A Vampire in the Bathhouse by Niko Izuki is a charming, light hearted slice-of-life manga that brings a cosy twist to vampire lore. The story follows a vampire who becomes intrigued by a Japanese bathhouse, eventually forming an unlikely bond with the young man set to inherit it. While the LGBTQ+ elements are present, they remain subtle, which may feel like a missed opportunity for those hoping for a more developed romantic arc. Still, the relationship that unfolds is warm, humorous, and endearing in its own right.

The characters are extremely likable, and the contained, single-volume format makes it a satisfying and low-commitment read—ideal for fans of short, feel-good manga. The overall experience is heart warming and visually delightful. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing more from Niko Izuki in the future.

Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha Comics foe this ARC!

I enjoyed this manga - very lighthearted and cute stories. I always like the stories where a supernatural creature intrudes on everyday life and makes it more interesting. Nod to the food references because I think that's one of the best parts of manga. And Pequeño is adorable!

A humorous and heartwarming slice-of-life manga of a vampire of the demon realm who is intrigued by bathhouses and decides to stay in the human realm to enjoy the comfort it offers.

Ensue adorable adventures of a vampire experiencing the human world.

Every chapter was a delight to read. I read this whole thing in one sitting. The art was gorgeous too.

I especially loved the relationship of the brothers. Extremely endearing.

I liked how Luca said vampires didn't care for gender of their companions. Vampires are bisexual culture for real 🤭

Another thing I loved was how the author showed the joy and significance of communities. Beautifully done.

I only wish this was longer. I would have loved to read more of them. I certainly know that I will be coming back to this to get my dose of the wholesome supernatural found family.

4’5/5⭐️ First of all, thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an arc of “A vampire in the bathhouse”. This was so cute, funny and heartwarming!! I loved the art style and the different characters in this story. The humor was pretty fun too, with the censored naked vampires xd I definitely will be reading the next one (if there’s a part two 👀)!

A Vampire in the Bathhouse is so charming and funny, even if over-reliant on that one screen tone. From its comical cover to the thought put into its contents page and its cotton candy bed, there’s a lot of care on display here. The characters are all so expressive in their own ways. Especially poor, put-upon Sakura. He’s so beautifully deadpan. I love how over he is with all of the supernatural shenanigans suddenly thrust upon him. His exasperation with Luka is funny and their friction is enjoyable, with moments of genuine affection that keep things light. But they were outshone by the adorable Umenosuke and his new pal, the demon familiar Pequeño. His immediate curiosity about this stranger makes a welcome contrast to Sakura. The surprise stars of the manga, they are a delight. They’re also where the manga is most focused – or, less kindly, where the manga is least confused.

It’s easy to see why Luka is so fond of where he’s ended up – both with the Full Moon Baths, then with the town itself. But even in those moments A Vampire in the Bathhouse crumbles under its own weight. Luka’s arrival, splashing down into the spa, is pure rom-com. And from that awkward but funny meet-cute it stumbles from romance plot point to romance plot point. Sakura is unable to go to his brother’s sports day so Luka steps up and into the family dynamic. They have what can only be seen as a date. A mystery threat from Luka’s past rears its head and of course he’s the perfect complication thrown in to be the third point in a love tangle.

A Vampire in the Bathhouse is not a romance. And it can’t help but disappoint because of that. All of these romance beats. All of this build-up. All of it unresolved. Little helped by the abruptness of the ending. And so the story hangs like a too-small coat on a too-big hanger. However, it was hilarious, and I’m curious to see what this mangaka will make with more time and experience.

With thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha, I leave this review voluntarily.

Thanks to Kodansha and Netgalley for the ARC!

A Vampire in the Bathhouse is a cozy manga about a vampire who becomes interested in a traditional Japanese bathhouse.

The son set to inherit the family bathhouse and the vampire join into a pact and we see them grow closer (perhaps not as close as I had expected for a book with an LGBT tag sadly.)

If you treat this story as a slice of life story you won't be disappointed.

The art is both beautiful and cute, I can't wait to see more from Niko Izuki.

