Onsen and Fancy Dinner in Tokyo

Onsen

Dawson and I had a slow start to our day due to the previous nights escapades. Aiden and Nick left us at the airbnb to rest while they went to go make somethin gout of their day. From what I heard they had a good time at an animal park.

After waking up we went to a local onsen about 10 minuts by foot. This was our first onsen experience... holy shit I am in love. After entering we immediatly had to remove our shoes and store them in a cubby before aproaching the counter to buy our tickets. We only paid about 3300 Yen which would give us access to the entire bathouse area. After recieving our tickets we followed the signes to the male locker rooms and changed into our bathing attire, this consisted of a Yukata(traditonal casual kimono). After this we were ready to head down to the male bathing area.

Somethign to be noted about japanese culture; in general they are very clean and this is also translated into their bathing culture. No clothes are allowed to be worn inside the bathing area. This was a reason that onsens were also used as nutral meeting grounds for japanese warlords, as being entirely nude would make it practically impossible to hide weapons on your person. Or so nick told me.

This was an entirely new experiance for me so I was not sure what to expect. I was a little aprehensive about being fully nude infront of my friends and whoever else was there. After questioning whether I should leave my compression shorts on I decided; when in rome... do as the romans do.

Naturally no phones or cameras were allowed so I dont have any pictures to describe the experience, however I wont forget it so easily.() Especiallyy after returning with manu twoards the end of my trip. Although tired from the prior day even after all my rest I had a great time. Uppon entering the lobby guests are required to remove their shoes and store them into cubbies, after you proceed to the front desk and make your order. The Onsen that we went to was equipped with an indoor and outdoor bathing area. Unfortunately I was unable to make use of the 24hr and massage services I still left feeling less stressed than when I arrived. After confirming that we did not have tatoos we were allowed to proceed to the next service station. Here a lady looked us up and down and sized us for our spa robes.

The japanese seem to have shoes/an outfit for everything. Onsen robes, bathroom shoes, indoor shoes...you get the point.

After changing into our robes we were ready to go to the bathing area where we changed into... nothing and went the the bathing area.

Shit was great, they had somany different types of bathes, carbonated waterbath, electrolyzed water bath, imported water from fuji you name it they probably had it. I really enjoyed the steamroom, sauna and cold plunge. It was truely an experience to rememeber. I cant wait and really hope to be able to go back.

Unforgetable Dinner

After removing all the stress and toxins from our bodies we returned home and got ready for our dinner. This was our trips most expensive dinner and I am so glad we enjoyed the onsen before this. 7 courses of absolute bliss, each meal a stark contrast from the last. I have to say, worth every penny.

As you can maybe tell from the photos, we had our own private room which was nice. Our entire area was traditional Japanese decore; I digress but the walls seem to be made out of a type of mud, quite interesting and actually quite beautiful. I do regret getting a translator but ehh, the rest of the experience was so good I ant really complain.

I dont think I'll ever forget the end of the dinner though. The cheff came in afterwards, signed our menu took a picture with us and then after walked us out. He brought us to our elevator, slected the floor for us, and then bowed at a 90 degree angle untill our elevator doors were closed. Truly a sight that shocked everyone in the group. I didnt know what to say.

Go to this place, its worth it if you have the time/money and enjoy luxury.