EDITOR'S SAUNA STORIES
The Editor's Journey Through Japan's Saunas and Onsens
May 9–10, 2026 Kyoto-Osaka Sauna Trip
It’s been a long time since my last trip. Ever since I was thoroughly knocked out last month at Mishobayama Rakuen Hotel Rakan no Yu, I had been in a kind of burnout for a while. It was such an experience that I felt I didn’t even need to travel for some time, and I had decided not to move until motivation welled up from within. But the fact that I’m writing this travel record means the time has finally come to take action. While I was taking a break, I reexamined facilities all over Japan and made a list of places I want to visit. Thanks to that, I was able to discover several wonderful facilities I had never even been aware of before. It is also important to stop once in a while and prepare for the next activity. This time, I’ll take you on a journey through Kyoto and Osaka.
Sukkama Genji no Yu
A superb morning sauna experience at a therapeutic bath in Kyoto
Natural Hot Spring Genji-no-Yu in Uji
Supreme Natural Hot Spring and Aroma löyly
Taketori Onsen Akari no Yu
A morning breeze through the bamboo grove awakens the body
Saito Natural Hot Spring Sumire no Yu
Exquisite free-flowing natural spring waters
Genki Onsen Banpaku Oyuba
An overwhelmingly liberating open-air rock bath
Apr 3–5, 2026 Gifu, Aichi & Mie Sauna Trip
I've visited Gifu and Nagoya many times. Even after so many visits, the area is packed with hot spring and sauna facilities you can't possibly see them all. I used to keep going back to a few places I got hooked on, so there were times when I didn't make much progress exploring new ones. On this trip I was able to visit places I had never been to before that showed great potential. Here is an account of my Tokai sauna trip from Gifu to Mie to Nagoya.
Shin Gifu Sauna
A passionate sauna with Nagara River spring water and the Infinite Heatwave
Natural Hot Spring Mitsumine
Totonou beneath the full-bloom cherry blossoms
Yudokoro Minori
Hojicha-scented heat waves and natural groundwater
Shinme no Yu
A panoramic onsen overlooking the Nobi Plain
Sauna Fuji
An oasis for men spreading across four basement floors
Mar 28–29, 2026 Hyogo & Wakayama Sauna Trip
It was an unplanned weekend, but the moment I woke up and opened the curtains I decided to set off on a trip. The sky was clear and the sea view was gorgeous. I thought it would feel incredible to take a bath while looking out at the sea on a day like this. A few facilities with outstanding locations came to mind. First, I decided to head to that place in Tarumi Ward, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture to soak in an open-air bath while gazing at the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. In an instant I grabbed my things and rushed out of the house.
SPA Sen Taihei no Yu
A spontaneous morning sauna with a panoramic view of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
Nanki Shirahama Onsen Hotel Kawakyu
The famous Shirahama Onsen and a Royal Spa overlooking the setting sun
Aritagawa Onsen Hikari no Yu
Premium onsen, sauna, and cold plunge bath
Ninomaru Onsen
A Finnish-style sauna in the mountains enveloped by the sound of waterfalls
Mar 19–22, 2026 Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and Nagano Sauna Trip
I already knew the saunas of Yamanashi and Nagano were so incredible they could be called a sauna mecca. Thanks to the powerful natural circulation centered on Mount Fuji and the Northern and Southern Alps, exceptional water springs up everywhere. Just thinking about immersing myself in those cold plunge baths makes me tremble with excitement. I also wanted to make my dream of taking a sauna while gazing at Mount Fuji come true. To satisfy that desire, the ultimate trip was about to begin. First, I'll start by bringing you Sauna Shikiji, which boasts Japan's strongest cold plunge bath.
Sauna Shikiji
The sacred site's natural spring water heralds the beginning of the journey
Hotel Mount Fuji
A Trial at Japan's Premier Location
Hotel Mount Fuji
A tale of waking up expecting a breathtaking view and ending up devastated
Fujiyama Onsen
The dramatic presence of all-wood construction and vanadium-rich waters
Yamanashi Overnight Onsen Yorimichi no Yu
An exquisite cold plunge bath where natural underground water meets hot spring source
Shirakaba Resort Ikenotaira Hotel Koten no Yu
6 sets while overlooking Lake Shirakaba
Shinshu Health Land
A night with four saunas and natural water from the Northern Alps
Yunohana Sento Zuisho Matsumoto-kan
Encounter with one of Japan's top cold plunge baths
Ringo no Yuya Obu~
Ending the trip with the ultimate cold plunge bath
Feb 27–Mar 2, 2026 Fukuoka and Saga Sauna Trip
The setting for this sauna trip is Kyushu. Kyushu is home to some of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts and abundant natural beauty, and it is a region where hot spring culture has long been rooted. This time, we'll visit Fukuoka, where urban energy and a distinctive sauna culture coexist, and Saga, where you can enjoy hot springs and saunas in a calm, relaxed atmosphere. Now, let's begin this exquisite journey.
Hotel Cabinas Fukuoka
An older man's unexpected antics during the aufguss
Sauna Yogan Fukuoka Tenjin
Morning sauna in the silent streets of Tenjin
Ito no Yudokoro
Exquisite free-flowing groundwater
KOMOREBI Saga Bathhouse
An exquisite totonou embraced by bamboo groves and moonlight
OND SAUNA
A Sauna Theme Park All to Myself
Kanigoten Ariake Bath
The best outdoor cool-down of my life, with the Ariake Sea spread out before me
OND HOTEL
A Takeo Morning of Calm Rather Than totonou
Chikushino Tenpai no Sato
First time ever! A torii shrine sits inside the sauna room
Feb 20–23, 2026 Tokyo, Saitama and Kanagawa Sauna Trip
This was my first visit to the Kanto region in about two months, since December of last year. I had been planning this trip for quite a while, carefully selecting top hot spring and sauna facilities from among many options, and finally the time to depart arrived. As usual, I headed to the area on Friday night and decided to start the trip at Shinagawa Sauna in Oimachi. A superb trip that will be deeply etched into my sauna history is about to begin.
Sauna You Can Stay At Shinagawa Sauna
An Astonishing Encore Aufguss
Onsen Balcony King & Queen
Saitama's No.1 facility where everything is top-notch
Baden Garden
Enjoying the Kelo Sauna in Tokorozawa
Spadium Japon
How good is the famed natural spring water...
Asaka Sauna Nagomi
An Adult Hideaway Sauna
Shibuya SAUNAS
A facility that sauna lovers across Japan pay attention to
Asahiyu Gensen Yuiru
The Ultimate Cold Plunge Bath Is Here
Feb 6–8, 2026 Hiroshima Sauna Trip
The beginning of a journey comes unexpectedly. You dash out of your home, hop on a train, and make hotel reservations while on the move. Even such an impulsive and unplanned sauna trip can turn out to be the best journey. Why? Because there's a sauna waiting for you. This time, let me take you on a sauna trip from Hiroshima Prefecture.
Hiroshima Pacific Hotel Sauna Kame no Ie
in Hiroshima Pacific Hotel
Hiki stargazing sauna
Elegant and High-Quality Private Sauna
New Japan EX
Ultimate Relaxation in the Nightlife of Hiroshima
Capsule & Sauna Nihon
Time Travel to the Showa Era in Fukuyama
Jan 31–Feb 1, 2026 Nara Sauna Journey
The journey to explore the hot springs and saunas of Nara Prefecture has begun. It's an unplanned, impulsive trip where the priority is to listen to the body's needs at the moment. Destinations are decided on the go, and when a good flow comes, we go with it. This is the style in which we engage with the saunas of Nara.
