YOQ

Boasting a botanical ambiance and thoughtful design, YOQ is the new underdog sauna in Yoyogi-Uehara. Despite being a smaller facility, the experience is as smooth as it gets. The sauna cabin is intentionally dark, creating a pleasant environment where you can focus on the soft glow of the kiuas, or sauna stove. Through the small window, you have a clear view of the shower stalls and individual cold plunges, so there’s never an awkward moment of having to queue.

The staff emphasises the importance of thoroughly wiping down your body before heading to the reclining chairs. If you go during the daytime, you can bask in the sunlight that pours in through the frosted windows. On your way out, stop by the bar beside the front desk for a cool glass of refreshing Oropo – a drink made by mixing Oronamin C and Pocari Sweat – or choose from a selection of craft gins, whiskies and more.

Whether it’s the extra-refreshing lemon water, the high-quality shampoos or the esoteric ambient music, with each visit to YOQ you’ll find a new detail to appreciate.