Nighttime in Hiroshima shows a completely different face compared to the day. Walking through the entertainment district, the streets illuminated by the lights of the signs are lined with snack bars, cabarets, and adult entertainment venues, all nestled closely together, with a sweet scent lingering in the air. The voices of solicitors, laughter, and the sounds of doors opening and closing blend together, creating the unique buzz of the night city. I was walking calmly through this hustle and bustle. The temptations of the night city were of no concern to me. As I nonchalantly entered a narrow alley, a building with a strong presence appeared. This is the renowned sauna in Hiroshima, New Japan EX. Tonight, I will enjoy the sauna here. Upon entering, I was greeted by the staff in a space filled with a pleasant aroma. During the day, I had visited an unmanned private sauna, and since there was no one there, I felt a slight emptiness without the usual "Welcome!" greeting. After receiving a polite guide from the staff, I changed in the locker room and headed to the large bath. In the past, I took it for granted, but nowadays, I increasingly find value in human interaction. Entering the large bath, I was reminded of a European Roman atmosphere, with impressive white columns. The bath area also had a pleasant eucalyptus scent. Towels were unlimited, and lemon water was provided. The staff frequently came and went, diligently cleaning and maintaining the facility. Perhaps because of this, despite being a historic facility, it felt very clean. Even before entering the bath, I was convinced it was a wonderful facility. First, I checked the facility's layout. There are three saunas and one cold plunge bath. There is also a hot bath where you can experience the waters of Futamata Onsen in Hokkaido, making it quite comprehensive. There is ample relaxation space, ensuring I can enjoy the exquisite time after the cold plunge bath. As a warm-up, I slowly soaked in the Futamata Onsen to warm my body. Although it's an artificial hot spring, after a few minutes, I felt warm from the core. From there, I headed to the Finnish sauna. The compact space, which can seat about six people, had no TV and allowed for self-löyly. The scent of mint aroma filled the room, creating a refreshing sensation just by breathing. Fortunately, there were no other guests, so I could enjoy a good sweat at my own pace while doing löyly. After the sauna, it was time for the customary cold plunge bath. The water temperature was set at 15°C, with eucalyptus branches immersed at the water inlet. This was the source of the pleasant aroma. I experienced the rare combination of cooling my body in the cold plunge bath while being soothed by the scent. Then, I moved to a chair in the indoor bath area to enjoy the totonou time after the cold plunge bath. Even after the first set, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. The reason lies in the atmosphere of the facility. There were several notices posted, stating, "This is a facility for individuals. Conversations are strictly prohibited. Everyone is seeking relaxation." The facility's concept of valuing one's own time and space was evident. During the time I used the facility, no one was conversing. There was no TV in the sauna room either. It is likely due to such efforts by the facility that this atmosphere is created. For the second set, I entered the main sauna. It uses a sauna stove with automatic löyly (METOS's isness), accommodating about 15 people. Again, no one was conversing. Each guest was cherishing their own time. I immersed myself in my own world and sweated for about 10 minutes. I re-entered the cold plunge bath and moved to the outdoor air bath space. The night breeze felt pleasant on my skin. Additionally, the scents from nearby restaurants made me feel hungry. I was reminded that this is the heart of the entertainment district. After thoroughly enjoying the sauna in my own world, I decided to have a meal at the izakaya within the facility.

I entered an izakaya with an atmosphere you wouldn't expect in a sauna facility and ordered a ginger pork set meal and oden. The deliciousness deeply permeated my body after the sauna, leaving me completely satisfied with the meal. I felt a sense of happiness from all the experiences, and although it's a personal opinion, I think it might be the best facility in Hiroshima Prefecture. After finishing the meal, I left New Japan EX. Now, tomorrow is finally the last day. When I returned to the hotel and checked the weather forecast, it said that the coldest wave of the year would be coming in tomorrow, with a possibility of heavy snow. It seems necessary to pay attention to the weather, especially from the afternoon. In case the trains stop, it would be a problem, so I decided to return early in the morning. That said, I won't leave without doing anything. There is one more sauna facility I want to visit. That facility is the long-established Capsule & Sauna Nippon in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture.