Everything we do--from the gardens to the woodwork, from the therapies to the therapists--has been constantly and thoughtfully refined over the last 35 years. We pride ourselves on being 'real'. We offer a unique 'Japanese-adobe' esthetic, combining the traditional with state-of-the-art technology. Our humble beginning was a small bathhouse, eight outdoor hot tubs, and one massage room back in 1981. The emphasis then, as it is now, was on the salutary effects of hot water in the Japanese tradition. Historically Americans have always treated spas as a place to get something done, be it to lose weight, stop smoking, or cure TB. In the European Kur tradition, spas are places to go if you're sick; you often need a prescription. The Scandinavians use their spas to get warm. The Japanese, however, go to their traditional spas--onsen and sento--to have a good time (often in a beautiful place), and that's what we relate to at Ten Thousand Waves. The Japanese bath tradition is mostly about winding down from the day, meeting friends, taking time off with the family, and relaxing. The other health benefits are bonuses. All our massages, spa treatments, and skin care regimens are designed to complement that amazing feeling of release that occurs when we settle into a big pool of hot water. Everything is provided at a traditional Japanese inn--including amazing food and lodging. Our beautiful izanami restaurant serves izakaya-style small plates with exceptional sake in a casual atmosphere. Thirteen lodging rooms, each one unique, complete the sense of remove from the real world. As in Japan, wearing yukata (casual kimono) around the property and to the restaurant is part of the experience. Often guests store their street clothes when they arrive, and never put them on again until they leave days later.