It's a sunny Saturday afternoon, and Spa World in Osaka's Naniwa Ward is crowded with people of all ages drawn to its 16 different kinds of baths. True to its name, it's an onsen theme park with a global approach.
Scenes from 11 countries are represented at Spa World, and experiences of bathing customs around the world are recreated. In the Asia zone, for instance, the spa's hot water is fortified with Chinese herbs. In other sections, bathers are treated to a replica of Rome's Fontana di Trevi, or they can take in an Indian vista.
However, their open-air Japanese-style baths, which were recently renovated, are a longtime favorite, says spokesman Atsuo Miyamura.