When you visit sauna facilities in Japan, you will encounter an astonishing variety of saunas. From the dry and high-temperature saunas, to mist saunas enveloped in steam, salt saunas where you apply salt to your body, and outdoor tent saunas.

"Which sauna suits me?" "What are the differences between them?" "What is recommended for beginners?"

In this article, we will thoroughly explain the main 7 types of saunas you can experience in Japan, covering their temperature, humidity, features, benefits, and how to enjoy them. By reading this, you will find the sauna that is perfect for you.

1. Finnish-Style Dry Sauna: The Most Common in Japan

Features

Temperature: 80-100°C Humidity: 10-20% Sensation: Extremely dry, hot

This is the most common type of sauna in Japan. It is installed in many super sento and sauna facilities.

Structure

Sauna Stove

• Electric stoves are mainstream
• "Sauna stones" are placed on top of the stove
• Water is poured over the stones to generate steam (löyly)

Tiered Seating

• Upper tier: Hottest (95-100°C)
• Middle tier: Intermediate (85-90°C)
• Lower tier: Coolest (80-85°C)

The higher you go, the hotter it gets. Beginners should start from the lower tier.

Features of Finnish Style

Löyly The act of pouring water over sauna stones to generate steam. This results in:

• A perceived temperature increase of 10-20°C
• Temporary rise in humidity
• Deeper sweating

Self-Löyly In some facilities, you can pour water yourself.

Auto-Löyly A system where water is automatically poured at set times.

Staff-Löyly A performance where staff wave large towels to send heat waves.

Benefits

• Promotes Sweating: Induces heavy sweating
• Detoxification: Expels waste products
• Improves Circulation: Blood vessels dilate
• Relieves Fatigue: Eases muscle tension

Recommended for

• Sauna beginners
• Those who want to sweat thoroughly
• Those seeking the "totonou" experience

Representative Facilities

• Almost all super sento
• Capsule hotel saunas
• Specialized sauna facilities

2. Steam Sauna: Gentle on the Skin

Features

Temperature: 40-50°C Humidity: 90-100% Sensation: Enveloped in steam, easy to breathe

Compared to dry saunas, steam saunas have lower temperatures and higher humidity.

Structure

Steam Generator

• Generates steam with a boiler
• Pumps steam into the room
• Always enveloped in a white mist

Seating Mostly flat seating (sometimes without tiers)

Features of Steam Sauna

Gentle Heat The low temperature allows for extended stays. It is gentle for sauna beginners, the elderly, and children.

High Humidity The steam envelops the skin, providing moisturizing effects.

Easy Breathing Not dry, so gentle on the respiratory system.

Benefits

• Skin Beautification: Opens pores, leaving skin smooth
• Moisturizing Effect: Ideal for dry skin
• Gentle on Respiratory System: Less strain on throat and nose
• Relaxation: Allows for leisurely stays

Recommended for

• Sauna beginners
• People with dry skin
• Those who want to stay for a long time
• Those who are sensitive to high temperatures

Representative Facilities

Often attached to super sento and hot spring facilities.

3. Far-Infrared Sauna: Warms from the Core

Features

Temperature: 60-70°C Humidity: 10-20% Sensation: Mild heat, gradually warming

A sauna that uses far-infrared rays to warm the body.

Mechanism

Far-Infrared Heater

• Far-infrared rays penetrate deep into the body
• Warms from the inside
• Warms not just the surface, but from the core

Features of Far-Infrared Sauna

Effective Even at Low Temperatures Though the temperature is low, the effect of far-infrared rays ensures the body is thoroughly warmed.

Long Duration Possible Due to the low temperature, you can stay for 20-30 minutes.

Warms from the Core Even if the surface temperature is low, the internal body temperature rises.

Benefits

• Core Body Temperature Increase: Warms from the core
• Boosts Metabolism: Increases basal metabolism
• Improves Cold Sensitivity: Enhances circulation
• Relieves Fatigue: Effective for deep fatigue

Recommended for

• People with cold sensitivity
• Those who want to warm thoroughly
• Those sensitive to high temperatures
• People with deep fatigue

4. Salt Sauna: Excellent for Skin Beautification

Features

Temperature: 40-50°C Humidity: 60-80% Specialty: Applying salt to the body

A unique sauna where salt is provided in the sauna room, and you apply it to your body while inside.

How to Use a Salt Sauna

1. Enter the sauna room
2. Take the provided salt
3. Apply salt all over your body
4. Wait for 10-15 minutes
5. Salt melts with sweat
6. Rinse off in the shower

Benefits of Salt Sauna

Skin Beautification

• Scrub Effect: Removes old keratin
• Mineral Supply: Salt minerals penetrate the skin
• Moisturizing Effect: Leaves skin smooth
• Pore Cleansing: Cleanses pores with sweat and salt

Detoxification Effect

• Salt draws out waste products through osmosis
• Reduces swelling

Caution

• Be cautious if you have sensitive skin
• Do not rub too hard (apply gently)
• Avoid areas with wounds

Recommended for

• Those aiming for beautiful skin
• Those wanting keratin care
• Those concerned about swelling

5. Mist Sauna: The Mildest

Features

Temperature: 35-45°C Humidity: 100% Sensation: Enveloped in mist, the gentlest

A sauna filled with fine mist.

