Originally Posted by
LapLap
Does anyone know if LaQua qualifies as an Onsen?
I believe LaQua qualifies. It's also not a bad spa for those days when you really don't have time to leave town - quite tasteful and the masseurs are pretty good IME. The upper floor which has some mixed-sex saunas and relaxation areas (everyone wearing pyjamas) is very nice for couples who want to hold hands in a sauna.
I understand the modern spa in Roppongi is more upscale. And the one on O-Daiba (Oedo Monogatari) is more theme-park-ish. And don't forget the modern spa at Toshima-en. Lots of these modern places are opening up - just as the traditional sento close down...
My favourite onsen in Tokyo is "Moegi no Yu":
http://www.okutamas.co.jp/moegi/index_mo.html
Well... it's officially in greater Tokyo (not central Tokyo) and it takes almost two hours to get there from Shinjuku. It is surrounded by tree-covered mountains and it's a great place to soak after hiking in the hills on the Western edge of Tokyo.