Last night, I stumbled upon the concept of crying rooms at a hotel in Tokyo, and it truly captivated me. Initially, I thought it was a bit absurd, but as I reflected on it, I recognized how beneficial such a space could have been during challenging moments in my life.
The Mitsui Garden Yotsuya hotel has launched 12 crying rooms, exclusively for women—which I find both unfair and a questionable business decision. These rooms are designed for comfort, offering soft sheets, tissues that feel like cashmere, warm eye masks, make-up remover, and a selection of emotionally charged films specifically curated to evoke tears. Count me in!
A few years back, my mother faced a devastating diagnosis of aggressive endometrial cancer. Over the course of nine months, I watched her health decline until we had to say goodbye. Living far away made it tough to visit, but I made the effort as best as I could while balancing my own family needs and job obligations. The year was filled with emotional turmoil, and naturally, it only became harder after her passing.
During that difficult time, finding a private space to grieve was a challenge. I often had to sneak in moments of sorrow—whether it was crying in my office with the door shut, silently shedding tears on the train while gazing out the window, or letting it all out in the shower where I thought no one could hear me.
As a mom of small children, I didn’t want to burden them with the raw pain of my grief. My husband tried to be supportive, but he simply wasn’t equipped to handle the depth of my emotions. I craved a sanctuary where I could truly let go of my sadness. A crying room, complete with cozy sheets, plush tissues, warm eye masks, and tear-jerking films would have been absolutely perfect. He would have gladly taken care of the kids for an evening while I indulged in such a self-care retreat. Traveling all the way to Tokyo might be a stretch, but I’d absolutely consider a local option for around $85. Honestly, I might still do it now! Just one condition: I’d want to choose the films myself. Forrest Gump? No thanks!
Here are a few alternatives I’d select:
- Terms of Endearment
- Longtime Companion
- Ordinary People
- E.T.
- Life Is Beautiful
- 12 Years a Slave
- And basically the entire series of Parenthood.
So yes, I am all in for the crying room experience; it sounds wonderful.
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In summary, the introduction of crying rooms in a Tokyo hotel could provide an invaluable service for those seeking a private space to process their emotions. While the exclusivity to women may raise eyebrows, the concept itself is intriguing and could serve as a sanctuary for many.