My hubby and I have loved Gambanyoku (Hot Stone Spa) since we started dating in Kobe. We often make use of the nation-wide day spa brand called “Olive Spa.” Most spas that offer Gambanyoku have a separate female and male section. So we book a private room so we can go together.
The staff give you some tea or water and then you’re shown to your room with a shower with robes. Then you are left alone to use the shower and gambanyoku room. The room is like a sauna but with stone “beds” on the floor. It’s believed to be good for the skin, circulation and a form of detox. I love it so much but I’m a cold-blooded person. My husband is Scottish and occassionally needs to leave the room for a break and then come back. If you don’t like saunas or being really warm it may not be your thing. But my skin feels so good and body so relaxed afterwards – which is why I recommend.
Prices are approximately 4000 yen per person for 60 minutes or 5000 yen for 80 minutes.
Olive Spa branches are open all over Tokyo. Note: the Hiroo, Akasaka and Ueno branches don’t have Gambanyoku facilities.
WEBSITE (Japanese only)
*My favourites are the branches in Nishi-Azabu & Azabu-Juban.
