Japan’s 11 Best Saunas of the Year

Every year on November 11th, “Totonoe Day” Sonakilin An annual selection of must-visit saunas across the country is revealed. Saunachelin was born in 2018 with facilities that go beyond the traditional sauna experience, bringing the heights of innovation, tradition and pure relaxation to the forefront. The evaluation, judged by professional sauna enthusiasts from across Japan and covering more than 12,000 establishments, took into account cold baths, outdoor seating areas, hospitality, cleanliness, entertainment and creative ingenuity. Here are the 2025 winners, from the tranquil hot spring resorts of Hokkaido to the urban sanctuaries of Tokyo, these are must-visit destinations for sauna lovers.

1. The best soup hotel

Deep in the forests of Hokkaido, The best place to stay An infinite space-time experience that combines nature, hot springs and saunas won this year’s Saunachelin Award. With three sauna types to choose from for men and women, the facility uses its spring water to produce rich steam for full-body relaxation. The floor-to-ceiling windows bring the wild animals around Yusu No. 1 into view, making every moment feel harmonious and solid. The true pinnacle of immersive relaxation, Yuyado Daiichi offers heat, water and the sanctity of life in a gorgeous sauna experience.

2. Tokyo Sauna

sauna tokyo It is the urban sauna of the future. Five different saunas, three water baths and 60 indoor seating spaces are carefully curated with precise lighting, sounds and scents. A dramatic DMX-controlled “steam dance” controls dramatic thermal gradients within the facility, allowing guests to choose their own pace in a space of meditation, steam and self. A three-time champion, the birthplace of saunas continues to develop together with the surrounding metropolis.

3. Hot Spring Balcony King Room and Queen Room

The largest hot spring entertainment facility in the Kanto region, Spa Balcony King and Queen Room It features a seven-level lava sauna, herbal steam room, salt room and two-meter-deep bathtub. Its rooftop “Sky High” area features a barrel sauna and tent sauna for guests to enjoy an outdoor sauna experience. Every corner of King & Queen challenges the sauna imagination.

4. Satoyama Terrace

In the countryside of Chiba, Satoyama Terrace Redefining the outdoor sauna. it is mountain sauna Integrating with the surrounding forest, visitors are immersed in the warmth of the wood-burning central fireplace, while waterfall sauna It erupts every 30 minutes, creating a cool waterfall spectacle. A stream beneath your feet and a breezy terrace enhance this water-centric immersive sauna approach, creating an unprecedented connection with nature.

5. Helicopter

In the lush Meiji Park, helicopter It is an urban wellness resort in Tokyo. Divided into men’s and women’s floors, each has multiple saunas, steam rooms and water baths, all with herbal soaks and lighting that changes throughout the day. Following its first Saunachelin win in 2024, Totopa offers city dwellers a sanctuary to reconnect with nature, transforming a corner of the metropolis into a warm retreat.

6. Jokushin Sauna Big Beard

A century-old lacquerware shop was renovated. Jixin sauna big beard Providing bold and innovative sauna rooms. Its four-story, 4-meter-tall sauna tower uses fragrant and oil-rich Yakushima cedar to energize the body and senses. There is a two-meter deep water bath in front of the sauna for your ultimate relaxation. Kiwami Sauna Osu blends history with contemporary design to create a visceral downtown experience that pushes the boundaries of traditional saunas.

7. Ochiai

Founded in 1874 and registered as a cultural property, Ochiai A multi-sauna hot spring resort that integrates the rivers and mountains of Izu. The facility is tea room style Tsuki no Yua new mixed-gender spa Tengu no Yu, and private barrel sauna Hoshi no Yu Next to it is a fast-flowing river. For ultimate privacy, standalone Chi Yang The villa features a private sauna and fireplace-style space. It was Ochiairo’s third Saunachelin win and now has a place in the Hall of Fame.

8. Kolme Kylä Sauna

Be greeted by a 700-year-old olive tree, Kolme Kylä saunameaning “three villages” in Finnish, is a playground for the senses. Two saunas and two bathrooms create a unique atmosphere: “I” The room features curved benches in a wave pattern and a double stove that releases aromatic steam while “cabin” Use wood particles to radiate a subtle yet profound warmth. this”Meri” The water bath uses underwater speakers for an innovative soaking experience, while seasonally changing baths keep every visit fresh. The facility also offers sauna, yoga and phytotherapy to keep guests entertained.

9. Janu Tokyo Spa Experience

Among the skyscrapers of Tokyo, Janu Tokyo Provides a peaceful sanctuary. Its spa offers three immersive experiences: Woody Bania Treatments and body scrubs; marble wall hammama combination of ancient rituals and modern beauty treatments; and Spa tripa ritual encounter that encourages reflection and inner peace. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and allow yourself to enjoy a sophisticated escape to another world.

10. Sakurado Sauna

In the quiet Hakata neighborhood, Sauna Sakurado Setting a new benchmark for private sauna experience. Its six meticulously designed rooms consider every detail: heat, humidity, light, scent and the feeling of water. In their löyly sauna, guests can choose the scent of tea or herbal infusions for deep relaxation, while a deep cold bath of soft water lulls the body into tranquility. Sauna Sakurado’s philosophy is “God is in the details” and this is the reason behind the ultimate relaxing experience.

11. Chiuchi Hot Spring

Tranquility in Hokkaido Shirinai Hot Springof In a hurry A meditative journey that combines a hot spring and a sauna. Stepping into the carefully appointed mineral-rich steam rooms and open-air baths, visitors can experience the gentle circulation of heat and water. The view of the forest through the rising steam and tranquil air makes one take a deep breath, as if the body itself is one with the spring water. This immersive approach celebrates the rich spa tradition while guiding guests into a profound tranquility.

Related posts