©Takumi Ota

If you are looking for a relaxation trip in countryside near Tokyo, there is a secretive village where some famous Hollywood stars are staying occasionally, Kobuchizawa Art Village in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is only 2hours away from Tokyo.
The village is surrounded by full of nature and also natural hot spring. Once you are there, you will definitely notice the fresh air. In the village, there are plenty of things which you can try out: horse-riding, farm experience and so on.  And also there is a very famous museum. 
The museum has the collection of New York artist's named Keith Haring. It is the only private museum in the world. It was built not only to display the arts but also to make the visitors to pick up a hope and dream through arts and its space. Therefore, sometime the museum is used for events.

                                                 ©Takumi Ota

Here, we have created an astonishing package deal for our readers to stay at this village for a special rate!! This offer is unbeatable, so if you miss this chance, you will regret it for sure.

                                                    ©Takumi Ota

Special promotion（1NIGHT2DAYS）: JPY 29,800 per person
Period: From 2010Jun-2010Oct
Note: Saturday and national holiday: additional JPY3,000 per person.
*Include: Accommodation, Meals (1Breakfast, 1Lunch, 1Dinner), Round-Trip Transfer(Kobuchizawa/Art village), Horse-Riding (60mins),  Entrance Fee for the museum, Spa (90mins), All Services and Taxes

<note> Depending on the weather condition, Horse-riding would be replaced with Experience course. (Traditional craft work, Soba-making course, etc...) 

If you are interested in this plan, please contact to jptour@rikisha.jp

 *Please book 1week in advance.

Transport:
By Train: Take JR Chūō Line from Shinjyuku station to Kobuchizawa Station. It takes about 2hours.
By Car:    Take Chūō jidousha-dou (Central Motorway) from Takaido I.C. to Kobuchizawa I.C. for 2hours. 　
* Chūō jidousha-dou on sunday often have a traffic jam so we recommend our guest to take the train.

Cancelation Policy:
2weeks-3days before the arrival: 30%
3days-0days before the arrival: 50%
No show: 100%

Payment: Credit Card only

Kobuchizawa Art Village (http://www.kob-art.com/ )
10287-2, Kobuchisawa-cho, Hokuto city, Yamanashi 408-0044, Japan

F-ness Corporation, Rikisha Division (http://www.rikisha.jp/jptour/)
Kojimachi Bldgs 5F, 3-3-6 Kudan-Minami Chiyoda-ku Tokyo 102-0074, Japan

These simple wooden structures reflect the unadorned beauty representative of traditional Japanese architecture. Made from stone, wood, clay, bamboo and paper these houses provided both a workspace and living area for merchants and artisans during Japan's Meiji period (1868-1912).

Though once prevalent throughout the city, these machiya are now in danger of disappearing. But one conservation organization is breathing life back into these fading cultural treasures. Iori, refurbishes machiya and rents them out to visitors hoping to enjoy these ancient works of art. Currently, the company has successfully restored 10 machiya with most of them having been constructed more than 100 years ago.

The townhouses have been renovated in such a way that the original structure is preserved. Machiya are affectionately nicknamed "unagai no nedoko," or where eels sleep because of their narrow but long design.  This design is said to have originated as a way of avoiding paying high taxes since the property was taxed based on the amount of street frontage the building occupied.  The more space the dwelling took up in width, the steeper the taxes were. Because of this, machiyas ended up being narrow, long houses.

Every one of the 10 properties that Iori rents out has a unique history behind it, adding to its mystique.  One home previously belonged to a local physician while another was once the residence of a noted geisha. Although the townhouses were originally constructed a century ago, staying in one is by no means an uncomfortable experience.  Each machiya has been updated with such modern amenities as heated floors, fluffy futons, heat and air conditioning, broadband Wi-Fi and a small but well- equipped kitchen. Some of the cedar and cypress wooden baths or spacious stone baths even overlook a Japanese style garden, which is illuminated at night. The house's surrounding areas also offer picturesque views and glimpses into the traditional culture of Kyoto. The Kamo River, which runs through the heart of the city, and Higashiyama mountains can bee seen from the newly restored Minoya-cho machiya while the Gion Shinmonzen machiya offers direct access to the shops and restaurants of Gion, the most famous of Kyoto's geisha districts.

