US$100,000 bathtub makes a splash in Ginza

Anyone with cash to splash can now do so on -- and in -- a new ultra-high-class bathtub available in Ginza, Tokyo. Tiling, building materials and sanitary fixtures manufacturer INAX put the Japan-sized (i.e. tiny) tub on show on August 23, with a hefty price tag of ¥7,927,500 (US$93,622).

Covered in 10 millimeter tiles of white gold the design is supposed to enhance the bathing experience. It is currently placed in an open exhibition hall designed to mimic renowned Italian architect and designer Gio Ponti. The maker INAX, though founded only in 2008, has been designing suites in Shanghai's Ritz Carlton Hotel and Macau's MGM Grand.

For those of us wanting to move up the rich list in Tokyo, there are ways to go about it -- check out "How to get rich in Japan."

Bathing is a Japanese tradition worthy of a holiday in itself and for us mere mortals, public baths (sento) offer one of Tokyo's best local experiences. For some of the best, click here. Meanwhile, if this week's monkey rampage hasn't scared you off, you can also bathe with Japanese macaques just a short trip out of the city in Nagano.