David relaxing in a Japanese bath.
David hits the steam room.
Now, that looks too divine.
A Japanese bath is different from any other. It is a performance, a ritual … and there are steps to take to ensure you enjoy the whole cleansing, calming experience.
Hiromi Masuoka has lived in Melbourne for many years and always missed the enjoyment of a traditional Japanese bath. To fix that, she opened her own bath house and it has met with a very positive response.
Men and women bathe separately, but the procedure is the same for both.
Once there, you remove your shoes and receive a kit made up of towels, scrubbing flannel and robe. You first go to the wash room, sit on a stool and proceed to wash and soap yourself. Once you've rinsed off, you are ready for the real bath.
It is hot — around 40ºC. The water is extremely clean and non-chemical. Most people like to soak for about 15 minutes before entering the sauna. You then take a cold shower and maybe return to the hot bath.
After bathing, people love to snuggle into their robes and enjoy some sake or green tea in the Tatami Lounge — or for complete indulgence, enjoy a shiatsu massage, which is guaranteed to make you feel fantastic.
Location
Collingwood, in Melbourne's inner-city.
Cost
Japanese Bath House$22 for a bath. Shiatsu massages start at $38.50. Open from Tuesday to Sunday.
Please note prices are valid at time of transmission.
More information
Japanese Bath Housewww.japanesebathhouse.com59 Cromwell Street, Collingwood
Ph: (03) 9419 0268
Qantas: 13 1313
Best Western: 13 1779
Website:
www.bestwestern.com.au
