Toyama Toyama City
A Hokuriku sauna sanctuary greeted by drinkable natural cold plunge baths and the Rocky Sauna
Spa Alps is a bathing complex in Toyama, Toyama Prefecture. Established in 1986, this long-standing facility is known nationwide among sauna enthusiasts as the "Hokuriku sauna sanctuary" and for having one of Japan's three great cold plunge baths. Its biggest draw is the natural cold plunge bath that uses untreated, continuously flowing spring water from the Northern Alps water system. The water quality is licensed for drinking and rivals bottled mineral water, with a silky softness that wraps the skin and draws pilgrims from across the country. The long-running Rocky Sauna is equipped with automatic löyly. The facility also includes the Alps Shokudo dining hall, a capsule hotel, and a comic corner, and operates 24 hours, making it a convenient base for travelers.
An authentic Rocky Sauna. Automatic löyly spreads steam through the room every 15 minutes, gently drawing out sweat. The powerful heat from the gas stove envelops the body. On weekends there is whisking (aufguss) at 17:00 and on Wednesdays at 21:00. Equipped with a TV for relaxed, long sessions. The löyly uses natural water from the Northern Alps water system and has been loved by sauna enthusiasts for many years.
The landmark women's sauna, Yuyu Wonderland. Renovated in 2023 to introduce automatic löyly. Aroma-scented auto löyly periodically fills the room. The sauna TV is remote-controlled. On Sundays at 18:00 a löyly heatwave (aufguss) session is held.
Uses 100% natural spring water from the Northern Alps water system in a continuous flow. No circulation filtration or chlorine is used, and fresh cold water constantly flows in. The water is licensed for drinking, and water from the overhead waterfall jets and taps is also potable. Cold yet soft, it is reputed to leave skin smooth. Beside the cold plunge there is an outdoor relaxation area where you can rest on totonou chairs.
A cold plunge with vibra vibration jets. Slightly warmer than the main plunge, it allows for a gradual cooldown. Uses 100% natural spring water and is also drinkable. The vibrations provide a massage effect. Its compact size makes it suitable for concentrated totonou.
One of Japan's largest cold plunge baths, the Blue Cave. The women's area was extensively renovated in 2023. Pool-sized, it has drinking taps and waterfall jets, and is constantly overflowing so fresh spring water continually flows in. A space that male saunagoers envy is available exclusively for women. The water is cold yet soft and leaves the skin feeling smooth.
A cold plunge adjacent to the Blue Cave, constantly overflowing with natural spring water. The water quality is drinkable, and its moderate chill allows for a steady cooldown. Together with the Blue Cave, you can choose the preferred temperature and size to achieve totonou.
Availability and rates are shown on each booking site.
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Visited by the Editor-in-Chief
The Editor-in-Chief visited in person in October 2025
8 Sets at the Sacred Ground of Hokuriku Sauna
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