2021 NO.31
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Taking a Little Break, Japan-Style
Napping in the Big City
Tokyo may be one of the busiest cities in the world—but did you know there are plenty of places where you can lie down for an afternoon nap or even just to relax? Read on to discover some unexpected locations to get a bit of rest during or after a day of fun and sightseeing.
A Bookstore-Like Hostel
Japan is home to many manga kissa cafes, cafes where customers can relax while freely reading a manga, but some special hostels are the latest to take the concept a step further. These hostels feature spaces for readers to stretch all the way out while enjoying their favorite manga. Book a room for the night, or even just an hour during the day. You’ll find a wide range of not just manga, but magazines and books, as well.
Pages from manga series hang from the ceiling at Book and Bed Tokyo Shinjuku. Beds are nestled among the bookshelves.
Photo: Kurihara Osamu
Lying Under the Stars Indoors
This state-of-the-art optical planetarium is fitted with mats and cushions along with regular seats. It’s a wonderful place to lie back and enjoy the starry skies. Some viewings are even accompanied by music and aromatherapy to relax and refresh the body and soul.
The cutting-edge equipment at Konica Minolta Planetarium Manten projects some 400,000 stars overhead.
Relaxing Spa Facilities
Public bathhouses provide everything you need to truly relax, from different types of hot-water baths designed to relieve fatigue, to saunas, bedrock baths, and even meals. Feel free to stretch out for a nap after a bath, as well.
Ryugoku Yuya Edoyu, located in an area associated with the renowned ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai, features his famous Mt. Fuji on one of its walls.
Unwind in an Urban Forest
Tokyo may be a metropolis, but the city actually possesses many lush parks. One of these natural havens is Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, which first opened over 100 years ago. On a sunny day, the park is a perfect place to lie back on the grass and do some cloud watching.
Skyscrapers peek out from behind the trees at Shinjuku Gyoen.
Photo: Kurihara Osamu