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This is an Edo-period bath in a vibrant part of Old Tokyo, a long
psychic distance from Shibuya at the opposite end of the Ginza line.
The well water here, the color of quick-brewed tea, is heated to a
fierce 45 degrees Centigrade, submersion in which will in five seconds
cause any tensed muscle to turn into tagliatelli. (This is the purpose
of a real Japanese bath. Most baths these days are heated to a comparatively
tepid 42 degrees, which does not bring on the orgasmic shudder of
release that a really hot bath does. In these circumstances, Jakotsu-yu's
commodious sauna for 400 yen extra is simply not worth it.)
The outside rotemburo, in a little pavilion hung with lamps, is more
soothing and with the mizuburo cold bath outside right next to it
there is no need to go current review inside once you have unglued
all your synapses by immersing them in the ruthless bath inside.
Between dips, sit on a stool and drape yourself around the wooden
railing while you contemplate, as if in a dream, the bath's rock garden
and waterfall.
The massage chairs are antique but no less effective for that. There
are coin-operated washing machines in the dressing room so it is possible
to undress, put your clothes in the washer, take your bath, then retrieve
and don your newly washed clothes without skipping a beat.
There is no handy place to buy a can of beer from a vending machine
because the area is so full of little drinking places. Consider paying
a visit to The Hub, a jazz pub around the corner, or to Matsukaze,
a wonderful izakaya one street over.
current review
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