My “Bathhouse Experience”

[Caution – This is a looooong post as I go into a bunch of details. So, you may want to come back here a few times to read more. You have been warned.]

[Also, I started to write this on Thursday, July 6. 2023. It’s already past midnight and I haven’t quite finished yet, and will do so tomorrow. Don’t worry though – once this is posted, it really is all done. I’m including this to give you some indication of just how long post is.]

The Background

As I’ve made no effort to hide, I am a fan of anime (just see some of the relevant posts here). One of the genres I enjoy is “rom-com”, aka romantic comedy. Certainly recently, one of the staples of these series is what I can only think of as the “hot springs inn” or “bathhouse” episode. The trope seems to be that the (male) main character wins a prize (for some reason) for a weekend trip for two to a nearby inn with baths fed by some sort of hot spring, or similarly, to a bathhouse.

Of course, his love interest (to whom he may not yet have revealed she is his love interest) is involved in this – either by overhearing about it and wanting to come also, or she was instrumental in his receiving this prize.

“Hilarity and Hijinks Ensue”, as they say.

Once this happens, there’s the realization that claiming and using the prize will involve them going to this place together and, potential, even sleeping in the same room. (At times, this may be more than one potential love interest and, miraculously, there are sufficient slots / tickets / whatever’s for the entire potential harem.) [Alternately, the most recent season (S2) of the anime Tonikawa, just went full-tilt and destroyed the apartment building of the main pair (who are already married, but … it’s a long story) and they were lucky enough to find a temporary residence in a small house behind a regular public Japanese bathhouse.]

Aside from the (above-discussed) potential humor involved, I’ve always also been a bit fascinated by a true Japanese bathhouse.

Basically, you have a separate shower area where you wash and then there are large (like – gigantically so) baths for soaking. (Think … small pool-sized … or potentially big enough to fit 10-15 (or even more) people comfortably, and without anyone needing to sit on anyone else’s lap.)

The Personal Dream and Desire

A little shy of a decade ago, and I won’t get into the details here and now, I became the “lucky” recipient of a spinal-cord injury. While I am still able to stand and walk, it’s seriously messed up other parts of my lower nervous system and played havoc with a lot of leg muscles. Suffice it to say my legs and feet are almost continuously uncomfortable at the very least. [Also, as a side note – when I’m out of the house, I use a cane for balance and support. At home, I’m fine without it, but outside, I prefer it as a … security measure.]

Consequently, the concept of soaking in a giant hot bath, letting the hot water soothe and relax my muscles has been particularly attractive. I’d always made a bit of an assumption that this experience would be unattainable in suburban New Jersey.

And then – a couple of weeks ago, for no particular reason, I decided to search for bathhouses. Much to my utter astonishment, I discovered there was one … and it was reasonably affordable … and, even better, it was only about a 20 minute drive away!

I proceeded to spend a bunch of time researching on the place’s website, learning everything I could about what they had available, any add-on services, policies, etc.

[Don’t worry – I’ll provide the details of the place later (in case you’re in New Jersey and interested).]

After hemming and hawing a bit with myself about, “Do I? Don’t I?” I finally decided I really did want to – in the hope it would live up to the dream.

What The Research Showed

This is a “fully traditional” bathhouse (in what could be considered “standard” Oriental style). This means a few things:

1. No shoes inside – there is a shoe locker in the entry way; after that, bare feet only
2. The lockers and bathing areas are segregated by sex. Inside those areas, it’s not “clothing optional”; it’s “be comfortable with casual nudity”. Yep, inside there, you’re walking around in your birthday suit.
3. For all other internal areas (which are common), a “uniform” is provided – consisting of a t-shirt and shorts – which must be worn, not outside clothing.

What It Was Like

First off, since I had gotten quite “shaggy” (my hair grows quickly and is also very thick –including my mustache and beard), yesterday, I made sure to get a haircut and beard-cut. I got a short buzz-cut and had my beard also cut short (and cut back to just my usual mustache and goatee). Think … Original Star Trek Alternate Universe “Evil Spock”™.

Sort of like that, but much shorter beard and mustache … plus not the hair … or the ears … or those eyebrows. Ok, this may have just been an excuse to include Evil Spock™ from the episode “Mirror, Mirror“. What can I say? It was a good episode!

