「Naruto Natural Hot Spring Aratae-no-Yu」 - A Visit

I first encountered 'Aratae-no-Yu' four years ago, in July 2021. At that time, I was working in Tokyo, but when I became independent and switched to full remote work, I was looking for a place to move. My conditions were two: 'being able to overlook the sea from my room' and 'having a super sento nearby.' That's how I arrived at Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture. After viewing a wonderful property, I finally arrived at 'Aratae-no-Yu.' I stepped in for the first time, hoping 'I hope this is a super sento where I can achieve ultimate totonou.' About four years have passed since then, and 'Naruto Natural Hot Spring Aratae-no-Yu' has become my home sauna. I basically go there every day. Japan's top-level carbonated spring, natural hot spring, Finnish-style sauna, 15°C cold bath, and the view from the outdoor bath. Everything is wonderful. I'm fortunate to have such a facility in my neighborhood. My routine is to first cleanse myself and enter the carbonated spring. A large amount of carbonic acid gas clings to my skin, and my body becomes warm and cozy. When I feel the blood circulating, I enter the cold bath. From there, sauna → cold bath → outdoor air bathing for 3-5 sets. Along the way, I enjoy the natural hot spring outdoor bath and carbonated spring, or chat with regulars. By the time I leave, the day's fatigue and distracting thoughts have disappeared. All that's left is to eat delicious food and sleep soundly until morning.

Aratae-no-Yu's sauna really makes you sweat. There's automatic löyly every hour, so the humidity is high. The flow line to the cold bath is also perfect, and it's a nice point that it's located right after exiting the sauna. After leaving the cold bath, you move to the outdoor bath and can achieve totonou while gazing at the sea and mountains. I often space out while looking at mountain peaks or the sky.