LaQua

There are two types of bathhouses in Japan. Onsen are filled with natural volcanic spring water that is known to have rich and healing mineral content. Sento use heated tap water and add minerals and infusions. Most bathhouses offer more than just a heated bath — they have a sauna, bedrock sauna, outdoor spring, electric baths, and of course, massages.
When we got to Spa LaQua, located on the 5^th-​9^th floors of the mall, 20 minutes before they were opened, we saw the long line. Were people waiting in line for a meet and greet with a celebrity?! Nope, people in Japan just take bath houses seriously.
After we were ushered into the elevators in a timely fashion, we went to the front desk to get a locker key and bracelet. The bracelet allowed us to pay for services inside the spa so we didn’t have to worry about carrying cash or credit cards around. So convenient! We also got to pick up a change of clothes to wear for the relaxation floor. Otherwise, everyone was just naked. A big naked party…
A few rules to follow at an onsen:
1. Rinse or wash off before you go into the water
2. Don’t take pictures
3. Use the towel they provide you for modesty (but honestly, most of the women just walked around confidently)
4. Place the towel on your head when you’re in the water– Stephanie S. and I copied a lot of the girls that tied it as a headband!
5. Don’t chat loudly
6. Cover up your tattoos! (Tattoos are uncommon and often indicate gangster ties, so that is a big no no.)
Spa LaQua is one of the spas in Tokyo that takes advantage of natural hot springs from 1,700 meters underground. If you stay late, you can even get a great view of the Tokyo Dome.
Spa LaQua is apparently a little on the pricier side, at 2,634 yen (~$ 23) plus an extra charge for weekend/​holidays of 324 yen (~$ 3), but the facilities were all so high end! What’s nice is that you can stay at the onsen for as long as you want… you can even stay overnight until 6am for an extra charge of 1,944 yen (~$ 17). What a steal!
In the relaxing room, you can sit or lay down on their chairs to watch TV or read magazines. And you get full service if you want to eat or drink too! Steph took a nap for a little bit, and then we went to soak and sit in the sauna before heading out since we were getting hungry.

First time at a Japanese Onsen although this massive spa may not be a typical experience.
A few things I wish I knew before we went today:
Let’s start with location… It’s not in the giant dome as the Unilocal map leads you to believe. It’s on the 6−8^th floors above the mall where the roller coaster is.
1. They provide shorts and a t-​shirt if you spend the extra 560 yen for the upper floor shared saunas and lounging areas. So don’t bring bathing suits.
2. Turns out the cold pools in the top floor that look so inviting are just a decoration. I made it in up to my knees before staff frantically ran over to interrupt my planned cannon ball.
3. Not so sure the shared saunas are worth the extra price. There’s not much going on up there, but it’s a good place for a nap.
4. The hot springs are awesome and you are bare ass naked for the entire experience. Rather liberating for us North Americans. The 41 degree pool was my favorite.
5. When they say no tattoos they mean it. Even that cute little butterfly that you think is so hidden ain’t gonna fly here.
6. That shaking thundery feeling every so often isn’t another earthquake… It’s the roller coaster outside.
7. Leave your phone and cash in the locker provided. They give you a handy bracelet fob that locks up your belongings safe and sound. You can buy things once inside with a quick swipe of your wrist.
Well worth the visit overall, especially on a dreary cold winter day.