Features of Mist Sauna

Lowest Temperature The lowest temperature among all saunas, making it accessible for everyone.

High Humidity The mist moisturizes the skin, providing skincare benefits.

Aroma Many facilities use mist mixed with essential oils.

Benefits

• Moisturizing Effect: Prevents skin dryness
• Relaxation: Relax with aroma
• Gentle on Respiratory System: Moisturizes throat and nose
• Skin Beautification: Opens pores

Recommended for

• Sauna beginners
• Those sensitive to high temperatures
• People with dry skin
• Those seeking relaxation

6. Wood-Burning Sauna: Authentic Finnish Style

Features

Temperature: 70-90°C Humidity: Variable (due to löyly) Specialty: Heated with wood

A traditional Finnish-style sauna heated with a wood stove.

Features of Wood-Burning Sauna

Aroma of Wood The unique aroma of burning wood makes the sauna experience special.

Gentle Heat A soft, enveloping heat different from electric stoves.

Authentic Löyly The stones of the wood stove store a lot of heat, providing abundant löyly steam.

Sauna Cabin Often installed as an independent wooden cabin.

Benefits

• Authentic Finnish sauna experience
• Deep relaxation
• Sense of unity with nature

Recommended for

• Sauna enthusiasts
• Those seeking an authentic experience
• Nature lovers

Representative Facilities

• Some luxury sauna facilities
• Glamping facilities
• Hot spring resorts

7. Tent Sauna: Ultimate Outdoor Experience

Features

Temperature: 70-100°C Humidity: Variable Location: Outdoors (by rivers, lakes, seaside)

A portable tent-style sauna. A new style to enjoy outdoors.

Features of Tent Sauna

In Nature Set up by rivers, lakesides, or seaside, in nature.

Cold Plunge Bath with Natural Water

• Jump into a river
• Enter a lake
• Enter the sea

This creates the ultimate "totonou" experience.

Wood Stove A small wood stove is installed inside the tent.

Self-Löyly Adjust the steam by pouring water yourself.

How to Enjoy Tent Sauna

1. Set up the tent
2. Heat with a wood stove
3. Enter the sauna
4. Jump into the river or lake
5. Air bath (in nature)
6. Repeat

Benefits

• Ultimate "Totonou": The best experience in nature
• Sense of Adventure: Creates special memories
• Bonding with Friends: Enjoy with friends

Recommended for

• Outdoor enthusiasts
• Those with a sense of adventure
• Those who want to enjoy saunas with friends

Places to Experience

• Campsites
• Glamping facilities
• Rental services
• Sauna events

How to Choose a Sauna: Finding the Right Sauna for You

Recommended for Beginners

1. Mist Sauna: The gentlest
2. Steam Sauna: Easy to breathe
3. Far-Infrared Sauna: Mild

For Those Who Want to Sweat Thoroughly

1. Finnish-Style Dry Sauna: Most common
2. With Löyly: Promotes sweating
3. High Temperature Setting: For advanced users

For Skin Beautification

1. Salt Sauna: Scrub effect
2. Steam Sauna: Moisturizing effect
3. Mist Sauna: Gentle on the skin

For an Authentic Experience

1. Wood-Burning Sauna: Traditional
2. Tent Sauna: Outdoor
3. Finnish Style: Authentic style

Combining Multiple Saunas

Many facilities offer multiple types of saunas.

Recommended Order

1. Warm up in a Dry Sauna (8 minutes)
2. Cool down in a Cold Plunge Bath (1 minute)
3. Rest with an Air Bath (5 minutes)
4. Salt Sauna for skincare (10 minutes)
5. Finish with a Steam Sauna (10 minutes)

By combining them in this way, you can enjoy various benefits.

Points for Choosing a Sauna

Choose by Temperature

• High Temperature (80°C and above): For those who want to sweat thoroughly
• Medium Temperature (60-80°C): Balanced
• Low Temperature (below 60°C): For long stays

Choose by Humidity

• Low Humidity (20% or less): Dry
• Medium Humidity (40-60%): Moderately moist
• High Humidity (80% or more): Enveloped in steam

Choose by Purpose

• Want to "totonou": Finnish Style
• Want Beautiful Skin: Salt Sauna
• Want to Relax: Mist Sauna
• Improve Cold Sensitivity: Far-Infrared Sauna

Conclusion: The Diversity of Japanese Sauna Culture

Japanese saunas have evolved uniquely from Finnish saunas, creating a truly diverse range. From dry high-temperature saunas, gentle mist saunas, skin-beautifying salt saunas, to tent saunas in nature.

This diversity is the richness of Japanese sauna culture. You can choose the perfect sauna according to your condition, preferences, and purpose.

When you visit Japan, be sure to experience the various types of saunas. Each has its own charm and offers new discoveries.

The diversity of Japanese saunas is a cultural pride of the world.