Tokyo's luxury saunas offer COVID-stressed populace a warm haven

Hot bath buffs splurge on safety and comfort amid pandemic fears

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An art collective called teamLab offers a combined sauna and exhibition experience costing up to $52 for 100 minutes. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

HARUKI KITAGAWA, MUNEMASA HORIO and KAZUYA HIRUTA, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- As the COVID-19 state of emergency drags on in Tokyo, Osaka and other prefectures, luxury saunas are attracting devoted lovers of the soothing baths seeking a brief respite from pandemic-related stress.

"I want to go to a sauna, but I'm also worried about getting infected with COVID-19," said a Tokyo resident in his 40s.

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