Ryusenji no yu Spa Metsä 竜泉寺の湯 スパメッツァ

Nordic-themed onsen

This onsen, brand new as of April 2022, is quite different from your usual onsen experience. You enter the nondescript lobby on the first floor and take the elevator to the second-floor reception which is in a cavernous and bright hall. The admission is entirely automated - your shoe box key has an IC wrist band which you use for admission at the turnstile gate and all concessions. The baths are lovely with natural chloride hot spring water, carbonated baths, jet baths and cool pools. The design makes use of LED lights in the floor of the large bath to mimic fireflies. There are lots of spots to cool down with loungers and chairs. Because the building is surrounded by tall towers, the "outdoor" bath is in fact indoors with a glass ceiling with louvers, so you won't get to sunbathe or feel the fresh air here. It's also got one of the largest saunas in the region. I opted for the salt sauna for exfoliation. The novelty of the onsen makes it worth a visit. However, its price point is a lot higher than other onsens in the area. The ganbanyoku and lounges with a library, kanchaku pants and top rental, and an organic juice bar require a separate admission of Y800. To get the best value for all the features, I'd say reserve a lot of time for this spa.