Beauty and wellness Japan

Nestled in the popular Kita-Senju district, well away from the tourist trails, this pretty sento was completely renovated a few years ago. A crane carved in wood adorns the pediment of the traditional building. The entrance is welcoming and the atmosphere is sober and elegant. There are three pools, including a whirlpool and a small, subtly scented outdoor bath. The sento is impeccably clean. It is frequented by the people of the neighbourhood, it is very friendly and makes you want to linger there. Not to be missed if you are in the area.

Shiseido, or the Japanese equivalent of the French cosmetics brand that we are worth. For more than 100 years, it has been offering moisturizers, lotions, makeup and accessories to give Japanese women a peachy complexion. Thanks to the quality of its products (and marketing), the brand is now known worldwide. All its product lines can be found in Ginza. Relaxation area and make-up advice or beauty rituals are proposed. The whole universe of Japanese cosmetics and beauty rituals is offered to you within these walls.

This incense shop has existed since the 16th century, but the history of incense in Japan dates back to the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Incense was first used for religious purposes before being used by laymen. During the incense ceremony, one learns to listen to the scents of different incenses, and to guess them, like a game. A discovery off the beaten track that requires (for the moment) to speak a little Japanese.

One of the most beautiful and oldest public baths in the city. You can discover a great variety of different baths: herbal bath, electric bath (the sensation is not very pleasant, but it is not dangerous), wooden basin, rotemburo (outdoor bath), cold bath. The traditional interior is well preserved, with its mosaics and wooden bas-reliefs. To prolong this atmosphere after the bath, we advise you to go to Sarasa Nishijin, an old sento transformed into a restaurant at less than 5 minutes by foot!

If you want to try the sento experience, this is a very good address. There is an aromatic bath with Chinese medicinal plants, a bubble bath, a cold bath, an electric bath and a sauna. It is simple and small, but well equipped. You can buy or rent everything on the spot: soap, shampoo, towel, razor, etc. The staff is young and foreign-friendly, and there are signs in English explaining how to use the equipment. The building where the baths are located is picturesque, overlooking the beautiful Kiyamachi-dori canal. Worth a try!

This new hotel offers all the serenity and calm of a ryokan in the nature, but in the middle of Tokyo. Moreover, the water of the onsen comes from Hakone, famous for its springs. The materials of a traditional Japanese house have been used, mixed with modern architectural techniques. The result is both sophisticated and contemporary. An onsen meal option is available during the day. At the Sojyu spa, you can enjoy a massage with aromatic oils, in a setting where every detail is designed to invite you to relax.

One of the best places in the capital to take a bath. This sentō opened in 1913 has been completely renovated in 2011, giving it a more contemporary look. It has since enjoyed a revival in popularity. It is particularly renowned for the exceptional volcanic water that is used. Black and very little filtered, it is said to have the capacity to sublimate the skin. It is in any case quite impressive to bathe in it. For ¥900 more, you can use the sauna. Towels can be rented for ¥200, as well as all the necessary bathing equipment.