How to spend a pampering day at the 22-hour Spa LaQua in Tokyo Dome City

Once you exit the elevators to the spa reception, you’ll need to take your shoes off and store them in a foot locker before you head over to the front desk. The staff will then guide you through the various admission packages.

The base fee for adults is ¥3,230, while the cost is ¥2,640 for children aged six to 17. This base fee provides access to the spa's hot spring facilities, including open-air baths with mineral-rich waters sourced from 1,700 metres underground.

After selecting your preferred package, you can head to the changing rooms, where you'll be given a set of towels and comfortable loungewear, which is for use in the dining areas and other co-ed zones of Spa Laqua. Additionally, you'll receive a locker key wristband. Not only does it securely store your belongings in an assigned locker, but it also serves as a digital wallet during your stay at Spa Laqua. You can conveniently use it to pay for drinks or meals at the spa's dining areas, eliminating the need to carry cash or cards around.

If you’re a fan of saunas, you may want to consider access to the Healing Baden Zone. For an additional fee of ¥1,100, you can indulge in this section, which boasts a number of low-temperature saunas set between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius, constructed from materials such as rock salt and germanium, each providing a unique therapeutic experience.

As these saunas are co-ed, you’ll have to wear the loungewear, but don’t worry about sweating through the clothes – that’s what they’re there for. If you’re going to use the saunas, you’ll be given a second set of clean loungewear that you can change into for relaxing in the dining areas. 

The Healing Baden also includes a new outdoor footbath and bar area, which was added during the facility's most recent renovations. Here, you can dip your toes in a foot pool, or sit on comfy lounge chairs on an open-air terrace with a cocktail in hand as you look out over Tokyo Dome. Do note that this section is not available for visitors under 18 years of age.

For guests seeking a heightened level of relaxation and pampering, Spa Laqua offers a range of supplementary spa treatments that can be booked in addition to your admission fee. Experience the revitalising effects of a traditional Korean body scrub or surrender to tranquillity with aromatherapy massages that harmonise your body and mind.

For a unique sensation, consider the Vichy shower treatments, where warm water and massage combine for profound relaxation. Beauty-oriented guests can indulge in high-quality facials and pedicures for comprehensive self-care. While Spa Laqua welcomes walk-ins, it is advisable to book treatments in advance, especially on busy days, to ensure you secure your preferred time slot. 

Across the 5th, 7th, and 9th floors of Spa Laqua, you'll find an array of eateries and drink stands designed to cater to every craving. Restaurant options range from Yoshinoya Dining (not to be confused with the gyudon fast food chain Yoshinoya), which serves a variety of traditional Japanese meals like sashimi teishoku sets and shabu shabu hot pot, to Nha Vietnam, where you can tuck into banh mi sandwiches and bowls of pho.

In addition to these dining spots, Spa Laqua offers casual drink stands across the facility. Refresh yourself after a hot spring session with a smoothie, or feel the vacation vibes with a tropical mojito.

With such a wide variety of food and drink options, coupled with the spa's extensive wellness facilities, spending an entire day hopping between saunas, hot springs and eateries is not just possible but highly recommended.

Finally, when it's time to depart from this oasis, you'll go back to the front desk to return your locker key. The staff will scan your wristband, adding up any purchases you made throughout your visit. This allows you to settle your entire bill in one go at the end of your spa day.

Spa Laqua is open from 11am to 9am daily. To find out more, visit the website or call the spa at 03 3817 4173. Laqua Bldg 6F, 1-1-1 Kasuga, Bunkyo (one minute from Korakuen Station on foot).