Raku Spa, one of the top onsen names in Japan has just finished up its collaboration withNieR Automata Ver1.1a. Not only did they provide exclusive merchandise, but also incorporated rotating bath scents, food, and decor. For those unfamiliar with Raku Spa itself, it’s a public bathhouse with establishments all over Japan.
With multiple floors, they provide a large variety of services, andthey’re open for business overnight - it’s the perfect relaxation retreat any big city has to offer. Their dining area was also open to all patrons - even if you weren’t there for a bath. And unlike most café collabs, this one made sure you left the facility with a full belly.
RELATED:NieR Automata Collabs With Animate Cafe and Raku Spa Officially Announced
Getting Situated
Uponentering the establishment, all visitors are required to take off their shoes and place them in a cubby with a key in it. From there, they must take the key and check in. Any and all merchandise, food, etc. expenses are put on the key number you’re given and are paid upon leaving. The bathing area is on the third floor, and dining area is located on the second. After making your order, you are given a table caller that vibrates as soon as your food is ready. After that? Dig in!
Spa Food Done Right
Among all the cuisine, there were two options for what kind of dining experience visitors wanted. They could either go with Raku Spa’s standard menu, or have a try at the limited timeNieR Automata Ver1.1acollab menu. Each delicacy was character themed, and the drinksespecially had their own unique recipes. On the beverage side, A2’s drink had a slightly tangy but sweet taste, mixed with soda. 21O’s strawberry oolong tea was sweetened tea with frozen strawberries, for a subtle but significant aftertaste - this one especially is a must-have for tea connoisseurs. Captain White’s “Calpis on the Moon” beverage was non-carbonated calpis/calpico soft drink with some extra ingredients added in to taste like a creamy piña colada. This one is arguably the most ideal drink to have after a relaxing bath.
The character centric theme doesn’t stop there -the entrées and the desserts have just as much to offer! 2B’s entrée was a rice bowl with shrimp tempura and salted fish eggs. Before the chef got to work, you got to choose the amount of rice that you wanted; the recommended amount is 250 grams. It should be noted that with this dish, eating both the fish eggs and the rice may be too rich for some. 21O and 6O each had dessert parfaits ready to eat and enjoy, as well. For 6O’s strawberry parfait, it had a mix of custard and ice cream, adorned with small balls of white mochi on the top, with a single red one in strawberry yogurt at the bottom. 21O’s choco parfait had vanilla soft serve ice cream and mochi on top covered in chocolate drizzle. At the very bottom, custard drenched in melted chocolate was ready for consumption.
Making It Personal
Raku Spa’sofficial Twitteralso had sweepstakes in which patrons who visited their closest establishments, could win one of the cloth posters displayed in the lobby, by tweeting a photo of their experiences accompanied by a hashtag, and proof of following the official Twitter account. All participants were given a complimentary postcard and ticket with their raffle number on it, when presented to the front desk. On March 28th, a list of 3 winners were announced for each establishment.
Raku Spa is no stranger to anime collaborations, and while they are temporary, it’s always worth a visit to experience.