Entering

That complete, I was ready for today. I got up (admittedly a bit late) and made myself breakfast. After a side trip to fill the gas for my car, I went to the bathhouse and checked in as a walk-in. I also asked if it would be possible (as a walk-in) to get a slot for either a “Body Scrub” (exfoliating scrub to remove all dead skin everywhere) or a “Foot Reflexology Massage”. There were no slots available for the massage, but there was a slot for the scrub in about half an hour. Since they strongly suggest you soak for at least fifteen minutes before the slot (to soften all the stuff which will be removed), this timing was perfect.

While checking in, I noted that I hadn’t been there before, but I had read through all of the details on the bath house (and spa) policies and such. I did explain that I’d read all of the information on the website, so I was familiar with (and also comfortable with) everything. Also, as a side note, you need to leave some official sort of identification (specifically a “government ID” – such as a driver’s license) which is returned when you leave – in exchange for your tag and such.

After checking in, I received a bracelet with my locker number (for both the shoe and locker room lockers), as well as my uniform and a towel. I was told to make sure to let the attendant in the locker room (there is always an attendant present to assist guests) know about my body scrub appointment and for when it was scheduled.

I removed my shoes, stashed them away and, barefoot, proceeded towards the men’s locker room.

Washing and Bathing

The locker room was quite spacious with a lot of room where lockers were, as well as some toilets, a personal grooming space (area with counters and mirrors and some hairdryers, etc.) and then … the spacious bathing area beyond.

I told the attendant about my scrub appointment as well as my “newbie” status. He happily stated he could explain anything I might not be sure about. Finding my locker, I stripped and (noting the behavior of others), headed towards the bathing area, with my towel held over the… ahem … “sensitive bits”.

Cleaning

Immediately inside the bathing area there are two sections for showers. [Showering before using the baths is mandatory; afterwards is at least strongly suggested. I made sure to do both every time I did.] To one side were more typical Western style “standing” showers (several stalls with dividers as well as a wall with just free-standing shower-heads). To the other side is a small area for more traditional Oriental “seated” washing. [This basically involves sitting on a small stool, washing oneself off and then using a tub you’ve filled with water and a detachable shower-head to rinse off.]

I opted for the traditional style. The attendant suggested (if I did use that section) to first use the shower-head on its hottest setting to rinse off a stool and the tub I would use – for sterilization purposes. Let me tell you flat out – the “hottest setting” for the showers were, it felt, almost sufficient to cause third-degree burns. I mean … the hot water pipes had clearly been run through molten lava.

I cleaned the equipment and then myself (using a lowered heat setting for that purpose). That accomplished, I was confronted with a selection of three tubs. The three could be roughly described as “hottest – with herbal therapy”, “hot”, “warm with jacuzzi jets”, and “cold”. The cold tub also included what I can only describe as a “Viking waterfall challenge” with a ceiling mounted shower-head spraying down at one side of the tub.

Bathing

Deciding this was a “Go Big, or Go Home” moment, I headed for the hottest tub and carefully stepped into it.

It wasn’t cripplingly hot, but it was noticeably so. And let me tell you, it was absolutely blissful. As I sat on a ledge inside the tub, I could almost instantly feel some of my leg and back muscles begin to relax. My only discomfort was due to my own somewhat … mis-proportioned body. By this I mean I have the torso of a much taller person, while, from the waist and hips down, I’m much shorter. [This is something which has affected me multiple times and in multiple ways, by the way.]

I noticed this every time I was in one of the tubs. In general, while seated, most of the other gentlemen present would have their upper chest and shoulders above the water. For me – my belly-button was barely submerged. And, attempting to “force” myself down so the water covered me up to my shoulders always resulted in my almost beginning to “float” (very poor etiquette here).

Refusing to be dismayed overly, I bore with it and somewhat … levered … myself down, slightly off the seat, but not entirely so, allowing the rest of my upper body and shoulders to submerge. It remained blissful. After spending some 15 minutes or so in the hottest tub, I “downgraded” to try the “hot” one – pleasant, but not nearly the same experience.

Noting the time, I realized it was quite close to when my scrub appointment was, so I left the tub and went to shower to rinse off any possible residue from the tubs. I asked the attendant about the scrub (as it was still a few minutes early) and he said the “scrubber” was available then – would I like him to be told I was ready?

Absolutely!

The Scrub

When first checking in, I had joked with the person at the desk that I was sure it would be a “gentle” scrub – administered by someone who was built like Jean-Claude Van Damme. She laughed, appreciating the humor (although not telling me I was wrong).