Nijinoyu Nishiyamato
The Power of Design Dominating the Sauna Experience
Nara Royal Hotel La Royal Spa
Regretful Withdrawal Before Aufguss Begins
Yurara no Yu Oshikuma Branch
The underground water cold plunge bath feels great
Natural Hot Spring Naniwa no Yu
Retreat of Defeat! One Set of Sauna and Cold Plunge Bath
Jan 17–18, 2026 Kyoto's Public Bath and Sauna Tour
For me, the purpose of going to Kyoto is not to visit temples, stroll through the streets, or study history. It's for the saunas and hot springs. This time, I will enjoy a tour of modern saunas and Showa-era public baths in Kyoto. I also visited a facility that was a filming location for the drama 'Sauna Road.' My whirlwind two-day trip to Kyoto is about to begin.
Sagano Onsen Tenzan-no-Yu
Enjoying Sauna Near Arashiyama
Kyoto Takenosato Onsen Manyo no Yu
Enjoy the Natural Hot Spring Flowing Directly from the Source
Gokouyu
Enjoying the Sauna with a Fully Tattooed Person
Hakusan-yu Takatsuji Branch
Kyoto's No.1 Groundwater
Jan 9–11, 2026 Kansai Sauna Journey
Unable to resist the urge to visit Kobe Sauna, I got into my car. Upon arrival, I completed four sets of sauna and cold plunge baths. I thoroughly enjoyed the sauna late at night and early in the morning. From there, I visited Rumor Plaza, which is highly acclaimed as the No.1 in Kyoto. I also visited Nobe no Yu Tsuruhashi and SPAWORLD HOTEL&RESORT in Osaka. Thus begins the first Kansai sauna trip of 2026 (superb).
Kobe Sauna & Spa
Stay in a capsule and enjoy the sauna all night
Sauna & Capsule Hotel Ruma Plaza
Enjoy a supreme sauna experience in the heart of Gion, Kyoto
Natural Hot Spring Nobehanoyu Tsuruhashi
I was thoroughly steamed in the scorching löyly
SPAWORLD HOTEL&RESORT
The overwhelming variety of saunas and cold plunge baths
Dec 26–28, 2025 Kumamoto Sauna Journey
This is the last sauna trip of 2025. As a fitting place to conclude the year, there was a location I had long wanted to visit. That is Kumamoto Prefecture, home to the place known as the 'sacred site of the west,' Yurax. After finishing work on December 26, I immediately began my journey. An exquisite sauna trip in Kumamoto is about to begin.
Hanshin Sauna
Overnight Stay at Osaka's Famous Sauna
Yulax
A Sauna Experience That Makes You Lose Track of Time
Yuya Suizen -Luxury Sauna & Spa-
A New Sauna Experience Integrated with Water and Sauna
Yuya Suizen -Luxury Sauna & Spa-
Enjoying the Hinoki Sauna and Aso's Natural Water Again
Yulax
Japan's Supreme Aufguss and Exquisite Cold Plunge Bath Once Again
Kobe Sauna & Spa
The Last Sauna of 2025
Dec 5–7, 2025 Kanto Legend Sauna Journey
This sauna journey is likely to be etched deeply as the best memory of my life. I had a premonition of this even before the journey began. The premonition was indeed spot on, as I thoroughly repeated the cycle of sauna → cold plunge bath → rest at famous facilities in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba. A legendary sauna journey that sauna enthusiasts across Japan would envy is about to begin.
Sauna Tokyo
Elegant Sauna Bathing in Akasaka, Tokyo
Spa Metsä Otaka Ryusenji no Yu
Natural hot springs, sauna, and cold plunge bath—all perfect
Yunoizumi Soka Health Center
Shocked by the Queue for the Sauna
Toshimaen Niwa no Yu
First Time in My Life! Getting a Ticket at a Hot Spring
Sauna & Hotel Karumaru Ikebukuro
Helpless in the Thunder Tornado
Skyspa YOKOHAMA
First Visit in Four and a Half Years! Revisiting a Memorable Facility
Nov 21–24, 2025 Nagoya Sauna Journey
Aichi Prefecture is home to many renowned sauna establishments. To ensure the success of this journey, I thoroughly researched hot spring and sauna facilities throughout Aichi Prefecture, selected the ones I considered to be the most exquisite, and visited all of them. In conclusion, it turned out to be an exceptional journey. Let me share with you the 3-night, 4-day trip, including the pre-festival night.
