Asha Urban Baths

The Japanese bathing culture can be traced back to the Buddhist temples in India, from where it spread to China and finally to Japan.  I was 21-years old when I first visited a bath house in Japan. I spent a summer there.  I had my  first experiencethere soaking in a hot bathand then taking a plunge in cold water. Only to fall asleep on a massage chair for the most heavenly nap ever . Yes I remember it like yesterday at what they callan (onsen) near Tokyo. Fast forward to the fall of 2017, I've discovered a little bit of Japan in Sacramento, California.

Asha Urban Baths is located on 27th street near Broadway in the Capital city of California. So, the place offers all kinds of packages for a reasonable price. Get this,  the drop in rate is25 dollars. For 25 bucks you can steam, sauna, soak and lounge all day at Asha Urban Baths. If you're like me, all day isnormally not an option.  So three hours offers some amazing down time. When you first walk in the place, you are given a key to a locker. Then told to silence your cell phone, put away all your electronicsand leave it there. Those things are NOT allowed in the sauna and tub area. That in and of itself is impressive. I walked in Asha Urban baths with a ton of stuff on my mind. I showered then took the first plunge in a hot bath, then jumped into the cold bath, gavea scream , showered, then hopped in the steam room then the dry sauna. Only to repeat that routine 2 more timesbefore resting in a chair with a book in hand. I journaled, prayed , meditated and even planned my next yoga class.   It was really a wonderful experience. The service was great. Someone from the staff is constantly cleaning water and making sure thereare enough towels and plenty of lemon water. It's so important to stay hydrated because you are going to sweat in the sauna and steam room. Oh and if you are worried that this bath house may offer more than just baths. Not to worry. While it is co-ed., guests wear swimwear. You can go with your significant other but they warn against heavy touching and making out. Its not for that. It's all about meditation, finding some zen and just checking out from this crazy world. I highly recommend Asha Urban Baths. There is a yoga studio in the rear part of the property, you can book massages along with your soak and lounge. If you just want to take a few hours to rest and reset your life, this little gem in the heart of Sactown offers just the atmosphere.  Subway tile,  exposed brick, cool lighting,  showers and yummy shower gelsmake it all worth it. Asha Urban BathsDay Spa can be reached at 916-837-3290.  Their sloganon their brochure is Slow Down. Live Well. Enjoy Life.  I say yes, yes and yes again!