When the time came, though, it was a nice, late-middle-aged Korean man wearing shorts (think … a friendly uncle or some such), who invited me to go to the second table in the scrubbing area (as the first was already occupied).

It was a half-hour session – with him using an exfoliating glove, some sort of scrubbing soap and regular rinsing with a small tub (as used in the traditional shower area) to dump water and get rid of anything which was no longer attached to my flesh.

I won’t go into detail except to say I think I ended that session one or two pounds lighter with all of the dead skin removed. As far as I can tell, he removed some calluses I hadn’t even realized I had. He wasn’t “rough”, but he was quite firm in scrubbing at almost every part of my body. I will say it was astonishingly refreshing.

Afterwards, I thanked him profusely. I don’t know Korean so I couldn’t use the equivalent for what I would have said of the extremely little Japanese I know – being “どうもありがとうございます” (Dōmo arigatō gozaimasu) – aka “Thank you very much”. But, that wasn’t possible here, so English had to suffice.

Post-Scrub

I know he had rinsed off whatever residue there was, but I (compulsively?) took a quick (standing) shower – since the stalls were right there, and then opted to go back to the hottest bath once again. After another five minutes or so there, I decided it was time to attempt the cold bath.

The cold one was … brisk … and invigorating. Especially with even a few seconds spent under the overhead deluge. I was now wide awake and ready to finish up and venture inwards.

I had a quick shower rinse off and then toweled dry and went back to my locker to put my “uniform” on.

The Rest of the Interior

Prepared to be in mixed company once more, I ventured forth. Beyond both locker room entrances was a sign which stated, in unequivocal terms, that anything beyond this was to be in uniform – since the women’s locker room would also be outside clothing for entry.

Nearby was a Juice Bar – serving both juice and small smoothies. Since I was feeling a bit parched, I purchased a smoothie. One interesting aspect – since you’re leaving your wallet, etc., in your locker, the bracelet tag (for your locker number, etc) is also a “charge this” item and stuff you get just gets added to the final bill for when you check-out and exit.

I sat in a lounge / relaxation space right next to the Juice Bar to finish my smoothie and then wandered around some more. There are a couple of “spa service areas” here (for massages, and face masks, etc), plus a small “sleeping room” (I didn’t enter there).

At the other end of the area there is even a small restaurant (well, more of a cafeteria area, since you order food and then carry it to a table yourself). There are also five saunas. This was to be the next thing I did.

Saunas

There are five hot saunas here, as well as an “ice room” – which, as the name implies is chilled. The saunas range in temperature from “uncomfortably warm” to “Oh, so this is what Hell feels like.” And, no, I’m not joking. The least warm of the hot saunas is, I think, 133 degrees, while the “Oh my god” one is a blistering 164 degrees. [Those are in Fahrenheit. For the metrically-inclined, the same numbers in Celsius are 56 to 73.]

I glanced inside a couple of the saunas (through a window pane in the doors) and saw everyone in these either sitting on the floor or even laying down there. Given my mobility issues, getting down to the floor – and then back up again – would be a tremendous struggle, and not one that would be in any regard “fun”.

I also noticed there were a couple of what seemed to be some small wooden block or table inside each room. I wasn’t sure if these were simply tables or could be used for sitting. Unsure about this, I went back to the front desk to ask. One of the managers told me, yes, they absolutely were stools and could be used for sitting.

First off – The Fires of Hell

Armed with this information, I went back to the sauna area. And, using much the same logic (or possible lack thereof) as I did with the baths, I headed for the “hellfire” one. I went inside and, yep, it was even worse than I had possibly imagined.

Since it was a dry sauna, my glasses didn’t fog up (no condensation or mist in the air), but it was definitely hot in there. I think I could almost smell my nostril hairs becoming singed. I perched for a bit on one of the stools.

After I sat there for a couple of minutes, I came to two interesting realizations: 1) aside from the rubber tip and a rubberized hand-grip, my entire cane is made of metal – meaning it’s all heating up to the same 164 degrees; 2) the lenses of my glasses aren’t glass – they’re a form of plastic … and I’m concerned they might begin to melt.

Toning It Down Some

With this sudden understanding, I decided it was time to exit the room. Once outside, I figured to try a lower temperature. This time, I decided to go for one which was 151 degrees (66 C). I left my cane outside, as well as my glasses. I was reasonably sure, since they hadn’t been affected by the higher temperature, they were fine, but didn’t really want to risk it.

