Review: Thermae-Yu

What’s the vibe here?You can't come to Japan without visiting a traditional onsen, also called a sento, a hot springs open bath open to the public. Located in Shinjuku and open 24 hours a day, Thermae-Yu has both indoor and outdoor baths. A super-central location makes it always pretty busy, but with countess types of baths and spa experiences, the space never feels too crowded.

How are the space, and facilities?The bathing experience at a Japanese onsen is a personal experience—there isn’t a therapist. The space itself is wonderful, with a huge choice of spa experiences, ranging from a highly carbonated bath to an outdoor stone bath where you lie down. Then there’s the steam room, with vats of clay and salts.

And, what's it like after treatments?The dressing rooms are dreamy; the space feels like a beauty parlor, with rows of exquisite Japanese skin creams that you can lather over yourself after a long bathing session.

Bottom line?After a few hours at Thermae-Yu, your skin still feels soft and supple; the cold-water bath will make you feel invigorated. Note that visitors with tattoos aren't allowed and, as is customary for onsens, bathing is nude.