Spa World – hot-spring baths in Shinsekai

Spa World is one of the most famous and original hot-spring complexes in Japan, located right in the Shinsekai district. Its concept is unique: instead of offering baths of Japanese aesthetics, Spa World transports visitors to different cultures of the world through two large themed zones spread over several floors. The European Zone (4th floor) recreates Roman baths with columns and mosaics, a jacuzzi with a replica of the Trevi Fountain and a Spanish-style outdoor bath; the Asian Zone (6th floor) includes Islamic, Persian and mountain-Japanese baths and a mud bath. Both zones are assigned to a different gender each month: in odd months women use the European zone and men the Asian, and the following month they switch. The complex is open practically 24 hours (from 10:00 to 8:45 the next day). The weekday admission price is around 1.200 yen for adults and 1.500 yen at weekends and holidays. To get there, take the subway to Dobutsuen-mae (Midosuji and Sakaisuji lines); Spa World is a one-minute walk away.