My Mokuyoku Experience in Tokyo – A Deep Warmth You Can Only Feel in Japan

Inside En Mokuyoku, Where Fermentation Heals the Body from Within

In my last newsletter, I shared about the culture and science behind mokuyoku — Japan’s unique fermented wood bath that uses the power of natural fermentation to warm your body from within.

Today, I want to share my actual mokuyoku experience at En Tokyo, a place you can easily visit during your next trip to Japan. (If you haven’t read my previous post about the history and meaning of mokuyoku, I recommend checking it out first!)

When I entered the facility, I was immediately surrounded by the gentle scent of hinoki wood — a warm, calming aroma that reminded me of a forest after rain.

Before the session began, I had a short counseling session with the staff, where they explained the process and asked about my condition that day. Then, they gave me a special enzyme paste to prepare my body for the experience.

It was made from carefully selected wildflowers, fresh fruits, and vegetables that had been fermented and aged for over a year. The paste was slightly tangy and naturally sweet. Enzymes are proteins that help break down food and support digestion — in Japanese, this concept of “shoku” (nutrition through natural enzymes) is also believed to help maintain health and beautiful skin.

After that, I received a cute amenity bag with a towel, paper clothes, and other small items for after the bath.

Once I changed into the paper outfit, I stepped into the mokuyoku room — and that’s when the real surprise began.