Konnichiwa! I wish I could turn back time to the magic I felt in Tokyo, the week before the election. With all this post-election & Thanksgiving stress, I think everyone can benefit from spending a few hours at a traditional Japanese hot spring/bath house.
Now I know why I wasn't meant to get a tattoo. So I could experience an authentic Japanese onsen...no tattoos allowed! On my last day, I headed to Odaiba Oedo Onsen Monogatari. It’s the theme park of onsens with carnival games, a fortune teller, and food stalls! Families spend all day here and some even spend the night since it's open from 11am-9am.
I only had 1.5 hours before rushing to the airport...so I wondered, would it be worth it? MOCHIRON! Google translator tells me this is the translation for HELL YES! :)
They have vending machines for everything in Tokyo...this was my first time seeing a panty vending machine!
Here's how it works: you walk in and immediately drop off your shoes in a locker. You check in at the front counter and get a another key for another locker to store your street clothes. This key also acts as your credit card so don't lose it! After checking-in you walk over to pick out your yukata (9 styles to choose from!) and sushi belt. I felt so beautiful in mine, it made me feel truly Japanese, like I really belonged!
I had to make the most of what little time I had. First priority...massage! On the way over to the women's spa I stopped by the massage counter and they got me in right away for the best 10 min shoulder massage of my life! Bleary eyed from the massage, I then made my way over to the main attraction, let's get naked! Here I learned that Japanese women don’t wax and are generally fit and petite..I need to switch to a sushi diet!
I have no pics because for obvious reasons pics aren’t allowed but here is one from their website…
The outdoor thermal pools were my favorite. There is something so beautiful and freeing about being naked outside, such a wonderful escape! I made a point to take a dip in every pool...from the open barrel bath to kino noyo (bath of silk) where micro nano bubbles (bubbles smaller than 50 micrometers) soothe aching muscles….aaaaah! I could do this ALL day!
Daily Weekday admission fee: $23 (it's less if you go in the evening)...Best 10 minute shoulder massage of my life: $16...Lychee drink: $3...This face of pure rest and relaxation: PRICELESS!
This was just a magical hour and a half, imagine how zen I'd be if I spent the whole day there!