About 11 SAUNA & SAUNNER 2024.11.11 11:11　Totonoe no hi

Located just in front of Oimachi Station, this men's-only capsule hotel and sauna facility is known for its incredible cost-performance, starting at just ¥980 for a 60-minute session on weekdays. Despite its modest price, the facility offers an impressive open-air bath and rooftop bathing space, providing an unparalleled sense of openness and relaxation. While the facility is primarily for men, they do host Ladies’ Days, and the turnout on the first event was overwhelmingly positive.
What sets this facility apart is the attention to detail and the clear passion for saunas that is infused into every aspect of its design. It feels like a culmination of research from sauna facilities across Japan, combining the best elements into one cohesive experience. From the layout to the materials used, every part of the sauna experience has been carefully considered.
What’s particularly notable is the fact that just three weeks after opening, the facility underwent a temporary closure for nearly three weeks to carry out a series of upgrades and improvements. These changes included fixing drainage in the washing area, adding more lighting, adjusting the steps to the cold plunge bath, improving air circulation in the bathing area, reworking the flooring and tiles in the sauna rooms, repositioning the heat reflectors, extending the handrails on the stairs, removing artificial turf from the rooftop, and installing air circulators. This commitment to continuous improvement, even on the smallest details, shows their dedication to creating the best sauna experience possible. It’s clear that this facility will continue evolving and upgrading to meet users' expectations.

A sauna is originally a sacred place that heals both the body and the mind. You can experience this in its truest form at "kara-furo." Enveloped in overwhelming heat, your inner wildness awakens. The stone chamber, which is carefully steamed over time and effort, undoubtedly holds a mysterious energy that is invisible to the eye.
While there is no cold bath, and you simply wash off your sweat in the shower, the emotional impact awaiting you makes that seem unimportant. This is the world’s only and oldest smoke sauna that reveals the essence of what a sauna truly is.
Now is the time for Japanese sauna enthusiasts to return to their roots right here.

This is Japan’s first festival-themed concept sauna, and it goes far beyond simply incorporating elements of the Nebuta Festival into the sauna. Inside the sauna room, there is an awe-inspiring Nebuta display created by a team of skilled artisans who have won multiple awards, including the Nebuta Grand Prize. The sheer scale and detail of the Nebuta are breathtaking. Additionally, festival music ("matsuribayashi") plays inside the sauna, and the automatic löyly (steam infusion) is synchronized with the rhythm of the music, allowing guests to feel the heat and energy just like at the Aomori Nebuta Festival.
The sauna stove is adorned with sauna stones shaped like Nebuta warriors and the "Goldfish Nebuta," a summer tradition in Aomori. The benches feature sauna mats designed with the peony flower, a symbol from the Tsugaru clan's crest, commonly seen on the Nebuta floats. Even the 12-minute sand timer on the wall is decorated with images of the "Haneto" dancers, who bring the festival to life with their energetic leaps.
This is not the type of sauna experience where you quietly immerse yourself in contemplation—quite the opposite. It's an exciting, entertainment-infused sauna that offers a vibrant and unique experience. If you're looking for a sauna that will make your heart race, this one-of-a-kind Nebuta-themed sauna is a must-try.

The concept of "Shashokudo," a cafeteria for both employees and the community, combined with a gallery and event space, the headquarters of an architectural firm, a co-working space, and a sauna, has created a small commercial facility that is energizing the streets of Hiroshima. This is a place where you can enjoy "eating, working, and relaxing."
The courtyard visible from the sauna and the open-ceiling relaxation space are designed not only for their visual beauty but also to allow visitors to fully experience nature, from sunlight to rain. A sauna designed by architects really brings something unique!
The sauna room is equipped with two heating systems: a self-service stove for pouring water (löyly) and a bonus sauna installed at the back, ensuring the room is perfectly heated with a luxurious feel. The wood used is aromatic Western Red Cedar, enveloping the space in a pleasant scent as you face the natural beauty of the courtyard.
This office building with a sauna, where "food, work, and play" intersect, is transforming the atmosphere of the city.

This lakeside sauna, boasting a stunning view and natural surroundings on the shores of Lake Yamanaka, is a standout for its unique modern architectural design by YU Momoeda Architects and construction by Marumasa Watanabe Construction of Kofu City. The building’s innovative structure immediately sets it apart in the scenic landscape.
Unlike saunas intended for solitary, silent reflection, this facility encourages group sauna sessions where people can converse and enjoy the sauna together. Thanks to the soft lighting, however, the atmosphere remains respectful and peaceful, creating a pleasant environment for "löyly" communication. While the sauna is a public one where men and women wear swimsuits, cold plunge baths are separated by gender, and the outdoor cooling area is thoughtfully divided into a general mixed-gender area and a women-only space—this careful attention to privacy is a notable highlight.
Adding to the appeal is the panoramic lounge, offering guests something to look forward to after their sauna session. The admission fee includes free drinks and one mini dessert, while guests can also indulge in the specialty "Sapa-parfait" (a sweet-and-salty parfait) created by Shimizu Misato for an additional charge.
This lakeside sauna, with its distinctive charm and one-of-a-kind offerings, has quickly become a popular spot among sauna enthusiasts, even though it has only been open for a short time.