This mix of modern day comforts found in the old world environment of a restored machiya offers the visitor to Kyoto a unique opportunity to experience first-hand Japan's cultural capital. To learn more about renting a machiya from Iori please refer to www.kyoto-machiya.com. The prices will depend on the location of the machiya, the number of guests, and the season that the rental takes place.         

Written By Erika Wiseberg

This hot springs amusement park and spa resort offers more than 25 different bath and spa facilities for visitors looking to soak away their troubles. At the popular "Green Tea Spa" a 2 meter tea pot pours green tea that has been harvested from leaves at the foot of the Tanzawa and Hakone mountains into a large indoor bath. Meanwhile guests who are looking to perk up their senses can soak at the "Coffee Spa" which contains hot spring water mixed with real coffee. Not to be outdone is the "Wine Spa," which has a giant 3.6 meter tall bottle of wine and periodic performances of pouring real wine into the bath. Bathing in wine is considered to be a rejuvenation treatment for the body and has been practiced by the likes of Cleopatra.

Those looking for an international bathing experience can unwind in the "Turkish Hamam," a Turkish style spa adorned with mosaic tiles and dome-shaped ceilings that evoke images of an Ottoman Turkish Palace, or they can experience a soothing "Ancient Roman Bath," which involves taking a hot water spa followed by dips in a cold water spa and finally a mist sauna. But the facility's largest attraction is "The God's Aegean Sea," consisting of three islands on which there are a variety of water massaging devises for guests to enjoy while gazing at the fully illuminated screen covering the ceiling. 

The resort also offers the "Mori No Yu" zone for those looking for a more traditional onsen or Japanese hot springs experience. This section is divided into private areas for women and men as everyone is expected to bathe in the buff. Guests can view a tranquil Japanese garden while enjoying the fragrant and relaxing "Cypress Bathtub", where not only the bathtub but the floor, walls and ceiling are lined with cypress, or they can take in the picturesque landscape of the Hakone countryside and breathe the fresh mountain air while bathing in the "Roten-buro" or outdoor bath.

To make each guest's stay a more enjoyable and hassle free experience the resort is set up like a hotel and uses a cashless payment system. Visitors must first check in at the reception desk to receive a wireless digital wristwatch that scans and records all of their transactions. When guests are ready to leave they can either pay in cash by scanning their wristband at the cash machine or they can pay by credit card at the reception desk. Since towels and robes can be rented, visitors do not have to bring their own.

The Hakone Kowakien Yunessun resort is open 365 days a year. So if you are hoping for a quick getaway from the hectic pace and stresses of Tokyo living and are looking for a unique bathing experience, be sure to take a relaxing soak at this friendly spa resort.     

Written and Photographed by Erika Wiseberg

1297 Ninotaira Hakone-machi
Ashigarashimo-gun Kanagawa-ken, 250-0407
04-602-4126
http://www.yunessun.com/english/

  Roba Music Theatre owns more than several hundred collection of early musical instruments from Europe and the originally created instruments. It takes on the features of an instrument museum as it also exhibits Middle-eastern and Asian instruments that can be considered as  ancestors of European early musical instruments. Playing those musical instruments freely as they want,  the band created a unique music evolving the  sound of the Middle Age and Renaissance with a dash of Japonism. Who could have imagined to hear a band in Japan playing music that is rarely seen even in Europe nowadays? 

  Roba Music Theatre holds occasional concerts in a hall called 'Roba House,' also performing in other areas in Japan and overseas. Check the schedule and visit the band; anyone will become a fan once they hear the music.  

