Saunas are Hot Right Now! 14 Recommended Sauna Facilities in Tokyo

The “sauna culture” has a strong following in Japan, and there are many sauna facilities that are particularly popular among sauna enthusiasts.

In this article, we’ll delve into popular facilities and basic information about saunas.

Why not give saunas a try?

What is a Sauna?

A sauna is a type of “steam bath” that originated in Finland.

Inside the sauna room, there is a stove piled high with stones.

The stove is heated, and water is poured over the stones to create steam, which adjusts the temperature and humidity inside the room.

The temperature inside the sauna room is typically between 70°C and 110°C.

The heat promotes sweating, which is believed to improve blood circulation and metabolism, contributing to better health.

What are sauna services?

Some saunas offer unique services that enhance the sauna experience.

Two of the most well-known services are “Löyly” and “Aufguss.”

Löyly involves pouring aromatic water or plain water over heated sauna stones to create steam, which raises the temperature inside the sauna.

This service can be performed by sauna staff at regular intervals, or in some places, guests can pour the water themselves in a style known as “self-Löyly.

” However, it’s important to be cautious when doing it yourself, as excessive heat can be uncomfortable for others.

Aufguss is a practice that follows Löyly, where the steam created is fanned with a towel to distribute the heat more evenly.

This service is usually performed by sauna staff and is popular among sauna enthusiasts.

Introducing Popular Saunas in Tokyo

Here, we introduce some of the most popular saunas in Tokyo.

All of these saunas come highly recommended by sauna enthusiasts! Go on a sauna tour and find your favorite spot.

Karumaru Ikebukuro (Tokyo/Toshima Ward)

A men’s-only sauna within walking distance from Ikebukuro West Exit.

This is one of the largest sauna facilities in the Kanto region, featuring four types of saunas, four types of cold baths, and five types of hot baths.

The variety of saunas includes a rock sauna with 600 kg of sauna stones, a kelo sauna with the scent of wood, a steam sauna with herbal steam, and a wood-burning stove sauna.

Sauna enthusiasts will be thoroughly satisfied!

Koganeyu (Tokyo/Sumida Ward)

Located a 5-minute walk from Kinshicho, this modern sauna features a DJ booth and a bar counter.

The men’s bath has an auto löyly sauna, while the women’s bath offers a smaller self-löyly sauna made from domestic Japanese cypress.

On Wednesdays, the men’s and women’s baths switch, making it a great day for female sauna enthusiasts to visit!

Oasis Sauna Astil (Tokyo/Minato Ward)

A men’s-only sauna located just a 1-minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station Toranomon Exit.

At N. Thermarium, you can experience a low-temperature steam sauna that replicates the bathing style of ancient Roman baths, known as Thermarium.

There is also a dry sauna equipped with an automatic löyly device.

With a wide range of amenities, it’s also recommended for business trips or travel!

Sauna Tokyo (Tokyo/Akasaka)

Sauna Tokyo is a facility that opened on April 24, 2023, located in Akasaka, Minato-ku.

The facility features five different types of saunas and three cold baths, along with 60 relaxation chairs.

It’s an ideal spot for sauna enthusiasts, conveniently located just a 6-minute walk from Akasaka Station and Akasaka-mitsuke Station.

The saunas within the facility include “Jokiranbu,” “Tejaku Joki,” “Meditation,” and “Showa Far-Infrared,” offering a variety of sauna experiences.

Do-C Ebisu (Tokyo/Shibuya-ku)

Located just a 1-minute walk from JR Ebisu Station, this latest facility combines a sauna and a capsule hotel.

After refreshing in the sauna, you can take a nap or stay overnight, making it a great option for travelers or business trips!

There is no bath, only showers.

The locker rooms are separated by gender, so you can use them with peace of mind.

Tokyo Dome Natural Hot Spring Spa LaQua (Tokyo/Bunkyo-ku)

It’s no exaggeration to say that this facility is perfect for women!

In addition to the rich natural hot springs, it offers low-temperature saunas, treatments, restaurants & cafes, relaxation spaces, and more.

There are three saunas for women and four for men, with Aufguss sessions also available.

Of course, you can also enjoy an outdoor air bath in the open-air area.

Natural Hot Spring Ryo-un no Yu Onyado Nono Asakusa (Tokyo/Taito-ku)

This Japanese-style business hotel is located about a 4-minute walk from Tsukuba EXPRESS Line “Asakusa” Station.

The large public bath uses “Kuroyu,” a mineral-rich black hot spring, and is equipped with a dry sauna (for men) and a mist sauna (for women).

For a business hotel, it offers highly satisfying facilities.

You can also use the sauna only, making it a great option for those looking to refresh.

Izumi Tenku no Yu Ariake Garden (Tokyo/Koto-ku)

This accommodation facility is located about a 4-minute walk from Yurikamome Ariake Station.

Based on the concept of SPACITY, it is a complex facility that includes hot springs, saunas, bedrock baths, esthetics, body care, restaurants, cafes, and more.

Izumi Tenku no Yu offers a variety of eight types of baths and saunas using natural hot springs that gush out from 1500 meters underground.

The men’s bath features a dry sauna for a good sweat, while the women’s bath has a popular steam salt sauna where you can rub salt into your skin for a smooth feel.

Rakutenchi Spa (Tokyo/Sumida Ward)

A men’s-only sauna directly connected to Kinshicho Station.

Open 24 hours a day, making it a great option for those traveling from afar on business trips.

The facility features baths using natural hot springs drawn from 650 meters underground.

Enjoy the heat and aroma with the “Löyly” experience, where aromatic water is poured over sauna stones to create steam, or the “Aufguss” service, where staff use towels to fan the heat towards individual guests.

Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuyo (Tokyo/Taito Ward)

A capsule hotel and sauna facility located just a 1-minute walk from Ueno Station.

Popular among sauna enthusiasts for its rare high-temperature sauna that exceeds 100°C, which is uncommon in Japan.

Refresh yourself by taking a dip in the ice-cold water bath after a hot sauna session!

The baths also feature “Togoru no Yu,” a weathered mineral sourced from the Tochio-mata Onsen area in Niigata Prefecture, which is highly popular.

Natural Hot Spring Heiwajima (Tokyo/Ota Ward)

A 24-hour hot spring facility located in Ota Ward, Tokyo.

The Shining Spa area features a high-temperature sauna centered around natural hot spring baths.

The Viewing Spa area, popular for its high-concentration carbonated springs and natural hot springs, includes a “Stone Sauna” where you can sit and enjoy a rock bath.

The rock bath has both women-only and mixed-gender sections, making it enjoyable for women alone or couples.

Additionally, the “Löyly Sauna” hosts five Löyly events daily.

Times Spa Resta (Tokyo/Toshima Ward)

A luxurious spa facility located right next to Sunshine City in Ikebukuro.

The men’s Finnish sauna is equipped with an automatic Löyly device and hosts various “Aufguss” events, similar to the German-style Löyly.

For women, there is a “Clear Mist Sauna” filled with aromatic scents, which can also be used as a salt sauna with the provided massage salt.

Shinjuku Natural Hot Spring Thermae-Yu (Tokyo/Shinjuku Ward)

A multi-purpose facility located in Kabukicho, Shinjuku.

There are two saunas for each gender: a high-temperature sauna set at approximately 90°C for men and 85°C for women. Additionally, there is a “Mist Sauna” for men and an aromatic “Aroma Sauna” for women.

Other highlights include an open-air bath featuring hot spring water from Kamiyo no Yu in Nakaizu Onsen, and a rock salt bath where you can lie on heated rock salt.

Ryogoku Yuya Edoyu (Tokyo/Sumida Ward)

This bathhouse is located just a 1-minute walk from Ryogoku Station on the Tokyo Metro Oedo Line.

The authentic Finnish-style dry sauna, which reaches around 90°C, offers three daily löyly (steam) services, ensuring sauna enthusiasts are thoroughly satisfied!

For men, there is also a “medium temperature sauna” with a room temperature of around 75°C, perfect for those who find the high temperatures of traditional saunas too intense.

For women, there is an “aroma steam sauna” with a room temperature of around 60°C, using natural aroma oils for a superb relaxation effect!

Benefits of Saunas

Relief from Fatigue, Shoulder Stiffness, and Lower Back Pain

Entering a high-temperature sauna increases blood flow to about twice the normal rate.

Improved blood circulation ensures oxygen reaches the entire body, and fatigue substances are secreted with sweat, leading to potential fatigue recovery.

Additionally, the increased oxygen supply helps alleviate nerve-related symptoms like shoulder stiffness and lower back pain.

Normalizes Blood Pressure

Although blood pressure temporarily rises immediately after bathing, entering a sauna causes blood vessels to dilate, lowering blood pressure.

However, this is a temporary effect and does not cure hypertension, so those with high blood pressure should seek treatment.

Calms the Nervous System

Slowly entering a low-temperature sauna has a calming effect on the body.

This natural relaxation mode helps you achieve a deep sleep after a sauna session.

If you often feel stressed, try relaxing in a low-temperature sauna.

Cleanses Sweat Glands and Sebaceous Glands

The rise in body temperature during a sauna session causes sweat to be released from sweat glands all over the body.

Excess oil is expelled from sebaceous glands in the pores, and strong odors are released from apocrine glands, enhancing the function of sweat glands and cleansing the skin and subcutaneous tissues.

As a result, the sweat you produce after a sauna session is usually smooth and less odorous.

Achieving Balance in the Sauna

A sauna is not just a place to refresh yourself; did you know that mastering the sauna can lead to a pleasure you have yet to discover?

The Enchanting State of Sauna Trance

As you get used to the sauna and repeat the cycle of sauna → cold bath → rest, your blood and oxygen circulate through your body and brain, leading to a “deep relaxation state.”

This trance-like pleasure experienced in the sauna is referred to as “totonou” among sauna enthusiasts.

To enter this trance state, it is recommended to repeat the cycle of “5-10 minutes in the sauna → cold bath → drink water and rest” about five times.

For those not accustomed to cold baths, it is recommended to extend the sauna time to 10 minutes.

Things to Be Careful About When Using a Sauna

A sauna is not something you can use at any time.

Especially high-temperature saunas can put a strain on your body, so avoid using them in the following situations:

Avoid After Drinking Alcohol

Alcohol and saunas do not mix!

Due to the diuretic effect of alcohol, you are more likely to become dehydrated than usual.

Entering a sauna after drinking can lead to severe dehydration.

Because of the potential life-threatening risks, most sauna facilities prohibit the use of saunas after drinking alcohol.

Avoid When Feeling Unwell or If You Have High Blood Pressure

Saunas are a no-go when you’re feeling unwell!

Additionally, if your blood pressure is 160/100 mmHg or higher, entering a high-temperature sauna increases the likelihood of health issues or accidents by more than three times.

Summary

Sauna facilities are gaining popularity not only among sauna enthusiasts but also among the general public.

Recently, the increase in stylish facilities has made saunas popular among younger people and women as well.

Each sauna facility has its own unique features, so sauna hopping is highly recommended.

Find your favorite sauna and experience the sauna trance state!