Even this one was a bit too much, honestly. [And was still almost smelling my nostril hairs “cooking”.] So, I gave up there and knew I’d have to find something I could stand to be in for more than just a couple of minutes.

Finally Finding Something Tolerable

Ultimately, I was able to be mildly comfortable in a room which was 139 (59C). I relaxed there for about 10 minutes (I think), feeling the heat assaulting me and a lot of sweat building up under my shirt. But bear it I did – all the while also thinking about both the ice room and another round in the baths.

While the saunas are intended as “quiet spaces” (with general silence so everyone can fully relax), there is some small conversation that occurs – not only in the existing groups, but also some quiet ones. So, I joined a quiet one about how good (to a certain extent) the heat was, but also how much I was melting from it.

Time To Chill

Once I gave up there, I headed to the “Ice Room”. After the hot rooms, it was a welcome change. There was no temperature listed, but I think it was safe to say it was at least 60 (15.5 C) or maybe a little less. I’m generally comfortable at cooler temperatures, so this was fine for me and was definitely a welcome alternative.

I think I was there for, easily fifteen minutes if not more. I wasn’t “chilled”, but much more comfortable. One thing I had started to feel, though, was hungry, so I knew that was the next thing I needed to take care of.

FOOOOD!!!

Finishing up in the Ice Room, I headed over to the cafeteria. Studying what they had on the menu, I decided on an order of bulgogi. It came with a small dish of kimchi, and a bowl of white rice. [No, you don’t get a link for white rice.] It was quite good and just enough to fill me up.

With my hunger satisfied, there was one more thing I wanted to do before finally heading home.

Bathing Part II

That’s right! Back to the locker room to get a towel and get out of my spa uniform to relax and soak once more. Feeling more comfortable with the environment now, I opted to leave my glasses in my locker and temporarily “parked” my cane just outside the open doorway to the baths themselves. (In many ways, previously, my cane had been almost more of a hindrance than a help, since I needed to keep relocating it – and finding a place to lean it – with every small change of location.)

Of course, to make sure I got rid of whatever accumulated sweat I had from the saunas, I once more did the … almost ritualistic? … pre-bath shower (again using the traditional area. That part completed, there was really only one of the four tubs which held the greatest immediate appeal.

So, into the hottest tub to soak and relax.Aside from the shock effect of the colder tub, the hottest one had the most (continuing) appeal for me, so that was where I proceeded to spend most of the remaining “soaking” time there. Before I swapped off to the cold tub, I did rest a moment or two in the warm tub with jets. Unfortunately, the jets were … ahem … poorly positioned, shall I say? … and even just sitting on the seat inside the tub my family jewels were getting ever so slightly battered around. Needless to say, this significantly disrupted the otherwise pleasant experience.

The Bathing Area Saunas

I hadn’t mentioned this before (largely due to having semi-purposely ignored them previously), but there are, indeed, two saunas in the bathing area as well. There is the usual “dry” sauna (wood-paneled, with wooden benches), but there was also a “wet” sauna. Both rooms had glass walls facing into the bathing area. While the dry room was quite visible, the wet one was filled with an what was an almost visually impenetrable mist. The interior was all tile (complete with ominous warning sign that the benches were hot and a towel should be used to sit on or lay upon.

So, rather than continuing from the warm tub to the cold one, and being curious by nature, I wanted to try these saunas. After all, these would be an easier “escape” to the bathing area and either a shower or a tub for recovery. And, more to the point, I was intensely curious about what be hiding inside the mist.

The Wet Sauna

As soon as I stepped inside, I swear I could feel my eyeballs fog over! Of course, this experience was not aided by the fact that without my glasses, I could barely see. (I am exrtremely near-sighted without them and can barely focus about 12 inches (30.5 cm – again, for the metrically-inclined) in front of my face. I won’t quite say the experience is like trying to breathe underwater while being trapped in a boiling pot of water – but I only say that because, thankfully, I don’t have that particular actual experience for comparison. I’m sure there are those who would find the room immensely comfortable. I, however, am not one of them, and believe I lasted barely two minutes in there before needing to leave and find something more comfortable,

The Dry Sauna

Knowing, at least from my own past, that dry saunas can be very nice, I immediately walked the few feet to the other door and entered. And, this is when I had my first, and, thankfully, only, mishap for the entire day.