  Roba House itself is also worth seeing, as it is a unique building that would appear in one of the Grimm Fairy Tales. The surrounding forest and limpid rivulet of Tamagawa Josui gives a different atmosphere from the urban area. This is why Mr. Garyu Matsumoto, leader of Roba Music Theatre expresses his goals to plan unique events including a home-stay program in the 'countryside,' off the beaten path.

Roba House

Saiwai 6-22-32, Tachikawa City, Tokyo, 190-0002 Japan
TEL: 042-536-7266
FAX: 042-536-7968 
http://www.pippimama.com/art/robahouse/index_en.html 
 

But where do you go after you've been dazzled by all the glitz and glamour of this metropolis? One place that might tickle your fancy is the Meguro Parasite Museum.  Yes, you read that correctly, parasite museum.

Before you scoff and dismiss the idea, remember parasites are not as gross and frightening as you might think.  After all, the average human body is said to host a million of them. It's also well documented that renowned opera legend Maria Callas ingested parasites in order to maintain her slim figure. 

To shed light on the mysterious and often misunderstood world of these organisms, the Meguro Parasite Museum (MPM) was established over 50 years ago. The little known research facility carries over 45,000 immersed and prepared parasite specimens and showcases 300 actual specimens.

The MPM's large collection certainly has a bit of shock value. The first thing inside the museum is an 8.8 meter long tapeworm taken from a woman, who became infected with the parasite after eating sushi.  Kind of makes you rethink the merits of ingesting raw fish.

But that's not all, from tapeworms to malaria parasites and blood flukes, the exhibit will take you on a journey of the complex web of parasitic relationships and enlighten you on how parasites latch onto living animals or hosts as their source of food. 

And after you have had your fill of viewing parasites, what better way to commemorate your visit than a stop at the museum shop.  From t-shirts and books to cell phone straps, you can now advertise to the rest of the world your new found interest in the parasite world.  Out of all the items sold at the MPM shop, the best selling souvenir is the key chain and ruler, which both have real specimens enclosed inside. 

So whether you are looking for an educational place to take the kids or are feeling rather adventurous and have grown tired of the usual dusty museum fare, the MPM is a unique destination to add to your itinerary of places worthy of visiting while in Tokyo. 

Written and Photographed by Erika Wiseberg

4-1-1 Shimomeguro Meguro-ku Tokyo 153-0064
15 minute walk from the West Exist of Meguro Station
Tue.-Sunday 10am-5pm
*Closed on Mondays
 

The restaurant offers over 100 culinary delights to choose from.  The a la carte menu starts at 700JPY per dish and includes such delicacies as diced octopus (tako) with marinated scallops (hotate), shabu shabu, which are thin slices of prime Japanese beef and deluxe sushi served on driftwood. If you can't make up your mind there is always the course menu, which ranges from 5,555yen to 20,000yen.  The most expensive course has gourmet offerings such as lobster (ise-ebi) covered in citrus juice, premium blue-fin tuna (maguro) sashimi on ice, and Japanese tenderloin beef and foie gras to name just a few.

Presentation is a large part of this dining experience.  For instance, the crab (kani) marinated in grapefruit juice is served after a sword trick has been demonstrated, and several of the soup dishes are cooked at your table using hot stones instead of an open flame.  Desserts are also one of a kind and the hands down favorite is the three-flavored milk, sesame (goma) and green tea (ocha) ice cream that is shaped like a traditional bonsai tree.    

Several big name celebrities have visited and enjoyed the restaurant's offerings including Stephen Spielberg, whose signature is proudly displayed on one of the walls. With the holiday season fast approaching Ninja Akasaka has a special 15,000yen Christmas Course being offered.  The highlight of this menu is the Japanese style roast steak. This is the perfect place to take guests visiting Japan over the Christmas season, especially those interested in having a unique dining experience while being immersed in an exotic ninja-like atmosphere.

Written and Photographed by Erika Wiseberg

Ninja Akasaka
Akasaka Tokyu Plaza Bld.
1F, 2-14-3 Nagatacho,
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-5157-3936
FAX: 03-5157-3938
www.ninjaakasaka.com

Geishas are actually skilled entertainers who have gone through many years of intense training in various classical Japanese arts such as dance, flower arranging, playing musical instruments and administering the tea ceremony.  In fact, the "gei" in geisha actually stands for "art" while the "sha" means "person."

Though the numbers of geishas have decreased from 80,000 in the 1920s to less than 2,000 today, geishas continue to mesmerize guests from around the world. In order to unravel some of the geisha's mysteries and to open the door to their secret world, Katsura photo studio offers a special photo opportunity for guests to be made up into geishas.     

The entire process, which includes the painstaking application of detailed make-up and dressing in several layers of kimono, takes about an hour to complete; but rest assured Katsura's professional and highly skilled staff will beautify and pamper you for this once in a lifetime experience.

The process begins with placing your hair into a net. Then, your forehead is taped in a way that your eyebrows stand up.  After this, a clear, sticky base is applied to your skin to keep it moisturized and elastic so the makeup doesn't crack.  Next, the chalk white makeup that a geisha is renowned for is applied to your face, neck, chest and back using a luxuriously soft brush. The neck paint is of particular significance since the lower the little patch of unpainted skin goes, the more seductive you are considered.  

Once your face has been painted white it becomes a blank slate for the artist to create the famous Geisha angles, shadows and eyebrows. The crimson red lipstick and black liquid eyeliner create a sharp and seductive contrast to the white make-up. Now that your face has been transformed into a geisha like appearance, next comes the kimono dressing. The traditional Japanese kimono has no zippers or buttons and actually consists of several layers of cloths that are held into place using a sash known as an obi.  The outer layer of the kimono is made of luxurious embroidered silk. 

After your miraculous transformation, the studio will take a commemorative photo to document your geisha experience.  Located in the heart of Harajuku, the studio also has a garden for taking pictures, which depending on the season is filled with traditional Japanese flowers such as Sakura (cherry blossoms), Jinchouge (sweet daphne), and Satuki (azalea).

Katsura also offers similar makeup and photography sessions to become a maiko, a young apprentice who is in training to become a geisha and an oiran, a courtesan that preceded the emergence of the geisha.  The studio additionally offers the opportunity to dress up as famous people in Japanese history such as Senhime, who escaped the siege of Osaka castle and lived in Himeji castle.  Men should not feel left out as they offer a service for males to dress up as different types of samurai warriors.

Prices range from 18,000 yen to 25,000 yen depending on who you choose to dress up as.  Katsura Studio is graciously offering a 3,000 yen discount for make up/ photograph packages that are 18,000 yen and over to any guest if you mention that you read about their services on Tokyo Work Life web site. 

Whether you decide to become a geisha, maiko or samurai, the experience is sure to create colorful memories of Japan that will last a lifetime. 

 
Studio Katsura Mon
4-28-4
Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
150-0001
Hours 10:00-6:00pm
Tel: 03-3470-0027
http://www.henshin-maiko.com/en_index.html
*Please note that reservations are required in advance. To make a reservation please fill out the form found in the following link. http://www.henshin-maiko.com/en_contact.html

Written and Photographed by Erika Wiseberg

The lectures offered at Jiyu Daigaku are meant to help people gain the intelligence to be "wise," not "clever." The lectures are all practical, unique and interactive and never theoretical. At the same time, they are all somewhat creative. Currently, there are seven faculties consisting of "Information and Society," "Language and Culture," "Nature and the Environment," "Food and Agriculture," "Life and Work," "The Future and the World" and "Religion and Philosophy," each of which attracts various kinds of people wishing to learn. No qualifications are required for sitting in on the lectures at Jiyu Daigaku, as the only prerequisite is a desire to "learn." The lectures cover a vast array of fields from design and communication to shoe shining and philosophy. There is even a course for warriors to travel about to gain skill in combat. This is all because the courses are designed by "lecture planners," who want to realize lectures that "would be nice to have."

Other than agreeing with the objectives of the school, there are no qualifications required to become a lecture planner and deciding lecture titles, ideas, purposes and themes, as well as finding lecturers. If a course is actually set up, a salary will be paid. Other positions such as lecture curators, who handle the PR activities, etc., for realizing the course and lecture organizers, who organize the lecture structure, are composed of like-minded people under similar conditions. All of the courses are thoroughly professional without compromise, as they are planned by people with a strong wish to "create" and an earnest desire to see the courses implemented (the courses won't be adopted unless they attract students). In addition, it is possible to become a lecturer at Jiyu Daigaku if there is something that you earnestly want to teach. People with such aspirations often knock on the door of Jiyu Daigaku with their own plans in hand (which are later screened in a selection process).

Lectures are basically in Japanese, but some are given in English and their contents vary. Among the courses offered in July are lectures on communication and agriculture taught by Mr. John Moore, a former president of the Japan branch of Patagonia, who is currently active as a social entrepreneur. Being active as a communication and organic food director, he teaches lectures from new perspectives on topics such as "How should 'communication' be designed?" and "Growing 100% organic food by yourself." He will also teach a Japanese language course for foreigners from this summer.

Not just a place for mere learning, but a place for learning how to "learn." That is the essence of Jiyu Daigaku, where you will find an answer to your natural desire to learn.

  ●Current lectures in English

   ・Safe Food Growing

Kyoto's Kamigamo Shrine, with its thousand-year history, has been featured in some of Japan's famous classic literary works such as The Tale of Genji and The Pillow Book and has been designated as a World Heritage Site. Recently, it is becoming increasingly common to see foreign couples living in Japan and from around the world getting married at this ancient shrine. What's remarkable about these weddings is that they are conducted in an authentic shinzen style that honors the rites of Shinto, Japan's indigenous religion, as couples take their vows in traditional wedding attire such as a pure-white kimono and hakama.

You might expect that, for couples not only living overseas but also those in Japan living far from Kyoto, having an authentic Japanese wedding ceremony at the prestigious Kamigamo Shrine would be a major production involving serious logistical headaches. This is not the case, however, with a special wedding package, the Ultimate Wedding Ceremony by Hotel Granvia Kyoto, which provides thorough planning and support services.

The package includes the following services: three nights in a Junior Suite Room including breakfast, hairstyling and dress fitting for the bride and groom, the wedding ceremony at Kamigamo Shrine and a special dinner following the ceremony. The schedule on the last day is completely open and guests can go on a sight-seeing trip in and around Kyoto. "We have a team that specializes in international guest services that caters to detailed client requests with advance planning communications via e-mail and phone. So our guests feel reassured and relaxed by the time they arrive at the hotel," says Ms. Chie Ikoma, international marketing representative for Hotel Granvia Kyoto. Although all-inclusive, the hotel is happy to accommodate individual requests and customized details in order to create a one-of-a-kind experience for couples. "Our goal is to take care of any concerns the guests may have and eliminate any issues before they arrive at our door."

On the day before the ceremony, the couple receives a hairstyling consultation and a wedding attire fitting, as well as a brief run-through of the wedding ceremony procedures. An English-speaking junior Shinto priest, who conducts the ceremony, provides an introduction and commentary in English before and even during the ceremony. The bride and groom, as well as their guests, seem to appreciate this service greatly, as it provides them with a deeper understanding of the authentic shinzen-style wedding ceremony.

After the ceremony, the couple returns to the hotel's exquisite private dining room "Shiokoji Rakusui" for a traditional celebratory kaiseki dinner. On the last day, guests can spend a full day strolling on the streets and enjoying the many attractions of the ancient city of Kyoto in their free time.

