When you visit sauna facilities in Japan, you'll encounter a surprisingly diverse range of saunas. From extremely dry high-temperature saunas to mist saunas enveloped in steam, salt saunas where you apply salt before entering, and outdoor tent saunas.

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

I've experienced various saunas, each with its unique features and charms. In this article, I will explain the seven main types of saunas you can experience in Japan.

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

The temperature ranges from 80 to 100°C, with humidity between 10 and 20%. It's extremely dry and hot. This is the most common type of sauna in Japan, found in many super sento and sauna facilities.

Electric stoves are the norm, with "sauna stones" placed on top. Pouring water over the stones to create steam is known as "löyly."

Seating is tiered, with the upper tier being the hottest (95-100°C), the middle tier moderate (85-90°C), and the lower tier the coolest (80-85°C). The higher you go, the hotter it gets. Beginners should start from the lower tier.

The Appeal of Löyly

The act of pouring water over sauna stones to generate steam. This raises the perceived temperature by 10-20°C, temporarily increasing humidity and promoting deeper sweating.

There are various forms such as self-löyly (pouring water yourself), auto-löyly (water is automatically poured at set times), and staff-löyly (staff wave large towels to send heat waves). I particularly enjoy staff-löyly. The performance and intensity of the heat waves are thrilling every time.

It is effective for promoting sweating, detoxification, improving blood circulation, and relieving fatigue.

Recommended for sauna beginners, those who want to sweat thoroughly, and those seeking the "totonou" experience.

2. Steam Sauna: Gentle on the Skin

The temperature ranges from 40 to 50°C, with humidity between 90 and 100%. Enveloped in steam, it's easy to breathe. Compared to dry saunas, it has a lower temperature and higher humidity.

Steam is generated by a boiler and sent into the room, constantly enveloping it in a white mist. Due to the low temperature, you can stay in for a long time. It's gentle on beginners, the elderly, and children.

The steam envelops the skin, providing moisturizing effects. It's not dry, so it's gentle on the respiratory system.

It has benefits for skin beauty, moisturizing, respiratory health, and relaxation.

Recommended for sauna beginners, those with dry skin, those who want to stay in for a long time, and those who are sensitive to high temperatures.

3. Far-Infrared Sauna: Warming from the Core

The temperature ranges from 60 to 70°C, with humidity between 10 and 20%. It provides a mild warmth that gradually heats the body. This sauna uses far-infrared rays to warm the body.

Far-infrared rays emitted from the heater penetrate deep into the body, warming it from the inside. It warms not just the surface but from the core.

Although the temperature is lower, the effect of the far-infrared rays ensures the body is thoroughly warmed. Due to the low temperature, you can stay in for 20 to 30 minutes. Even if the surface temperature is low, the internal body temperature rises.

It is effective for increasing core body temperature, boosting metabolism, and improving cold sensitivity.

4. Salt Sauna: Excellent for Skin Beauty

The temperature ranges from 50 to 60°C, with humidity between 60 and 80%. It's a unique sauna where you apply salt to your body before entering.

You apply salt (coarse salt) provided by the facility to your body before entering the sauna. The mix of sweat and salt becomes a natural scrub. The salt removes old keratin, leaving the skin smooth.

It has benefits for skin beauty, detoxification, moisturizing, and relaxation.

Recommended for those aiming for beautiful skin, seeking peeling effects, or wanting a new experience. When I first entered a salt sauna, I was amazed at how smooth my skin felt afterward.

5. Ganbanyoku: Warming While Lying Down

The temperature ranges from 40 to 50°C, with humidity between 60 and 80%. You lie down on a floor heated by natural stones.

The far-infrared rays and negative ions from heated natural stones (such as Maifan stone and black silica) warm the body. You alternate between lying face down and face up. Since you're lying down, you can warm up while relaxing.

Due to the low temperature, you can stay in for a long time (20 to 60 minutes).

It is effective for detoxification, relaxation, skin beauty, and improving sleep quality.

Recommended for those who want to relax, enjoy reading or music, and warm up slowly.

6. Mist Sauna: Soothed by Aromatic Scents

The temperature ranges from 40 to 50°C, with humidity between 90 and 100%. It's a sauna enveloped in steam with added aroma oils.

Steam with added aroma oils is generated. You can enjoy various scents such as lavender, eucalyptus, and mint. You can simultaneously enjoy the relaxation effects of the aroma and the moisturizing effects of the steam.

It has benefits for relaxation, skin beauty, respiratory health, and stress relief.

Recommended for those who want to relax, love aromas, seek skin beauty effects, and are sensitive to high temperatures.

7. Tent Sauna: Enjoying Nature

A portable sauna set up outdoors. The temperature ranges from 80 to 100°C, allowing you to enjoy a sauna in nature.

A small stove is set up inside the tent to heat sauna stones. You can perform self-löyly. You can experience an authentic Finnish-style routine of sauna → jumping into a lake or river → outdoor air bath.

It offers a sense of unity with nature, stimulates a sense of adventure, and provides an authentic Finnish experience.

Recommended for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a new experience. I've also experienced a tent sauna, and the sauna experience in nature was exceptional.

Which Sauna Should You Choose?

If You're a Beginner

Steam saunas, far-infrared saunas, and mist saunas are recommended. They have lower temperatures and are easy to enter for the first time.

If You Want to Sweat Thoroughly

Finnish-style dry saunas are recommended. The high temperature allows for thorough sweating.

If You Seek Skin Beauty Effects

Salt saunas, steam saunas, and mist saunas are recommended. You can expect moisturizing and peeling effects.

If You Want to Relax

Ganbanyoku, mist saunas, and steam saunas are recommended. You can relax while warming up slowly.

If You Want the "Totonou" Experience

The combination of Finnish-style dry sauna + cold plunge bath + outdoor air bath is recommended. This provides the deepest "totonou" experience.

If You Seek Adventure

Tent saunas are recommended. The experience in nature will become an unforgettable memory.

Enjoying Multiple Saunas

Many sauna facilities have multiple types of saunas installed. In one visit, you can experience various saunas such as dry saunas, steam saunas, and salt saunas.

I also enjoy experiencing multiple saunas. Each sauna offers a different experience, so it never gets boring.

Conclusion: The Charm of Sauna Culture Lies in Its Diversity

The diversity of saunas in Japan is a culture to be proud of worldwide. Finnish-style dry saunas, steam saunas, far-infrared saunas, salt saunas, ganbanyoku, mist saunas, and tent saunas each have their unique features and charms.

I've experienced various saunas, and I'm always amazed by their diversity. When you visit Japan, I highly recommend experiencing various saunas. Each sauna offers a different "totonou" experience.