Safi Spa Maiko
Eve of the Sauna Journey
Wellbe Imaike
After the Major Traffic Jam, a Supreme Sauna Awaited
Tenko no Yu
One of Gifu Prefecture's Finest Saunas and Cold Plunge Baths
Tenku SPA HILLS Ryusenji no Yu Nagoya Moriyama Honten
Breathtaking View Bath and Exquisite Sauna
Sauna Eagle
The legendary sauna in Nagoya was fantastic
Canal Resort
Giant Sauna and Swimable Cold Plunge Bath
Yunoya Natural Hot Spring Yukichiro
The Conclusion of the Nagoya Sauna Journey
Nov 15–16, 2025 Osaka Sauna Journey
A sauna trip is not just about enjoying the sauna, cold plunge bath, and outdoor air bath. Every journey has its own episodes. This week, I enjoyed a sauna trip in Osaka. I'll share memories from each facility, along with episodes that only I can write.
Natural Hot Spring Nobeha no Yu Main Branch Habikino
One of Osaka's top facilities where you can enjoy natural hot springs and authentic saunas
Sayama-go Onsen Niji no Yu Osaka Sayama Branch
The Best Sauna at a Facility I Casually Visited
Soraniwa Onsen OSAKA BAY TOWER
When gazing at the beautiful garden from the spacious public bath...
Nov 8–9, 2025 Hyogo Sauna Journey
The theme of this trip is 'natural hot springs.' The season is transitioning from autumn to winter, and it's starting to feel chilly. At such times, I want to enjoy the sauna while soaking in high-quality natural hot springs. I drove all the way to Sanda City in Hyogo Prefecture on a Saturday morning. Let's fully enjoy the hot springs and sauna for the next two days. The best journey is about to begin.
Natural Hot Spring Sanda Kotobuki-no-Yu
Everything from the hot spring, sauna, cold plunge bath, to the atmosphere is exquisite
Natural Spring Bath Gintou Touji Shuuraku
A natural hot spring that leads to deep relaxation unconsciously
SPA Kisela Kawanishi
The Ultimate Cost-Effective Sauna Facility
Koino Onsen Uharano-yu
Exquisite Natural Hot Spring and Rokko Spring Water Bath
Oct 25–26, 2025 Okayama Sauna Journey
I have never been to a reservation-based private sauna before. I have always bathed in large public baths with many people, but as I progressed on my sauna journey, I became curious about private saunas. I had the image of having a dialogue with myself in a small and quiet space, but imagination and reality are always different. In this 'Okayama Sauna Journey,' I will present four episodes, including a private sauna experience.
Sauna Kolme Kylä
A meticulously crafted otherworldly sauna
Gokuraku no Sato Ebisu no Yu Kawabe Branch
A Super Sento Loved by Locals
kobatoisa cafe&sauna
Enjoy the Wood-Fired Sauna and Natural Underground Water in Mimasaka City
ZIKKAI SPA
A spa facility truly deserving of the name 'oasis'
Oct 17–20, 2025 Osaka Sauna Journey
If you're a salaried worker with weekends off, you can start your journey on Friday night and return on Monday morning, making it a 4-day, 3-night trip. This Osaka sauna journey was planned with such a schedule. I thoroughly enjoyed Osaka's famous facilities from morning till night. On Friday, I stayed at 'Sauna & Capsule Amza,' then on Saturday morning, I went to 'Osaka Sauna DESSE,' and in the evening, I headed to 'Naniwa Health Land Yu-topia.' On Sunday morning, I visited 'Hanazono Onsen sauna kukka,' and stayed overnight at 'Sauna Resort Oriental Kobe.' I enjoyed the sauna again on Monday morning, returned home in the morning, and went straight to work.
