If you can set aside just a few hours of your day and want to be transported to a state of ultimate calm, I highly recommend visiting the inner city oasis of
Ofuroya. Your soul will thank you for it.
Ofuroya is located in Collingwood and was the first traditional Japanese bath house to be opened in Australia. It’s a simple, peaceful place and the staff are 100% professional. It’s almost like taking a step back in time as the folks at Ofuroya have created an authentic Japanese environment to help visitors fully appreciate the experience.
Yes, you do have to strip naked! It’s all part of the tradition, so let go of any awkwardness and be liberated. Rest assured knowing that the baths, although communal, are segregated by gender so you won’t bump into that cute guy from the video shop to witness you whilst in all your natural glory.
Most Australians are not familiar with the bath house experience. It is a long-standing tradition in Japan, stemming from the days when people bathed together in the hot springs, and then later in public bath houses. The water is heated to around 40 degrees Celsius and you simply soak away the stresses of life in a beautiful and tranquil environment.
Here are some pictures directly from Ofuroya:
Japanese Theme
Japanese Bath
Tatami Lounge
Shiatsu Treatment
Ofuroya’s website provides a detailed explanation of
how to take a Japanese bathand what to expect so there’s no need to feel nervous or apprehensive. Any other questions you may have are probably answered on their
Frequently Asked Questionspage.
After your glorious bath, wrap yourself up into the kimono style robe provided and relax in the
tatami lounge. Enjoy a cup of green tea, or if you’d like something stronger, beer and sake are also available. Enhance your bliss and book a
shiatsu treatmentwhich is the perfect conclusion to the Japanese Bath House experience. You will leave Ofuroya feeling completely relaxed and rejuvenated and ready to take on the world!
