Saltasia Entrance

I had a chance to try out a Salt Studio, “Saltasia”, in Omotesando this past weekend.　The studio is located right next to Omotesando Hills in the basement of Ralph Lauren building. If you have lived in Japan for new years, you may know this, but a few years ago “Ganban-yoku” (Bedrock Bath) became very popular as a way of detoxification. A downside to “Ganban-yoku” is its sanitation, especially considering Japanese are very concerned about the cleanliness of the place (this could possibly refer to a mild obsessive compulsive disorder), but “Saltasia” provides a room covered with salt, which means it is clean. It is kind of like a sauna where the room is maintained at the best temperature and humidity.

In Shintoism, Salt is used to purify object and space. For example, Sumo wrestlers throw salt before fighting on the stage, and Japanese mount salt on a small plate to place at a corner of a room (home or restaurants). Some old Japanese person might throw handful of salt outside of the door after uninvited guests leave to purify the house. Similar things maybe found in other cultures; however, it is very obvious that salt plays a very important role in Japanese culture and beliefs.

Salt`s ability to purify is not only a belief but also seems to be chemically supported. Recently I watched a TV show which proved the speed of bacteria multiplying in a rice ball made by hands differ with use of salt. When salt is used, the rice goes bad relatively slower than when salt is not used at all. This also relates with many people who use bath salts around the world to purify their bodies. Israel’s Dead Sea salt is the most famous bath salt, more information about bath salt can be found on Wikipedia.

What is interesting about “Saltasia” is that it is not only a space that is covered with salt, but it is a place for total relaxation with light and sound. It is almost like a futuristic clinic for body and mind. A lot of Japanese women seem to suffer from their decrease in body temperature which maybe a cause for headache, sore body and weight gain. All of this can be prevented by maintaining body temperature at a certain level by warming up their body for a better metabolism. They also have a yoga class as an extra option. Most of all, stress is the ultimate cause for any sickness, so this maybe a great way for Japanese working women to have their own space to relax and to strengthen inner beauty.

Currently they are giving tryout period for new comers only for 2,500 yen (normally it costs 5,000 yen as a member). If you live in Tokyo, this maybe a great get away for the weekend without having to travel so far away.

-Haruna