Sauna & Capsule Amza
A Battle with Snoring and Ultimate Sauna Experience in the Heart of Osaka Minami
Osaka Sauna DESSE
Osaka's Strongest Sauna
Naniwa Health Land Yuutopia
The Pinnacle of Sauna Experience
Hanazono Onsen sauna kukka
First Mixed-Gender Sauna Experience
Sauna Resort Oriental Kobe
Hotel sauna featuring a 105°C sauna and an 8°C cold plunge bath
Oct 3–6, 2025 Hokuriku Sauna Journey (Toyama & Ishikawa)
Hokuriku was an unknown territory. I had gathered information that there were many amazing saunas, and I myself had researched and recognized their greatness. However, weekdays were occupied with work, and the access from Shikoku to Hokuriku was not easy, which prevented me from exploring. The dilemma continued to build up, and I reached a point where I couldn't suppress the urge to visit Hokuriku. I wanted to go before it got cold. With that in mind, I took Friday and Monday off work to secure a four-day weekend. As a result, I visited a total of seven facilities in Toyama and Ishikawa. Astonishingly, five out of the seven facilities had a 'drinkable cold plunge bath.' This indicates the high quality of the water. As for the saunas, they were all like manifestations of 'if only there were such a sauna,' making Hokuriku worthy of being called a sacred place for saunas. It was a journey that made me feel that way.
Spa Alps
The Sacred Place for Saunas in Hokuriku: 8 Rounds
APA Hotel Stay Toyama
The Sauna Created with Seriousness by APA of the World
Yuya FUROBAKKA
Exquisite Wood-Fired Sauna and Kurobe's Famous Cold Plunge Bath
SPA BALNAGE
Overlooking the Tateyama Mountain Range and Toyama Bay
Sauna Talo Toyama
A sauna nestled in a quiet residential area
Natural Hot Spring Relax Park Terume Kanazawa
Natural Hot Spring Flowing Freely & Drinkable Cold Plunge Bath
Kinjo Onsen Motoyu
The Best Morning Bath of My Life
Sep 19–21, 2025 Kyoto-Gifu Sauna Journey
I wanted to embark on a journey seeking the ultimate 'cold baths.' Not ordinary cold baths, but unique, original cold baths that exist only at specific facilities. This trip began at Kyoto's 'SPA&HOTEL Suishun Matsuiyamate' with a 13°C carbonated cold bath, followed by savoring the flowing groundwater cold bath at 'Hakusanyu Rokujo Store.' Then I moved to Gifu Prefecture to enjoy the exquisite herbal sauna and flowing groundwater cold bath at 'Megumi-no-Yu.' On the final day, I made my second visit to Ogaki Sauna, where I lost consciousness in Japan's finest cold bath.
SPA&HOTEL Suishun Matsuiyamate
First experience with 13°C carbonated cold bath
Hakusanyu Rokujoten
Kyoto's Ultimate Cold Bath (Flowing Groundwater)
Megumi no Yu
Japan's Ultimate Herbal Sauna and Flowing Groundwater Cold Bath
Ogaki Sauna
Japan's Finest Flowing Groundwater Cold Bath
Sep 12–15, 2025 Osaka, Nara & Wakayama Sauna Journey
A week had passed since my sauna pilgrimage journey. After powering through the weekdays with high energy, Friday arrived. That day, I finished work early and headed to the "Yao Grand Hotel," often hailed as one of Osaka's sacred sauna destinations. Thus began my weekend sauna adventure. On day two, I indulged in "Gose Hoyu" in Gose City, Nara Prefecture, and "Koyaguchi-no-Yu" in Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Day three saw me achieving totonou once again at "Koyaguchi-no-Yu" in the morning, followed by evening visits to "Kofuku-yu" and "Fukurou-no-Yu" in Wakayama City. On the final day, I experienced my first-ever Korean-style body scrubbing at "Nara Kenko Land" and emerged with silky smooth skin all over.