Designed by the world-renowned architect Takao Habuka, this globally recognized luxury inn features traditional Japanese materials such as earthen walls, washi paper, and stone in a stunning blend of beauty. All 18 guest rooms come with private open-air hot spring baths that flow directly from the source, offering views of Mount Tanigawa and the clear stream of the Tanigawa River that runs alongside the property.
The large public bath, renovated in 2020, already made a lasting impression with its curved benches that fit the body perfectly, scenic views from the windows, cold plunge pools filled with hot spring water, and the liberating experience of outdoor relaxation while surrounded by nature. However, the private sauna has an even greater impact.
True to its concept, "A sauna you must experience at least once in your life," the presence and experiential value of this sauna are overwhelming. While luxurious, it also offers a unique connection with nature and tranquility, creating an extraordinary space where you can savor unforgettable moments.

The sauna's unparalleled presence, combined with the breathtaking panoramic views from its windows, makes it truly one of a kind. It has rightfully earned its place in the hall of fame without question.
The operator, Kitakobushi Resort, manages four distinct brands of accommodations: "Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel & Resort," "KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort," "Shiretoko Yuhinoataruie ONSEN HOSTEL," and "PRIVATE COTTAGE Lantern SHIRETOKO." Across all these facilities, they offer an impressive variety of saunas—11 in total—creating a "Sauna Mecca of the North" in Shiretoko within just three years. This achievement is nothing short of remarkable.
I highly recommend making a "sauna trip" to Shiretoko to experience firsthand the overwhelming passion for saunas that permeates this region.

Since its grand opening in April 2023, the facility has undergone numerous updates, including the renovation of six sauna rooms, reaching a new level of excellence. In 2024, it was honored with its first Saunachelin award, solidifying its status as one of Osaka's premier sauna destinations.
The facility, which spans over 200 tsubo (approximately 660 square meters), has a clever design that allows it to be divided into two sections by closing just one door. This enables the space to be split into a men's and women's bath area. Normally, the baths are reserved for men, but the system allows flexibility, offering mixed-gender days once a week and women's days once a month. This adaptable system, which caters to a variety of users, has been highly praised.
The concept symbol of the facility, DESSE, is “Saikou!” (meaning "the best!"). Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned sauna enthusiast, the goal is for everyone to experience the "best" sauna moments. With its constant improvements, this facility will undoubtedly continue to evolve and deliver unforgettable sauna experiences.

This innovative women-only treatment sauna offers the ultimate in relaxation, combining two creative steam sauna options designed to help women feel beautiful and rejuvenated. Imagine being in a luxurious, personal bubble—set at the perfect temperature of 45°C with 100% humidity—where you can enjoy uninterrupted self-care. It’s like turning your whole body into a facial steamer, where you can indulge in cleansing, shampooing, treating your hair, and even scrubbing your skin, all in one comforting space.
Unlike traditional saunas that follow a routine of sauna, cold bath, and rest, this space introduces a new approach where there’s no need for enduring discomfort. Instead, it's about creating a relaxation environment where women can feel good without compromise. It's like stepping into a serene, spa-like haven that caters entirely to your needs.
This fresh take on sauna culture is bound to inspire and spread a new wave of sauna experiences for women.

The sauna facility, which opened a year and a half ago, made a big splash with its PR strategy by releasing a YouTube anime series featuring the character "Totonon" as the protagonist. Since then, the facility has continuously grown, starting with the expansion of a dining space in the basement and making several upgrades to improve its quality, solidifying its reputation as Tokyo's premier sauna destination.
This year, the basement underwent further renovations, adding over 30 reclining chairs and a collection of more than 10,000 manga books, as well as starting late-night food service, significantly enhancing the experience for sauna enthusiasts.
Sauna Tokyo is constantly evolving and remains a hot topic of discussion, always packed with sauna fans enjoying its ever-improving offerings.

The men’s floor at TOTOPA features three unique “Sauna” spaces, each designed to stimulate different parts of the brain. The “Left Room” (Sashitsu) uses a linear interior design with cool-toned lighting to stimulate the logical left brain, while the “Right Room” (Ushitsu) features soft, rounded interior designs with warm-toned walls and cozy lighting on personal benches, stimulating the creative right brain. The third room, "Na Room," is designed for relaxation and conversation, where guests can bring drinks and enjoy a more social sauna experience.
On the women’s floor, there’s the fragrant “Kaoruko” sauna, where guests can enjoy the soothing scent of aromatic wood while relaxing in the changing area. There's also the “Suchiko” herbal steam bath, which can be enjoyed in loungewear (smartphones are allowed here), and the “Breathing Room,” a space where the lighting changes throughout the day to enhance relaxation.
At TOTOPA, located within a park, people of all ages and backgrounds come together to spend their time in whichever way they prefer, freely refreshing and recharging—just like in a park. It’s a space where everyone can find their own way to unwind. If spaces like this were to pop up all over Japan, it would bring happiness to many.