Monster Work & Sauna

Located beneath the bustling streets of Kichijoji, Monster is a sauna powerhouse. This is one of those places where you need to register through Line, which can be mildly annoying but makes returning incredibly smooth. Once you’ve checked in, slip through the heavy theatre drapes, put your shoes in a plastic bag and choose an open locker. Aside from towels, take a robe or poncho with you, as both the meditation area and the communication area require you to be clothed. Your locker number corresponds to the towel hooks, so keep that in mind.

The sauna cabin is massive, with amphitheatre-style steps that get devilishly hot the higher you climb. Every twenty minutes, they perform what they call a Niagara löyly, where water automatically cascades over the enormous stove. After your cold plunge, throw on your robe and head to the dungeon-like meditation area to unwind on their reclining seats.

Monster is known for hosting an eclectic array of events: jazz saunas, extreme-heat sessions, and days when renowned sauna masters drop in to showcase their unique aufguss styles. Be sure to check their calendar before visiting so you know what you’re signing up for.