At this point, mineral hot springs and jacuzzi tubs are nothing special. You can find them throughout the United States, Canada, and just about anywhere else that tourists can be willingly conjured into paying exorbitant prices to bathe in natural waters that emanate from the earth below. The Japanese, already masters of serene spa experiences, have upped the ante. Now, you can soak in coffee, wine, green tea, or even ramen broth — all in the name of taking a load off and recharging.
Photo: 箱根小涌園ユネッサン/Facebook
You Can Soak in Ramen Broth at This Japanese Spa
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Less than an hour and a half from Tokyo’s central train station, the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun Spa and Resort uses the therapeutic and healing properties of substances more commonly found in a kettle or mug to help you decompress. All you have to do is travel to the town of Hakone, just outside of Tokyo. According to the resort’s descriptions of each, there is ample evidence to prove the benefits of these baths. While the wine and coffee baths are year-round offerings, the ramen bath is part of a series of special events that the resort puts on, which have also included other novelty baths like chocolate, sake, and Champagne.
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If you’re feeling extra brave, you can even have a school of fish clean the dead skin from your feet in by signing up for a famed fish pedicure. Of course, the resort offers basic spa options, as well, including open-air scenic baths and private tubs for individuals and couples. You can relax over views of the volcanic Hakone crater and the surrounding mountains, surrounded by meditative Japanese-style gardens.
If none of this sounds appealing, take your experience back to the basics by riding the warm-water water slide or going for a swim in the larger pool. Depending on your level of comfort, there are both clothed and disrobed areas (though beware no one with visible tattoos of any size is allowed in the pools). Entrance to the no-clothed area costs 1,900 yen (about $17) while the full spa experience will run you 4,100 yen (about $38). 
H/T: Travel and Leisure