Life in Japan
One of the best ways to relax in Japan is to visit an Onsen. Japan has many wonderful Onsen created by its bountiful nature, which attract and are loved not only by tourists but also by Japanese people on a daily basis.
However, in recent years, not only the Onsen but also the saunas attached to them have been gaining popularity and attention. In fact, there are many bath houses that focus on saunas, and most of them have authentic or revolutionary saunas that are comparable to those in Finland, the home of saunas.
This article will tell you best onsen and bathhouses with Sauna in Tokyo, and the secret to revitalize (ととのう to-to-nou) in Japanese Sauna.
Bathhouses in Japan: Difference of Sauna and Sento
What is the difference?
There are two types of bathhouses in Japan,
Onsen (おんせん) and Sento (せんとう).
The major difference between a Onesen and Sento is the water used. Most Sento use tap water or other water that has been boiled. Onsen, on the other hand, uses natural water that has gushed out of the ground. The criteria for an Onsen are set by law, and if the water does not meet the requirements for temperature, composition, etc it is not considered an Onsen.
Attraction of Sento
The traditional style of public bathhouse can be enjoyed in a Sento. A Sento has a reception area, a changing area, a place to wash up, and a large bath. It is not that large, and only a few dozen people can enter at a time. Sento are also characterized by their low fees. Fees are uniform across all prefectures. The cheapest fee is 350 yen in Miyazaki Prefecture, and the most expensive is 500 yen (adult fee for those 12 years and older) in Tokyo, Kanagawa, and other prefectures.
Also, there is a type of Sento called a** Super Sento**. In a word, a super Sento is a luxury version of a Sento! The variety of large baths is even greater than that of Sento, and there are also open-air baths, rock baths, and saunas. Super Sento are larger than public bathhouses, and it is not uncommon for them to accommodate more than 100 people. Many have restaurants and rest areas where visitors can spend long hours, making them popular with families and couples.
The admission fee to a super Sento is about 500 yen to 1,000 yen. Additional fees may be charged for bedrock baths and other services. Fees also vary depending on the area and the services offered. Although more expensive than normal Sento, they are ideal for those who want to relax and relieve fatigue or for those who want to go out with friends or loved ones.
Attraction of Onsen
Basically, the facilities of an Onsen are not much different from a Sento. Different Onsen offer various types of baths and different benefits, each with its own characteristics and attractions. Among them, the open-air baths: Roten-buro (ろてんぶろ) are exceptional and must be experienced.
Some Onsen facilities have open-air baths, which are outdoor Onsen, offering a sense of openness and a beautiful view from baths. The scenery is different in each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn leaves in fall, and snow falling in winter.
Soaking in a hot Onsen while gazing at the beautiful natural scenery is sure to provide the ultimate in healing. The feeling of having your body warmed by the Onsen after being chilled by the outside air is exceptional, so autumn and winter are especially pleasant seasons to visit Onsen.
Another way to enjoy Onsen is to pay attention to their effects. Onsen water contains various components that have various effects on the body, and many are effective in relieving fatigue or pain. Once you leave the baths, be sure to pay attention to the inside of the Onsen facility and the surrounding area. There are many restaurants where you can taste local delicacies, souvenir shops where you can buy local specialties, and places where you can experience local entertainment and culture, which should not be missed.
Sauna Boom in Japan
In recent years, there has been a sauna boom among young people in Japan. However, until a decade ago, this kind of positive image did not exist; rather, most people had a negative image of saunas as “uncle-like”. That has changed, and now many people have a positive impression of the "health benefits" of the sauna. The main reasons for such a change are that popular Japanese celebrities have professed their love of sauna. Saunas are now a part of Japan's youth culture, thanks in part to the proliferation of saunas by fashionable and good-looking influencers.
Also, the word "totonou" (ととのう): “revitalize” has become familiar to all. “totonou” is the ecstatic feeling one gets after a sauna. For many saunas, "totonou" is the best part of the sauna experience. The meal after sauna which is called “Sameshi” (さめし) is also a real treat for sauners. The food that you eat with your senses sharpened by the sauna is exceptional, and is the reason why people cannot get out of the sauna once they are addicted to it.
5 Best Tokyo Onsen and Sento with Sauna
Shinjuku Onsen Thermae-Yu
Shinjuku Onsen Thermae-Yu is a Onsen complex located in Shinjuku Kabukicho, which is easily accessible from many directions and is open for 24 hours! There are two types of saunas for men and women respectively, with the men's sauna set at approximately 90°C and the women's sauna at approximately 85°C.
The baths are also authentic, with a lineup of six different bathtubs, including an open-air bath where guests can enjoy the hot springs of Naka Izu Onsen.
It also has a variety of facilities other than the bathrooms, including a bedrock bath, a dining area, and a relaxation room, allowing visitors to spend a long, leisurely time there.
Asakusa Rox Matsuri-Yu
Asakusa ROX Matsuri Yu is a Onsen facility located in Asakusa ROX, a commercial facility that is a symbol of Asakusa. The dry Finnish sauna is very popular and in the women's bath, there is a mist sauna with microscopic mist pouring down from the ceiling.
Together with the open-air bath with a view of the Tokyo Sky Tree and the mineral-rich “tourmaline bath,” you are sure to have a fulfilling and healing time!
Kokuritsu Onsen Yura-no-Sato
Kokuritsu Onsen Yura-no-Sato is a day spa facility in Kunitachi City located along the Tama River within walking distance of Yagawa Station on the JR Nambu Line and Manganji Station on the Tama Monorail.
There are two saunas in each of the men's and women's bathrooms: a salt sauna and a tower-type high-temperature sauna. One of the most attractive features is the open-air area, which is equipped with deck chairs and a “lounging bath,” and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji!
You can enjoy a pleasant breeze across the Tama River and feel a sense of openness while taking a bath in the open air.
Ryougoku Yuya Edoyu
Ryougoku Yuya Edoyu is in a good location, just a 1-minute walk from Ryogoku Station on the Tokyo Metro Oedo Line and a 5-minute walk from Ryogoku Station on the JR Sobu Line.
In addition to an authentic Finnish-style dry sauna with a temperature of around 90°C, the men's bathroom is equipped with a “medium-temperature sauna” with a room temperature of around 75°C, which is easy to use for sauna novices. In the women's bathroom, there is an “aroma steam sauna” using natural aroma oil with a room temperature of around 60°C, both of which are very popular.
Each of them can enjoy the sauna comfortably according to their own preferences and physical condition of the day!
Musashino Onsen Nagomi-no-Yu
Nagomi-no-Yu is a natural Onsen facility conveniently located a minute walk from the west exit of Ogikubo Station.
In the bathrooms, there are various types of saunas for men and women, including a high-temperature sauna using far-infrared rays and a low-temperature sauna that can be used as a salt sauna depending on the day of the week.One of the attractions of this facility is Lowryu performance by the Hot Air Team, which boasts of its powerful exhalations in “rock bath healing spa”.
Enjoy a superb sauna experience with couples, families, or friends.
Ready for an Exclusive experience in Japanese onsen and saunas?
Japanese Onsen have always been popular, but adding a sauna to the mix will surely double the enjoyment! Each facility has its own specialties and features, so enjoy visiting various places to get your Perfect relaxation time.
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