The main floor area of the dry sauna is built from wooden slats which are slightly raised above the level of the ground. Being without glasses, I could not see that there was a small step from the small space present to allow the door to swing open to the wooden slatted area. And, thus, I stubbed my toe and fell over in surprise.

Thankfully, there were two people already inside as well as the attendant stationed outside, all of whom helped me to recover, and stand up again. I was unharmed by the whole thing, and reassured the attendant (who was concerned – as is, I expect, his job responsibility). He realized I was the cane-user from earlier and grew increasingly more worried.

I explained that I had purposely left my cane outside as I was more comfortable in the interior of the baths and, truly, it was just because I couldn’t see which prevented me from realizing there was a step there – which had led me to stubbing my toe and falling. I really was uninjured and in no danger at all. Relieved, he went back to his “post” leaving me and the other two gentlemen to enjoy the sauna.

I took a seat and allowed myself to relax once more. The other two departed soon after, leaving me sitting alone, just soaking in the (comfortable) hot air and enjoying the warmth of the wood pressed against my back. I have no idea what wood is used for the interior of these types of saunas (perhaps cedar?), but the entire environment exudes this wonderful aroma which, even while possibly nostril-hair scorching, feels soothing to my lungs.

The last few remaining stresses in my body finally seemed to melt and fade away as I sat there. I would like to say I was in the middle of some sort of … contemplative meditation … but there would be untruth to that statement. If anything, I was reflecting on the day and my whole time here and realizing it all had, indeed, more than lived up to my expectations and hopes.

The Final Soak

Having spent approximately ten minutes in the sauna and realizing it was probably already getting to be much later than I could have imagined, I knew it was time to wrap things up. However, I could not just go from the sauna to take a shower then dry off, dress, and head for home. There was only one possible tub to use prior to all that.

This was, of course, the cold tub with what I had continually dubbed the “Viking waterfall”. Exiting the sauna, I made my way past the other three, left my towel just next to the cold one and stepped in. Every possible hint of tiredness or even vague sense of dreaminess immediately vanished. Honestly, I didn’t even immediately take a seat, instead, going to stand under the circular deluge and allow it to pummel my shoulders and back.

That part completed, I allowed myself to take a seat and could feel everything which had been melted through the entire day re-form and take shape as “me” once more. Another five minutes or so, and I was ready to go (not due to being overly cold; rather, just from the understanding that I was “done” and it was time to head home).

Last Steps Inside

Since I knew I was going to be leaving, I went to the standing-shower area to wash and rinse off any possible remaining anything. Then to dry myself and return to my locker to, once again, don “street clothing”. I deposited my towel and uniform in a large laundry cart positioned close to the door back to the main hallway and then headed towards the entry-way.

Once there, I retrieved my shoes to put them on and then went to the front counter to complete checking-out. Since I had purchased the scrub, as well as a smoothie and a meal while I was there, these turned into “additional charges” (hence the bracelet tags being used for all internal identification) which I cheerfully paid and headed to my car.

It was only once I was seated in my car and pulling up my phone navigation to guide me home that I fully realized. It had been just under six hours from when I arrived until being ready to start the car and leave.

Final Thoughts – And? So Where Is It?

While I did mention (towards the beginning) how this was more affordable, that is not to say this was “cheap”. Hopefully obviously the “additional charges” are where things begin to add up especially. There are drinking water sources scattered throughout the building and I saw several men in the bathing area carrying their own large Thermos filled with (presumably) cold water for maintaining hydration.

Even so, this is not something which would be feasible to do on an extremely regular basis (short of having so much available disposable income as to truly think nothing of having an extravagant “spa day” routinely). On the other hand, with a bit more personal strictness and regulation, I think I could conceive of it being a once-monthly (or so) event. This would be with absolutely no add-ons, however.

No, I won’t get into the details of what I spent. Not least of which being because you can look on the facility’s site and gain any details for yourself – as well as seeing whatever might appeal to you, personally.

The Name!!! What Is The Name?

If you’ve truly made it this far, you must have really been interested (enthralled? enticed?) by my description of the experience. The facility is the Island Spa & Sauna, located in Edison, NJ. If you are in the Central New Jersey area, or are visiting, and are comfortable with the casual nudity of the bathing areas, you may want to contemplate a visit.

Nope – I’m not affiliated with them at all and gain absolutely nothing from mentioning them. I just really enjoyed my visit and wanted to share it (as well as the thoughts and such which led up to my deciding to go here).