La Qua Spa

The La Qua Spa is a part of the Tokyo Dome City complex, which includes an amusement park, numerous attractions, and the Tokyo Dome Hotel.  The La Qua Spa’s waters come from 1,700 meters(about 5,600 feet)below from its source-the Koishikawa hot springs.  The waters were nice, the Jacuzzi was great, the rotem buro was just right.  The sauna however, was too hot and I was unable to enjoy it.  The waters are sodium chloride-effective for poor circulation, neuralgia, and shoulder pain, and highly effective for skin care due to moisturizing and thermal properties. 

Since we had gone on a weekend, and being our first time, the complex was extremely crowded, and it was difficult to make our way around the complex.  The entrance to La Qua Spa was odd to say the least and confusing.  There appeared to be only one elevator that you needed to get on to access the spa.  It was not the closest elevator to the entrance from the train station, but further in the back of a shopping complex.  And the access was only from the second floor and only from one elevator out of a bank of three elevators.  Because of only one elevator to the onsen bath, the elevator was always crowded.  Better signage would have helped to lessen our confusion.

My impression of the entrance to the spa was like I was at a crowded train station trying to buy a ticket, or at a cattle crossing.  Once past the registration area and once inside the spa I observed massage tables, a large bath, Jacuzzi, sauna, healing room, and the rotem buro, or outside bath.  Refreshments were available downstairs, down a long stairway.  I’m sure there was an elevator, but I wasn’t able to find it.  This hot spring review: Make it one of the places to visit in Japan.

Rates:  2,565 Yen, plus an extra charge of 315 Yen for weekends and holidays.  Late night check ins were 1,890 Yen, and an extra 525 Yen for using the Healing Baden (healing rooms).

Access from Shinjuku station.  Take the Marunouchi subway line to Ikebukuro and continue on to Korakuen station, where you exit.  La Qua is directly across the street.  La Qua is open from 11:00AM to 9AM(next day).
For more information and photos please click here.  http://traveljapan-us.com.