy springs better because it’s social.

Great price for the experience of the co ed spa night!!! 2.5 hrs was such a perfect amount of time. Loved the steam room, sauna, and all the other amenities. Also the complimentary tea was delicious!! Def recommend and I’ll be coming back

A little gem in the heart of SF! I absolutely loved everything about my experience. As a seasonal traveler, I always book a sauna visit in cities I go to. Growing up in Europe (where spas are fully nude as it is so gross to bathe and sweat in synthetic bathing suits), I am glad we can still find places like this in the US. I love Swedish saunas, French hydrotherapy spas, Germany mixed genders spas, Italians bathing houses, Turkish Hammams, Korean Crystal saunas... I visited Japan and this place is even better than an onsen for me because of the low light and the various saunas/pools there. The cold plunge is amazing, right in the center of the room, and there are wet and dry saunas, a jacuzzi, relaxing lounge chairs and towels and lockers available for everyone. I soaked for 2h in the quiet atmosphere (thank you for the absolutely no phone and silence!!) before getting a facial by Devin. I HIGHLY recommend the experience. Devin, a super professional and fun esthetician with 20 years of experience, was able to quickly deliver a diagnosis on my skin and assess its needs. He used Naturopathica products (including the Plant Stem Cell Booster Serum) and I ended up purchasing some once I was back. This was truly an amazing experience! I can't wait to go back! It is certainly worth the splurge. Make sure to reserve and treat yourself to a full experience at Kabuki Springs and Spa, it's magical. Thank you so much! Doe