What a cute manga and a great start to the series! The humor and the tasteful censoring needed for the bathhouse environment definitely made me chuckle, and the sense of community that the town has is so sweet. I'm looking forward to continuing the series and hoping that Sakura and Luka continue to learn from each other and grow their relationship. Also curious if we get to see what the demons think of Yomi bathhouse and how Umenosuke continues to be so cute and perfect!

'Vampire in the Bathhouse' is like a manga version of a hot bath - a relaxing and pleasurable soak into frivolity, but without anyone ending up with pruney toes. It's an odd set-up, at first— a vampire with a hangover elects to travel from his home in the demon realm to a public bath in Japan in order to recover, only to make a covenant with the bathhouse's young manager that leads him to remaining in the human realm and becoming sort of an "odd uncle" within the manager's family circle. And, while this volume flirts with some BL-imagery, 'Vampire in the Bathhouse' ultimately ends up as a series of cozy found-family tales, as the vampire's overconfidence in day-to-day tasks is undermined by his loose control over his magic in the human world and lack of familiarity with social customs, often punctuated with moments marveling at the power of small, shared experiences. If you enjoyed the Paddington films, but were hoping for more shots of handsome, barely-clothed men, or are just in the market for a BL-tinged, easygoing comedy title, I recommend checking this one out!

Everything is in the title : a noble vampire bored out of his mind decides to visit the human world after hearing about an incredible onsen. There is comedy, found family and an ambiguous relationship between the silly vampire and the young owner of the bathhouse. It was an entertaining read and each chapter is constructed like a mini story on its own (school trip, summer festival...). I would recommend this manga to those who enjoy light-hearted stories and cosy fantasy.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC !

Very heartwarming, fun manga with gorgeous artwork and extremely likeable characters.

The only reason it didn’t get 5 stars is that the dialogue could be sharper and funnier. Other than that, really enjoyed it and would be happy to continue the series!

A slice of life comedy with supernatural elements. Vampire Luka visits the Full Moon bath house in Japan looking for some relaxation. He runs amok of the caretaker Sakura who puts him to work the human way. Other creatures begin to emerge and investigate the human business that has Luka fascinated.

Topic allows for a great blend of art styles - the elegance of the visiting demons nicely compliments the everydayness of the human world. I love it when the demons learn things from human children.

3.5⭐

There's lovely art (especially the main characters are very, very nice to look at) and cute slice of life stuff, but nothing that feels fresh or different. Not much actual plot either, which isn't that surprising for a slice of life, really, but I still would have hoped for a more coherent volume. (The BL is barely there.)

This reignited my love for manga. I didn't know what to expect going into this, but was pleasantly surprised by how light-hearted and sweet this manga was. I know this is a full story in one volume, but I need more of Sakura, Luka, and little Umenosuke. I also just really like vampires.

"I'll take ANYONE at this point. Be it man, woman, human, or even the undead. . ." - Sakura



Sakura Amamitsutsuki is worn out! Being short staffed, taking care of his youngest brother, and managing a bathhouse for his grandparents is a lot. Luckily or maybe unluckily a vampire decides that Sakura's family's bathhouse is the perfect remedy for his mental/physical fatigue and hangover.



Sakura did declare he would take anyone. He just didn't intend for it to include a pact, a demon familiar, a vampire who makes annoying advances, and chaotic supernatural situations. Maybe he should have been more specific when calling out to the Universe. . .



I was looking through NetGalley because I haven't read a manga in a while. Coming across this amusing title and falling in love with the description! I've missed reading mangas! The artwork is classic, simple, and beautiful. Enjoyed watching the array of emotions on Sakura's face, primarily annoyed/upset by Luka's antics.



Luka Edelmondt Finsternis is your typical upper-class vampire. He has the looks, title, pompous attitude at times, and so on. But what really drew me to his character is that despite all of that he doesn't do the usual vampire cliche bit. Luka doesn't try to take over Full Moon Baths and order everyone around. He actually rolls up his sleeves and helps Sakura out! Refusing to be a freeloader! Luka slowly starts becoming a new member of the Full Moon Baths family.



