Imagine stepping out of the bustling Tokyo streets and into a calming sanctuary dedicated to the art of sauna. This is the experience offered by “Sauna Tokyo,” a newly opened sauna facility in Akasaka, a vibrant district known for its lively atmosphere.
Opened on April 24, 2023, Sauna Tokyo presents a unique blend of modern design and traditional Japanese sauna culture. The facility boasts five distinct themed saunas, each offering a different experience, and three invigorating cold baths. The building itself exudes a chic and peaceful aura, reflecting the concept of “Waryu” (Japanese style) that permeates every corner.
A Sanctuary in the City
The sauna boom in Japan continues to grow, fueled by the popularity of manga and television dramas that highlight the benefits of sauna bathing. “Saunner” (sauna enthusiast) has become a common term, reflecting the passion for this relaxing pastime. “Totonou,” a word describing the sense of well-being achieved after a sauna session, is now part of the everyday vocabulary of sauna lovers.
Sauna Tokyo embraces this cultural shift, offering a comfortable and easily accessible oasis in the heart of Tokyo. Just a minute’s walk from Akasaka Station and a short five-minute stroll from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station, this sauna facility provides a convenient escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
A World of Saunas Awaits
Upon entering the facility, you’ll be greeted by “Totonon,” Sauna Tokyo’s charming mascot inspired by a traditional sauna hat. The welcoming front desk also offers a selection of “Totonon goods,” including acrylic stands and stickers, for those who wish to take a piece of the sauna experience home.
The first floor is dedicated to the washing area, featuring a spacious high-concentration carbonic acid spring that spans 5.4 meters. This exceptional spring surpasses the standard concentration for high-concentration carbonic acid springs, promoting blood circulation without straining the body.
Upstairs, the second floor houses the sauna area. The “Steam Dance” auto-löyly sauna, boasting one of the largest sizes in Tokyo, is a must-visit. This sauna room accommodates up to 40 people simultaneously and offers an immersive sensory experience. The system automatically controls lighting, music, and löyly, providing a constantly evolving atmosphere that feels like a glimpse into the future.
For those seeking a more personalized sauna experience, the “Handheld Steam” self-löyly sauna is an excellent option. This sauna, crafted from Finnish “kelo” wood, known as the “jewel of wood,” provides a calming environment where you can control the löyly to your preference, enjoying the faintly sweet scent of the wood.
The “Meditation” sauna offers a quiet retreat for those who prefer a solitary experience. The dimly lit and semi-private environment, with its slightly lower temperature, provides a space for peaceful reflection.
For a taste of traditional Japanese bathing practices, the “Todana Steam Bath” is an experience not to be missed. This steam sauna modernizes the Todana bath, a bathing method popular during the Edo period. The Todana bath involved sitting in a shallow tub of water, immersing only the lower body, and steaming the upper body.
The “Showa Far-Infrared” sauna, featuring an ultra-high-temperature far-infrared stove, offers a nostalgic experience reminiscent of the saunas of the past. This dry sauna, a popular choice before the sauna boom, evokes a sense of familiarity and warmth.
Sauna Tokyo’s unique feature is the flexibility it provides. Guests can freely move between the five different saunas, creating their own personalized sauna journey. Mr. Akanuma, a director of the company, encourages guests to experiment with different sauna combinations and cold baths to discover what works best for them.
Cooling Down and Relaxing
No sauna experience is complete without a cold bath, and Sauna Tokyo offers three options: 8°C “Freezing,” 15°C “Cold,” and 20°C “Cool.” After a sauna session, take a refreshing dip in the cold bath of your choice. Mr. Akanuma recommends starting with a brief dip in the “Freezing” for about 5 seconds before moving to the “Cool” for a more relaxing soak. The contrast in temperatures is said to create a deeply relaxing effect.
For an extra chill, the “Cold Air Bath” with its ice-like design is a fantastic option for cooling down. This cool sauna offers two temperature settings: 0°C and 10°C.
Sauna Tokyo provides a comfortable space for relaxation and recovery with its spacious lounge equipped with chairs and tatami beds. The lounge can accommodate around 60 people and offers a welcoming atmosphere to unwind and recharge. Detox water and original sauna drinks are available at the drink counter, perfect for rehydrating after a sauna session.
Sauna Tokyo’s building has a fascinating history as a traditional Japanese restaurant. Mr. Akanuma and the owner, who shared a vision for creating a sauna facility with top-notch amenities, searched the city for the perfect location before discovering this unique property.
Mr. Akanuma expresses his desire to make Sauna Tokyo a haven for all sauna lovers, whether they are seasoned sauners or newcomers exploring the world of sauna bathing. He invites everyone to experience the facility and discover the joy of sauna culture.
A Sauna for Everyone
Sauna Tokyo welcomes sauners of all levels from beginners to veterans. While currently a men-only facility, the owners are planning to introduce Ladies’ Day and Ladies’ Night in the future.
For the latest information, detailed usage methods, and precautions, please visit Sauna Tokyo’s official website. Embrace the benefits of sauna bathing and nurture your vitality at Sauna Tokyo!
