I wanted to end 2025 at what I consider the best sauna in Japan. That wish is about to come true. About three hours from Kumamoto. I arrived at Shin-Osaka at 17:30. From there, I transferred to a local train heading to JR Nishinomiya Station. After arriving, I drove towards Kobe. The destination is "Kobe Sauna & Spa." Throughout my life, I have visited sauna facilities all over Japan. I have been to many famous places. Even so, if someone asked me, "What is the best sauna in Japan for you?" I would immediately answer, "Kobe Sauna & Spa." I believe it is the most wonderful sauna facility for me. I can conclude 2025 at the best sauna of my life. I walked through the familiar streets of Sannomiya and arrived at the entrance of Kobe Sauna. I got off the elevator on the 6th floor and headed to the reception with a very pleasant aroma. While standing in line, I overheard someone saying, "I really want a massage today! My body is so stiff!" The man seemed very tired. He probably came to relieve a year's worth of fatigue. Kobe Sauna offers exquisite massages (from experience), so I understand the desire to get one! It seems there was a slot available late at night, and he secured a reservation. "Thank you so much! I'm looking forward to it!" he said as he disappeared into the locker room. I also completed my check-in and headed to the locker. I changed in the familiar locker and headed to the large bath. No matter how many times I come, it always excites me. First, I cleanse myself and then slowly soak in the natural hot spring at the center of the large bath. My body, stiff from the Shinkansen ride, starts to relax. It feels wonderful. I feel joy being here at the end of the year, and my sense of happiness keeps growing. After warming my body for a while, it's time for the best sauna in Japan. First, I head to the main sauna. I was shocked. The main sauna has been renovated. The wood is new, and both the exterior and interior have been transformed. The warm-colored lights from the open-air bath illuminate the sauna room. The interior, adorned with beautiful wood, is filled with the aroma of lemongrass. "Ah, Kobe Sauna really is the best!" I realize. I warm my body with the heat of about 100°C and then head to the 11.7°C cold plunge bath. The coldness of this bath is also a specialty of Kobe Sauna. After the cold plunge, I enjoy an outdoor air bath while looking up at the Kobe sky. Even though it's only the first set, an incredible sensation washes over me. I had visited "Yurax" in the morning, so that might also be influencing it. For the second set, I head to the Finnish sauna in the open-air area. It's a sauna made with kelo wood, known as the jewel of wood, where you can perform self-löyly. The rich aroma of the wood, unique to this place, is captivating, and the moment I enter the sauna, I am moved by how wonderful it smells. Fortunately, there are few people. I sit on the upper bench and quietly warm my body. At some point, another guest performs löyly. The sound of steam echoes in the dark room, and the perceived temperature rises rapidly. My heart rate increases, and sweat pours out. It's the last sauna of 2025. It feels like I've washed away everything from this year with sweat. I enter the 11.7°C cold plunge bath again to cool down and transition to an outdoor air bath. "How many sets of sauna → cold plunge → outdoor air bath did I do this year?" I reflect. Basically, I go to the sauna every day and do at least three sets a day, so I've done at least 1,095 sets of sauna → cold plunge → outdoor air bath. On sauna trips, I enter the sauna twice a day, so I've actually done more sets. Thinking about it, the accumulation of daily routines is significant. Resetting the day's fatigue and welcoming a new morning. I am convinced that this accumulation creates the best life. 2025 is ending, but I can confidently say it was the best year. And I am sure next year will be the best year too. Saunas are essential for living a happy life. If saunas were to disappear, I am confident I would be unhappy. I want to continue enjoying my beloved saunas in the coming years.

After the sauna, I had a meal at a familiar restaurant. The satisfaction of the meal is incredible, especially after visiting what I consider the best sauna in Japan. I love the fried chicken at Kobe Sauna, so I order it every time, and their charcoal-grilled oyakodon is also the best. After finishing the meal, I feel a strong reluctance to leave, but it's important to draw a line. The final day completed the ultimate & exquisite route of "Yurax" → "Kobe Sauna & Spa," the sacred place of the west. Such a luxurious route may not be experienced again. The sauna journey of 2025 ends here. Grateful for all the events of 2025, I vow to return here again and leave "Kobe Sauna & Spa." In the car on the way back, I was already thinking about where to go for the first sauna trip of 2026.