Designated a World Heritage Site, the shrine's rich, fabled history offers the most wonderful and romantic backdrop for the day you and your loved one embark on your lifelong journey together. "I pledge an eternal vow of love to you in this place of a thousand years of history"─ such is the oath the bride and groom take together at Kamigamo Shrine, a sacred, cultural fixture of Kyoto for more than a millennium.

The building is a creation of Italian architect Renzo Piano and also features a spectacular interior designed by Rena Dumas. Le Studio, a reservation-only theater with 40 seats, is located on the tenth floor and is open only on Saturdays. Admission is free and open to the public with advance reservations. With a different movie theme every year, the theme for this year's lineup at Le Studio is "L'échappèe belle--Beautiful Escape," following last year's "The Enchantment of India," which featured classic Indian films.

Starting April 18th, the theater is presenting La Collectionneuse (The Collector) by Eric Rohmer, a master director of the French New Wave (La Nouvelle Vague), as the second installment of "L'échappèe belle." Armed with only a limited budget and filming equipment, Eric Rohmer shot the film using mainly natural light, while portraying men and women frolicking in the richly-hued scenery of southern France. The resulting masterpiece brought Eric Rohmer's name to the forefront. It is a bold and beautiful escape from the traditional form of French film.

In addition to Le Studio, La Maison Hermès also regularly hosts avant-garde art shows in its "Forum" gallery on the 8th floor. The current exhibition, "Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller," showcases video and audio art installations by the couple. The Forty Part Motet (2001) allows visitors to experience forty separately recorded voices and melodies while walking around, each played back through forty speakers installed throughout the space.

Go and discover the unique Hermès art world, which can only be found in Ginza's La Maison Hermès.

Maison Hermès

●"La Collectionneuse" @ 10th floor Le Studio
Every Saturday throughout April 18th-June 20th, 2009
(reservation required/free admission)
11:00am/ 2:00pm/ 5:00pm
Phone (reservation): 03-3569-3300 (weekday 9:30am-6:00pm, weekend 11:00am-7:00pm)

●"Janet Cardiff & George Bures Miller" @ 8th floor Forum
―May 17th, 2009 (free Admission)
Mon-Sat 11:00am-8:00pm( Last entry 19:30);
Sun 11:00am-7:00pm(Last entry 6:30pm)
Open Daily

A short walk from JR Yurakucho Station and Tokyo Station, the open square of the Tokyo International Forum, where lush trees create a soothing green space during warm seasons, hosts approximately 200 to 250 antique vendors open for business on the first and third Sunday of each month. The Oedo Antique Market started in 2003 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the start of the Edo period. It is also the biggest outdoor antique fair in Japan. While the majority of offerings are Japanese antique art, visitors can also find a variety of items including western antiques, kimonos, paper art, paintings, block prints, pottery and glass. Eager treasure hunters often form queues in advance of the 9:00 am opening.

Visitors to this event are mostly middle-aged men, but the market is also popular among the elderly and young people of both genders, as well as with families. According to Mr. Asano, the organizer of the Oedo Antique Market, each customer group displays a particular preference. "Middle-aged male buyers are very interested in authentic Japanese antiques, whereas women in the same age group tend to buy pottery and kimonos. Tableware and furniture from Northern Europe and household goods from France are particularly popular among the younger generation, probably due to recent fashion trends. There are also collectors who specialize in rare items such as corporate novelties, books or LP records from the early Showa period."

The market is most renowned for its large number of dealers and wide range of genres. If you are interested in checking out many different items, the third Sunday each month is the best time to go, as approximately 250 dealers are open for business. Additionally, although such markets in Japan are often thought to be the place to find Japanese antique art, this particular fair offers more western antiques than any other similar event in Japan. Most dealers at the Oedo Antique Market are high-quality antique store owners and amateur collectors. It is therefore understandable that the offerings at the market include many superb finds.