Yao Grand Hotel
Historic Hot Springs - Osaka's Sacred Ground
Gosho Hot Spring
Finnish-Style Sauna with Clay Walls
Traditional House Public Bath - Koyaguchi no Yu
Harvia iki sauna with natural groundwater cold bath
Traditional House Public Bath - Koyaguchi no Yu
Second visit after returning from Mount Koya
Kofukuyu
15-minute stay. Failed to complete even one set...
Fukurou no Yu
Natural Hot Springs from 1,500m Underground
Nara Kenko Land
My First Korean Body Scrub Experience
Sep 4–7, 2025 Sacred Sauna Pilgrimage
In the sauna world, there exist places revered as 'sacred grounds'—legendary facilities that every sauna enthusiast dreams of visiting at least once in their lifetime. This pilgrimage began at Kobe's holy site and continued through the sacred venues of Gifu, Shizuoka, and Nagoya. Seven magnificent establishments in total: 'Kobe Sauna & Spa,' 'Ogaki Sauna,' 'Sauna Shikiji,' 'Mt. Fuji Natural Water SPA Sauna Taka-no-yu,' 'Suruga Kenko Land,' and 'Wellbe Sakae.' For any sauna lover, this is a route that would make you want to shout with joy—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Kobe Sauna & Spa
A Sacred Journey Begins in Kobe
Ogaki Sauna
The Miraculous Cold Plunge
Sauna Shikiji
The Holy Land of Saunas
Fujisan Natural Water SPA Sauna Taka no Yu
The Ultimate Cold Plunge with Mount Fuji Spring Water
Suruga Health Land
Ancient Waters from 10-Million-Year-Old Geological Strata
Wellbe Sakae
Finnish Forest Sauna Experience
Aug 29–31, 2025 Kobe & Umeda Sauna Journey
Hyogo and Osaka prefectures are home to numerous sauna and onsen facilities that represent the best of Japan. My personal 'must-visit list' already contains over 50 establishments. This trip took me to 'Safi Spa Maiko,' 'Arima Onsen Taikou-no-yu,' 'New Japan Umeda,' 'Kobe Sauna & Spa,' and 'Arima Kaido Onsen Suzuran-no-Yu.' What kind of sauna experiences await at each of these facilities?
Safi Spa Maiko
The Ultimate Expression of Sauna King's Vision
Arima Onsen Taiko no Yu
Blissful Moments in Golden and Silver Springs
New Japan Umeda
Ultimate Sauna Bliss at Umeda's Legendary Institution
Kobe Sauna & Spa
Ultimate Sauna Bliss at Kobe's Sacred Ground
Arima Kaido Onsen Suzuran no Yu
Cold Plunge Fed by Miyamizu Sacred Waters
Aug 9–11, 2025 Shiga & Nara Sauna Journey
The Kansai region is home to many wonderful saunas. This time I decided to visit Shiga and Nara prefectures. In Shiga, I visited 'Chomeiji Onsen Amaha-no-Yu' and 'Spa Resort Ogoto Agaryanse.' In Nara, I visited 'Yurara-no-Yu Oshikuma,' enjoying the saunas, cold baths, and hot springs at each location. The journey's finale was my first visit to 'Arima Kaido Onsen Suzuran-no-Yu' in Hyogo Prefecture. There I discovered a world that completely blew my mind.
Chomeiji Onsen Amaha no Yu
Wood-Fired Sauna with Spectacular Lake Biwa Views
Spa Resort Ogoto Agaryanse
Ultimate Serenity with Lake Biwa Views
Yurara no Yu Oshikuma Branch
Finding Perfect totonou Under Nara's Sky
Arima Kaido Onsen Suzuran no Yu
Becoming One with Nature in the Forest Garden
