#Sauna News Digest 1
last updated 04/02/2024
Iyonotojiba Kisukenoyu has been elected as Sauna number one in Japan for the second consecutive year
It appears that in the 2024 Sauna ranking of the most popular Japanese Onsen website "Nifty Onsen", Iyonotojiba Kisukenoyu from Ehime prefecture Matsuyama City has been awarded the first prize once again. The manager Suguru Usui has previously built a "Oni Sauna Jinja" (which literally means a "Demon Sauna Temple") in last year's June that stands in front of the Onsen's entrance. Its purpose is to allow people to give prayers for the health and safety of Sauna lovers. Suguru-san's activities have a target to popularize Shikoku tourism and "Satabi" (which describes going on an adventure for the purpose of visiting saunas; "sa" comes from "sauna" and "tabi" (旅) means adventure in Japanese).
The votes in the ranking were collected from the questionnaires/reviews of the website's users starting last year February.
A new Sauna in Fukushima "Wagamachi Sauna" has opened. Private sauna and some collaboration with local shops included
"Wagamachi Sauna" (located in Osaka city of Fukushima ward) has commenced the business on March 22nd. OS (オーエス, located in Kita ward of Tokyo) who specialize in entertainment industry, have established it as a their new business. The facility is approximately 50m2 big. Up to 18 people can enter the "public sauna", whereas 4 people can fit into the "private sauna" (which requires a prior reservation).
In the Public Sauna, there are as many as 4 steps inside, so it is friendly for both experienced Saunners and beginners. There is an "auto-löyly" equipped, which regularly releases steam, as well as a "blower" that sends heat waves.
Mizuburo (cold bath) has as much as 110cm depth. You can also find a "Totonoiba" (a place where you can rest) inside the bath with relaxing chairs and huge ceiling fans.
Normally, the Sauna is available to Men only, but there are Women only days as well (irregular schedule).
As for the Private Sauna, there is self-löyly, Mizuburo, shower, totonoiba and dressing room. Reservations are required and both Men and Women can use it together (underwear or bath suits are required in case of mixed sex usage).
Other than that, there is a bar counter which serves a "buster drink" (300 yen) which was innovated with a cooperation of a local spicy curry shop "Stand Loop". The drink is based on ginger and togarashi (chili pepper). There is also a food can from a bar "mr.kanso" (660 yen).
The store manager mentioned there are also many restaurants in the neighborhood area and he wishes that after enjoying sauna, everyone can discover the town by trying out foods and drinking.
Business hours are 10:00 to 23:00.
The fee is 1,800 yen per 2 hours for public sauna and 6,600 yen for the private sauna (in case of f more than 3 people each person needs to pay 2,200 yen).
Accepted payment is Cashless only.
To know more about the store, you can visit their official website.
A birth of "Sauna with the most superb view in Kagawa"
Ship sauna, black sauna, seawater Mizuburo and more
In already existing large-scale Onsen "Kotohiki-Kairo" (located in Kagawa, Kannon-shi), a newly-renowned sauna has been opened.
Kotodama-Kairo is an Onsen facility that offers natural hot spring and absolutely unique saunas, as well as fantastic food made with local ingredients. It boasts in its beautiful view on the Sea and sunset from Ariake Beach.
Following a six-month renovation, there are as many as five types of saunas available:
"Ariake Sauna", an ocean-view sauna with a sight on the Ariake Beach sunset;
"Ship Sauna", a ship-shaped sauna where you feel as if you were sailing;
"Tuli Sauna", a "black" sauna with a mild room temperature;
"Setouchi Lemon Sauna", where you can enjoy the refreshing scent of lemons;
and "Kama Sauna", which recreates an ancient Japanese steam bath.
Apart from that, three types of cold baths are present. One is made with natural Onsen water, the second one of seawater from Seto Inland Sea and the last one is build from Shigaraki-ware.
Finally, there is a "Totonoi Area" with hanging chairs and garden beds.
As for food, there are nine types of dishes cooked with ingredients provided from Kagawa and Seto Inland Sea area.
The renovation has been completed on Friday, March 29.
You can head on to their homepage to see more photos (Instagram is available too)