Luka does like to utilize loopholes and listen carefully to how things are worded. Annoying Sakura with the outcomes. I laughed so many times with this read and Sakura's deadpan/monotone comebacks. Luka's supernatural charms having no effects on Sakura. Now majority of the members of the shopping district and the older crowd fall head over heels for Luka! He just has to walk by with his hair flowing in the wind. I like to believe that Pequeño is flapping his wings really hard or waving a fan to cause air flow, Umenosuke pitching in with all his might!



This is a very lighthearted, fluffy, slice-of-life manga! About family, a tight knit community, and a bathhouse that helps to bring it all together. We of course get some supernatural moments, magic, and random guests who like to make a grand entrance! Language is present in the read, no f bombs. A vampire bite and mention of needing blood but no blood present with any of the scenes. Since a bathhouse is the center for this manga there's some nudity, but the private parts are covered up. However, we do get to appreciate the physique of the male body and butt.



There are some sexual advances primarily from Luka toward Sakura who shuts them down immediately or ignores them. Luka did make it clear that if he were to ever use up all his mana then Sakura and him would need to get very intimate. No romance in this read or intimate moments between the two at all. Innuendos are made and things are implied, but Sakura isn't in to all that. A friendship definitely formed between them and there's affection for one another.



The author spoils us with blueprints of the bathhouse at the end! We get translation notes as well with pictures of the scenes the words are from! I very much enjoyed this completed manga, but I wish there was more coming for this cast of characters! Cannot wait to see what Izuki comes up with next!



Enjoy the read with warmth, comedy, and so much more! Don't forget to give the author some stars!



Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story!



"Wherever our hopes are is where the Full Moon Baths will be." - Sakura


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this was a cute, lighthearted, and slightly chaotic slice of life manga with charming characters and such pretty art. i liked how it was all contained in one volume since collecting long manga series can be a bit of a hassle

The art in this manga is beautiful! I also loved that this was a self contained story and wrapped up nicely rather than being several volumes. It was BL adjacent, but not explicit so it is appropriate for a wider audience. It was a cute story too so I enjoyed this!

A Vampire in the Bathhouse by Niko Izuki is a cozy slice-of-life manga that playfully subverts vampire tropes with humor and warmth. The story follows Luka, a surprisingly chill vampire who ends up at a human bathhouse and quickly gets mixed up with the quirky family running the place—especially the older brother, Sakura.

Instead of focusing on drama, the manga delivers a feel-good narrative centered on found family, gentle comedy, and everyday moments. The art is expressive and inviting, and while there are subtle BL undertones, the story prioritizes friendship and human connections over romance.

So if you’re looking for something sweet, relaxing, and a little magical, this manga is a great pick.

I enjoyed this a lot!! I loved how there were a lot of genres tied into the story (magical realism, a bit of fantasy, slice of life, and comedy), and I thought it worked really well. I loved the characters too, overall it was a great cast, and the art style was beautiful (I love pretty vampires). The dialogue was also super enjoyable. The banter, sarcasm, and overall humor was a 10/10.

I thoroughly enjoyed the drawing style and the story. I will be following this mangaka's work in the future.

I received a digital copy of this manga from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

A Vampire in the Bathhouse is everything I want from a fantasy, slice of life manga. It’s whimsical in a sweet and goofy way. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, while still being genuine. Luka is a vampire who wakes up with a hangover and wants to unwind in a bathhouse. He transports himself right into the middle of Sakura’s family bathhouse. While Sakura is unsure about this stranger at first, Luka quickly endears himself to Sakura’s little brother, and he brings in bathhouse customers with his dazzling good looks. The two grow to respect and care about each other, even if Sakura doesn’t always understand Luka’s eccentricity.

Sakura and Luka are both great guys, who look out for the people they care about and want to build a solid community around the bathhouse. I also liked all of the side characters, who are just as zany and lovable. And, of course, the art is fantastic! I loved following Luka and Sakura’s adventures and would read more!