I’m still exhausted from yesterday’s effort so it’s an easy day today. I catch a train to the Tokyo Skytree Centre. The Skytree is very new and is a tall tower structure that performs mainly as a communication tower but has resturaunts and shops associated. It’s an impressive bit of engineering and lights up beautifully at night.
Public baths are popular way of life for stressed city living and they are common throughout Japan. I’m tired and sore so I thought I’d give it a go. They are called ensens. The one I visit is entirely indoors, in fact several floors up in a highrise that is also part of a theme park and hotel. A visit cost about $20, which gives you access for as long as you like. The sexes are separated and you basically strip off and enjoy a variety of different warm-water baths. No discretion required. You can wander from one spa to another or a sauna to a steam room. Massage is extra. You can bath as well with shavers, soaps and shampoos provided. If you want a break you can dress in loose clothing provided and have a beer or food before going back for another go. Apparently age is no limit. School boys mix it with octonarians. What a great idea. You feel wiped out at the end. Then I have to battle the subway to get back to my hotel.
angusmccoll 