On the second floor of the popular udon restaurant Tsurutontan Roppongi (http://www.tsurutontan.co.jp/roppongi/) lies a curious space: a hinoki cypress bath beside a tatami room — or rather, a tatami room beside the bath.
About 15 minutes by taxi from Palaceside Building, on Gaien-Higashi-dori near the Roppongi crossing. Lines form on the first floor; the second-floor private room "Rakuseian" is the talk of the town. Hinoki bath, tea room beyond, then tatami — one room where three might fit.
Wasteful space, utterly puzzling — cars rush past the window; the building opposite has a full view (though screens exist).
Towels and yukata stand ready. "Do guests actually bathe?" I asked — "A few, including a male singer," came the reply. For entertaining clients, the first 15 minutes could be bath talk. Used for TV variety and talk shows too. Truly a mysterious space.