Nagano Shiojiri City
A 24-hour bathing facility with four authentic saunas and a cold plunge bath using groundwater from the Northern Alps
"Shinshu Health Land" is a 24-hour lodging and bathing complex in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. It offers four types of saunas, from an ultra-high-temperature 120°C sauna to one that supports self-löyly, creating a highly satisfying environment even for serious sauna enthusiasts. The cold plunge bath uses abundant natural groundwater from the Northern Alps, offering a smooth, gentle feel against the skin for a refreshing cooldown. In addition to a high-concentration carbonated spring, medicinal bath, and open-air bath, the facility also has rock baths, nap rooms, and several dining options, making it comfortable to stay for an entire day.
A therapeutic bath infused with a high concentration of carbon dioxide. Its lukewarm temperature allows for long bathing sessions without placing much strain on the body. When you soak in it, fine bubbles envelop your whole body, promoting circulation and giving you a gentle, deep warming sensation.
A fragrant medicinal bath blended with extracts from several types of herbs. Its distinctive aroma drifts through the bath area, enhancing relaxation. After bathing, your body feels pleasantly warm, and it may help with recovery from fatigue and with improving sensitivity to cold.
An ultra-high-temperature sauna that fully embraces a classic, hardcore style. The dry heat hits the skin like a sharp, forceful blast, delivering powerful warmth you can feel deeply. Designed for experienced users who want to work up a sweat quickly, its intense heat is addictively effective.
A medium-to-high-temperature sauna equipped with auto-löyly. Water is periodically poured over the sauna stones, maintaining rich humidity throughout the room. It is less suffocating, and its mild yet thoroughly warming heat has a well-balanced feel that reaches deep into the body.
A sauna with self-löyly, allowing you to pour water over the sauna stones at your own pace. Along with the pleasant sound of steam being generated, you can adjust the humidity and perceived temperature to your liking. In a quiet space, you can take your time and focus on yourself while enjoying a deep sense of relaxation.
A mist sauna with high humidity that gently envelops the body. Even those who do not like hot saunas can stay inside comfortably for long periods. Fine mist hydrates the skin and encourages a slow, gentle sweat. It is ideal for a break between other saunas or as a finishing touch.
A cold plunge bath that makes luxurious use of abundant groundwater from the Northern Alps. Its dynamic design lets water cascade down like a waterfall, with fresh water continuously supplied. Its hallmark is the smooth, soft feel of natural water, gently yet effectively cooling overheated bodies.
A single-person cold plunge bath installed right after you exit the sauna. Groundwater flows continuously into a thick Shigaraki-ware tub with excellent insulation. You can cool down quietly in your own private space without worrying about other people moving around.
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Visited by the Editor-in-Chief
The Editor-in-Chief visited in person in March 2026
A Night with Four Saunas and Natural Water from the North Alps
Read the full review
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JAPAN'S FINEST ONSEN & SAUNA
The Finest Onsen & Sauna in Japan
57 SELECTIONS
Most of what we surveyed never even made it onto this site. This book is a further cut from what did. Our editor bathed in every onsen and sauna in it, and wrote only what they confirmed on the ground.
