With the bitter chill of winter at its peak, one can't think of a better place to relax mind and body than a uniquely-Japanese hot spring "onsen." A soak in an onsen gets your blood circulation going and has the soothing effect of relieving fatigue, as well as nerve, muscle and joint pain. It is the kind of place that people living in today's hectic modern times should visit more frequently.

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/