Gold bathtub recognized with world record

An 18-carat gold bathtub weighing 154.2 kilogram at a hot spring resort in southwestern Japan was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest in the world, the resort's operator said.

The tub, worth 800 million yen ($7.29 million), measures 1.3 meters in diameter — large enough to allow two adults to relax, the resort said in a statement.

"This gold bathtub outclasses all others in the world, and we hope our customers enjoy it and increase their luck," the statement read. The tub was specially made by Tokyo goldsmiths as the resort's hot spring facility underwent renovation.

The tub, which Guinness confirmed worked properly for practical use, is placed in a reserved space and can be used by up to four people for 5,400 yen per hour. The resort, known for its salty, brown-colored spring water, has themed baths and private baths available for reservation.