The meal after achieving 'totonou' in the sauna or relaxing in an onsen. The taste of that first bite is indescribable. This mysterious phenomenon makes food taste several times better than usual. There is actually a scientific reason for this.

In Japan, there is a unique culture of 'sauna meals' and 'a drink after onsen.' I also enjoy this blissful time every time I go on a sauna trip.

Why Does Food Taste Exceptionally Good After Sauna & Onsen?

Entering a sauna or onsen promotes blood circulation. This allows blood to reach the taste buds on your tongue, sharpening your sense of taste. You become able to perceive subtle differences in flavors more than usual.

Moreover, sweating profusely in the sauna leads to a loss of salt in the body. In this state, the craving for salty foods increases. The reason why ramen soup or curry spices taste better than usual is that your body is seeking salt.

In the 'totonou' state, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, and the digestive organs become more active. Since the stomach and intestines are actively working, food can be digested and absorbed more efficiently, making it taste even better.

Additionally, saunas and onsens release endorphins, known as 'happiness hormones.' These hormones double the satisfaction of a meal.

Japanese Sauna Meal Culture: Top 5 Classic Menus

1. Ramen - The King of Sauna Meals

Ramen after a sauna is the ultimate reward in Japanese sauna culture. Hot soup, salt, carbohydrates, and fats. It's a perfect meal to replenish lost nutrients all at once.

My personal favorite is shio ramen. Its light flavor is perfect for the sharpened taste buds after a sauna. Miso ramen is rich and warming. The thick soup of tonkotsu ramen seeps into a tired body. Shoyu ramen is well-balanced and delicious at any time.

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

Japanese curry has evolved independently, quite different from Indian curry. It features a thick roux, a balance of sweetness and spiciness, and pairs well with white rice.

The reason curry tastes so good after a sauna is due to the spices promoting blood circulation and boosting metabolism, the carbohydrates replenishing lost energy, and its filling nature satisfying both the stomach and the soul.

Katsu curry is hearty, cheese curry is rich and creamy, and vegetable curry is for the health-conscious. Spicy curry offers the pleasure of sweating even more after sweating in the sauna.

3. Donburi - Japan's Soul Food

Katsudon, a bowl of rice topped with pork cutlet and egg, is a representative Japanese donburi. It's hearty and quickly replenishes the energy spent in the sauna.

Oyakodon, with its gentle flavors of chicken and egg, has a broth that soaks into the rice, gently permeating a tired body after the sauna.

Gyudon is simple and never tiresome. Its quick preparation is also appealing. It's offered at many sauna facilities.

Tendon, with its crispy tempura and sweet-savory sauce, is a luxurious donburi that feels like a reward.

4. Udon & Soba - The Healing Effect of Warm Noodles

Warm udon gently soothes a tired body after a sauna. It's easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. Kake udon is simple and lets you enjoy the flavor of the broth. Kitsune udon's sweet fried tofu is exquisite. Curry udon is spicy and warming. Kamatama udon pairs perfectly with raw egg.

Soba, rich in B vitamins, is effective for fatigue recovery. Both warm and cold soba are ideal after a sauna.

5. Sushi & Sashimi - Fresh Seafood from Onsen Areas

After warming up in an onsen, eating cold sushi or sashimi feels pleasant due to the temperature contrast. Fresh seafood is also a great source of high-quality protein, perfect for fatigue recovery.

Sushi from onsen areas often uses local fish, with many long-established famous restaurants. Prices are often more reasonable than in urban areas.

Local Cuisine of Onsen Areas

Hokkaido - Noboribetsu Onsen

Jingisukan (grilled lamb with a special sauce, a Hokkaido specialty) and kaisendon (a bowl of rice topped with fresh scallops, salmon roe, and sea urchin) are exquisite.

Gunma - Kusatsu Onsen

Enjoy walking and eating onsen manju, and savor Joshu beef sukiyaki or steak.

Shizuoka - Atami Onsen

Enjoy fresh fish from Sagami Bay as dried fish for breakfast at the inn, and local seafood dishes like simmered kinmedai.

Ishikawa - Wakura Onsen

Taste nodoguro (a premium fish from the Sea of Japan) and Noto beef.

Oita - Beppu Onsen

Enjoy jigoku-mushi (a local dish where ingredients are steamed with onsen steam), toriten (Oita's specialty chicken tempura), and Seki mackerel and horse mackerel.

A Drink After Onsen: Beer and Sake

Beer After Sauna & Onsen

Beer after a sauna or onsen tastes exceptionally good. Your body craves carbonation and coldness after sweating.

Many sauna facilities have beer servers. Order draft beer and enjoy it while relaxing in a reclining chair. I absolutely love this time.

Sake

Many onsen areas offer local sake. Both chilled and warmed sake are perfect after an onsen. Comparing local brewery sake is one of the pleasures of an onsen trip.

Desserts: Onsen Manju and Ice Cream

Onsen Manju

A classic souvenir from onsen areas. It's fun to walk around and eat them. Warm and sweet manju satisfy the body after an onsen.

Ice Cream

Ice cream after warming up in an onsen is incredibly delicious. Many onsen facilities have vending machines for milk and ice cream. The happiness of eating cold ice cream after a bath is incomparable.

Tips for Enjoying Sauna Meals & Onsen Gourmet

Do Not Bathe on an Empty Stomach

It's dangerous to enter a sauna or onsen on an empty stomach. Lightly replenish your energy before bathing.

Rest for 30 Minutes After Bathing Before Eating

Immediately after bathing, the digestive organs are not active. Rest for about 30 minutes before eating to enjoy your meal more.

Don't Forget to Hydrate

After bathing, you are in a dehydrated state. Hydrate before eating.

Be Careful Not to Overeat

After a sauna or onsen, everything tastes delicious, so you might overeat. Aim for eating until you're 80% full.

Conclusion: Meals After Sauna & Onsen Are Life's Joy

Align your body in the sauna or onsen and fill your stomach with delicious food. This time is life's joy. Blood circulation is promoted, taste buds are sharpened, the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, and happiness hormones are released. Scientifically, this sense of happiness is proven.

Ramen, curry, donburi, udon & soba, sushi. Whatever you choose, it's exceptionally delicious after a sauna or onsen. Enjoy local cuisine from onsen areas and toast with beer or sake. Finish with onsen manju or ice cream.

When you visit Japan, be sure to enjoy this blissful experience. Meals after sauna & onsen embody the greatness of Japanese culture.