The meal after achieving totonou in a sauna or relaxing in an onsen is indescribably delicious. This phenomenon, where food tastes several times better than usual, actually has a scientific explanation.
In Japan, there is a unique culture of "sauna meals" and "a drink after the onsen." This article will delve into why meals after sauna and onsen are exceptionally delicious and introduce popular sauna meals and onsen gourmet in Japan.
Why Is Food After Sauna & Onsen Exceptionally Delicious?
Scientific Reason 1: Enhanced Taste Sensation Due to Improved Blood Circulation
Entering a sauna or onsen improves blood circulation. This allows blood to reach the taste buds on the tongue, sharpening the sense of taste. You become more sensitive to subtle differences in flavors than usual.
Scientific Reason 2: Craving for Salt Due to Sweating
Sweating profusely in a sauna causes a loss of salt from the body. In this state, the craving for foods containing salt increases. The soup of ramen or the spices in curry taste better than usual because your body is seeking salt.
Scientific Reason 3: Activation of the Parasympathetic Nervous System
In the state of totonou, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, enhancing the function of the digestive organs. As the stomach and intestines are actively working, food can be digested and absorbed more efficiently, making it taste even better.
Scientific Reason 4: Release of Endorphins
Saunas and onsens stimulate the release of endorphins, known as the "happiness hormone." This hormone doubles the satisfaction of meals.
Japanese Sauna Meal Culture: Top 5 Classic Menus
1. Ramen - The King of Sauna Meals
Why Ramen?
Ramen after a sauna is the ultimate reward in Japanese sauna culture. Hot soup, salt, carbohydrates, and fats. It's the perfect meal to replenish lost nutrients all at once.
Recommended Types of Ramen
- Shio Ramen: Light and refreshing, perfect after a sauna
- Miso Ramen: Rich and warming
- Tonkotsu Ramen: Thick soup that penetrates a tired body
- Shoyu Ramen: Well-balanced and delicious anytime
Famous Sauna Facility Ramen
Many sauna facilities have dining areas that offer their signature ramen. In super sento and health lands, ramen is a popular staple menu.
2. Curry Rice - Japan's Unique Curry Culture
Characteristics of Japanese Curry
Japanese curry has evolved uniquely, distinct from Indian curry. It features a thick roux, a balance of sweetness and spiciness, and pairs well with white rice.
Why Curry After Sauna is Delicious
- Effects of Spices: Promote blood circulation and boost metabolism
- Carbohydrates: Replenish lost energy
- Satisfaction: Filling and satisfying
Popular Curry Menus
- Katsu Curry: Hearty and filling
- Cheese Curry: Rich and creamy
- Vegetable Curry: For the health-conscious
- Spicy Curry: The pleasure of sweating after sweating
3. Donburi - Japan's Soul Food
Katsudon A bowl of rice topped with pork cutlet and egg, a representative donburi of Japan. It's hearty and quickly replenishes the energy spent in the sauna.
Oyakodon Chicken and egg with a gentle flavor. The broth-soaked rice gently penetrates a tired body after the sauna.
Gyudon Simple and never tiresome. The quick serving is also appealing. Offered in many sauna facilities.
Tendon Crispy tempura with sweet and savory sauce. A luxurious donburi with a sense of reward.
4. Udon & Soba - The Healing Effect of Warm Noodles
The Appeal of Udon
Warm udon gently heals a tired body after the sauna. It's easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.
- Kake Udon: Simple, enjoy the taste of broth
- Kitsune Udon: Sweet fried tofu is exquisite
- Curry Udon: Spicy and warming
- Kamatama Udon: Perfect with raw egg
The Appeal of Soba
Soba is rich in B vitamins, effective for fatigue recovery. Both warm and cold soba are perfect after a sauna.
5. Sushi & Sashimi - Fresh Seafood from Onsen Areas
Why Sushi After Onsen?
After warming the body in an onsen, eating cold sushi or sashimi feels pleasant due to the temperature contrast. Additionally, fresh seafood is a good source of quality protein, ideal for recovery.
Characteristics of Onsen Area Sushi
- Local Fish: Fresh seafood unique to the area
- Onsen Town Sushi Shops: Many long-established renowned shops
- Price: Often more reasonable than in urban areas
Local Cuisine of Onsen Areas: Regional Specialties
Hokkaido - Noboribetsu Onsen
Jingisukan Hokkaido specialty of grilled lamb with special sauce. It's exceptional after an onsen.
Kaisen-don A bowl full of fresh scallops, salmon roe, sea urchin, and other seafood.
Gunma - Kusatsu Onsen
Onsen Manju Kusatsu's famous onsen steamed buns. Enjoy while strolling.
Joshu Beef Brand beef from Gunma Prefecture. Enjoy in sukiyaki or steak.
Shizuoka - Atami Onsen
Himono Dried fish from Sagami Bay. Served at ryokan breakfasts.
Seafood Dishes Local seafood dishes like simmered kinmedai.
Ishikawa - Wakura Onsen
Nodoguro A high-grade fish from the Sea of Japan. Rich in fat and exquisite.
Noto Beef Brand beef from Ishikawa Prefecture.
Oita - Beppu Onsen
Jigoku Mushi Local cuisine where ingredients are steamed with onsen steam. Vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, anything can be deliciously cooked.
Tori Ten Oita's specialty of chicken tempura. Crispy and juicy.