In addition to the thrill of treasure-hunting, a conversation with a knowledgeable dealer is also one of the joys of the antique market. "Even if you are not fluent in Japanese, go ahead and start chatting by saying hi or asking any questions you may have," encourages Mr. Asano. Also remember that it is easy to get worked up about finding a rare item, so be sure to take extra care when handling the delicate antiques.

Now that spring is just around the corner, Japan's biggest outdoor antique market offers a great opportunity to find a special treasure while enjoying the gentle breeze of spring.

Oedo Antique Market       http://antique-market.jp/eng/index.shtml

**Schedule for next 2 months: 

09/04/05(Sat), 09/04/19(Sun), 09/05/17(Sun), 09/06/07(Sun)                     

The hotel is offering the Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne Lunch as a follow-up to last autumn's highly-popular Dom Perignon Premium Lunch event. The plan, available only on Saturdays and Sundays until April 29th, includes fine cuisine featuring seasonal flavors at the hotel's own French-fusion restaurant and bar, THE DINING, while enjoying the elegant taste of free-flowing Veuve Clicquot Rosé Label.

At this especially luxurious event featuring the exquisite Rosé Label of the venerable French champagne house Veuve Clicquot, guests can look forward to the arrival of spring as the champagne satisfies not only the taste buds with its aromatic and refreshing taste, but also the eyes with its beautiful, salmon-pink color that perfectly captures the mood and gentleness of early spring.

Complementing the spring-hued champagne is THE DINING's original fusion-style menu based on authentic dishes from L'Oasis, a two-star restaurant in the south of France. For this plan, you can pick your favorite from four to eight choices for each appetizer, second course, entree and dessert.

Spending your special day at THE DINING, with its bright and spacious sun-lit atmosphere, creative, spring-themed cuisine and delicious champagne will surely leave you with one of the most precious memories of your life.

Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne Lunch
February 1 to April 29, 2009 (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays only)
11:30 to 14:30 (There is a time limit of 1.5 hours per group)
THE DINING　03-5783-1258
Details: http://www.thedining.jp/english/index.html
THE STRINGS by INTERCONTINENTAL TOKYO

Getting to an onsen can be too much of a hassle for many people, as getting to an onsen resort in the Kanto area, such as Hakone, Izu and Kidogawa, often requires several hours of travel. But did you know that there is a place that you can conveniently visit right here in Tokyo that offers an authentic onsen experience?

Ooedo Onsen Monogatari located in Odaiba, Tokyo, offers six types of authentic hot springs to enjoy, including tennenyu (a natural-style hot spring), uchiyu (an indoor bath) and ashiyu (a foot bath). The natural hot spring, with its water drawn from 1,400 meters underground, is known for its powerful ability to keep your body warm, even after bathing and is perfect for those winter chills. Couples and families can enjoy the ashiyu together, as its use is not segregated by male and female guests. The much-hyped rock sauna and doctor fish bath, as well as an aesthetic salon and massages, are available for an extra fee.

Ooedo Onsen Monogatari also offers a free yukata robe service for on-site use that lets guests choose their favorite from a selection of 19 patterns. It might be fun to bring friends from overseas to try one on for the experience.

After having soaked in the onsen to your heart's content, you can then relax at various on-site restaurants that offer Japanese, Western and Chinese cuisine. Even have another soak after your meal if you like, although you should avoid bathing immediately after eating. Business hours for individual hot springs and restaurants vary, but the facility is open from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. the next day. You may want to plan to spend an entire day here on the weekend to really unwind in your comfortable yukata.

To beat the cold this winter, visit Ooedo Onsen Monogatari and enjoy a fun and reasonably-priced onsen experience, right near the city center. Warm both your body and mind at this authentic Japanese onsen spot as you patiently await the arrival of spring.

Ooedo Onsen Monogatari
Address: 2-57 Oumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo, 135-0064
(Nearest station: Telecom Center Station on the New Transit Yurikamome Line)
Tel: 03-5500-1126
http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/