Seki Saba & Seki Aji High-grade fish caught in Bungo Channel. Enjoy as sashimi or sushi.
Special Foods of Onsen Areas
Onsen Tamago
What is Onsen Tamago? Eggs slowly cooked in onsen heat. The white is soft, and the yolk is semi-cooked with a perfect texture.
Famous Onsen Tamago Spots
- Hakone - Owakudani's Black Eggs: Eggs boiled in sulfur springs, said to extend life by seven years per egg
- Kusatsu Onsen's Yubatake Onsen Tamago: Unique flavor made with highly acidic water
- Beppu's Jigoku Mushi Eggs: Eggs steamed with hell's steam
Onsen Manju
Characteristics A classic souvenir from onsen areas. Fluffy skin filled with sweet bean paste. Enjoy while strolling through onsen towns.
Famous Onsen Manju
- Kusatsu Onsen
- Ikaho Onsen
- Atami Onsen
Onsen Pudding
Recently popular onsen area sweets. Smooth pudding steamed with onsen heat.
Beverage Culture After Sauna & Onsen
Beer - The Ultimate Reward
Why is Beer After Sauna Exceptional?
Beer after sweating profusely in a sauna is said to be "the best drink of one's life."
Scientific Reasons
- Rapid absorption due to dehydration
- The coldness feels pleasant due to thirst
- Endorphins double the sense of happiness
Japanese Beer Culture Many sauna facilities sell beer in their relaxation areas. The golden pattern of "sauna → cold plunge bath → outdoor air bath → beer" is the essence of Japanese sauna culture.
Coffee Milk
Showa Retro Classic Drinking coffee milk with hands on hips after a bath in sento or super sento is a symbol of Japanese bathing culture.
Why Coffee Milk?
- Sweetness soothes fatigue
- Milk replenishes lost calcium
- Coldness cools the body down
Bottled Coffee Milk Drinking from a traditional bottle adds a nostalgic feeling.
Fruit Milk
A classic alongside coffee milk. Sweet and fruity flavor.
Sake & Local Sake
In onsen areas, enjoying local sake is also recommended. The combined effects of onsen and sake enhance relaxation (but in moderation).
Local Beer
In onsen areas, facilities offering local craft beers are increasing. Beers made with local ingredients become memorable parts of the trip.
Dining Culture in Super Sento & Health Lands
24-Hour Dining Areas
Many super sento and health lands have dining areas open 24 hours. You can eat whenever you like, whether at night or in the morning.
Abundant Menu
- Set meals (grilled fish, tonkatsu, fried chicken, etc.)
- Noodles (ramen, udon, soba)
- Donburi
- Curry
- Desserts
- Alcoholic beverages
Cost-Effectiveness
In many facilities, meals are available at reasonable prices. You can enjoy a satisfying meal for around 500 to 1,000 yen.
Tatami Rest Areas
Many dining areas have tatami rest spaces. You can relax lying down after a meal.
Kaiseki Cuisine at Onsen Ryokan: The Ultimate Luxury
What is Kaiseki Cuisine?
Kaiseki cuisine served at onsen ryokan is the essence of Japanese cuisine. It uses seasonal ingredients and offers visually beautiful dishes.
Typical Course Structure
- Appetizer: Small dishes that evoke the season
- Soup: Elegant bowl with rich broth
- Sashimi: Fresh seafood
- Grilled Dish: Grilled fish or meat
- Simmered Dish: Seasonal vegetable stew
- Fried Dish: Tempura, etc.
- Steamed Dish: Chawanmushi, etc.
- Meal: Rice, miso soup, pickles
- Dessert: Seasonal fruits or wagashi
Use of Local Ingredients
Onsen ryokan cuisine abundantly uses local ingredients. Near the sea, fresh seafood; in the mountains, wild vegetables, mushrooms, river fish, etc.
The Appeal of In-Room Dining
In luxury ryokan, there is an "in-room dining" service where you can enjoy meals in your private space.
Recommended Seasonal Dishes
Spring
- Bamboo Shoot Dishes: Spring delicacy
- Cherry Sea Bream: Sea bream in season during spring
- Wild Vegetables: Butterbur sprouts, bracken, etc.
Summer
- Eel: Source of stamina
- Chilled Chinese Noodles: Refreshing noodle dish
- Ayu (Sweetfish): Fish of clear streams
Autumn
- Matsutake Mushrooms: King of autumn flavors
- Pacific Saury: Fatty fish in season
- Chestnuts: Used in wagashi or chestnut rice
Winter
- Crab: Winter delicacy of the Sea of Japan
- Fugu (Pufferfish): Representative high-grade fish
- Hot Pot Dishes: Winter staple that warms the body
Conclusion: Meals After Sauna & Onsen Are Moments of Bliss
There are scientific reasons why meals after sauna and onsen are exceptionally delicious. Improved blood circulation, enhanced taste sensation, activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, and the release of endorphins. All these factors combine to make food taste several times better than usual.
Japan has a unique culture of "sauna meals." Ramen, curry, donburi, and beer. These are not just meals but important rituals that complete the sauna experience.
In onsen areas, you can enjoy local cuisine and dishes made with fresh local ingredients. Onsen eggs, onsen manju, and local seafood dishes enrich your travel memories.
When experiencing saunas or onsens in Japan, be sure to plan the meal afterward as one of the pleasures. It will be a wonderful opportunity to deeply understand Japanese food culture.
The drink or bite after sauna & onsen is the best moment of life.
