Saunas have now become a part of Japanese culture, enjoyed by many people of all ages and genders. Specialized terms such as "totono" (relaxation) and "loyly" (relaxation) have also spread, and more and more people are casually enjoying saunas in their daily lives.
Among these, Shizuoka saunas are attracting particular attention. More and more people are coming from outside the prefecture to enjoy the saunas, and saunas are becoming something that moves people beyond the region. I would like to explore the appeal of Shizuoka saunas and why they attract so many people.
A place that sauna lovers dream of!
-Why is "Sauna Shikiji" called a sacred place?
In Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture, there is a special place that sauna fans call a "holy land." This is "Sauna Shiki-ji." It is a popular spot that has gained immense support among avid sauna enthusiasts, known as sauna-ers, and is also visited secretly by many celebrities.
The exterior of Sauna Shikiji. There are many customers even in the morning on weekdays.
The current "Sauna Shikiji" was established in 2005. The owner changed and it was reborn as a more sophisticated sauna facility. As the sauna boom spread, this place naturally became known as a "holy land" and sauna lovers from all over the country started to visit.
The biggest secret behind the popularity of Sauna Shikiji is, without a doubt, water. The facility uses an abundance of natural underground water from the Abe River system, and the famous cold water bath in particular is known for offering the ultimate relaxation experience.
The facility has separate baths, rest rooms, and dining areas for men and women, and being able to enjoy the sauna in a private space is one of its attractions. Sauna Shiki-ji is the ultimate relaxing space that sauna lovers seek.
At the entrance, there are a number of autographed cards from famous people.
The aroma of medicinal herbs wafts from the quaint counter.
Old-fashioned locker key storage
Tickets are purchased from vending machines.
The fee for men is 1500 yen on weekdays and 1700 yen on weekends and holidays. The fee for women is always 1000 yen. (December 2024)
Regular dancer AKI
I go there every month to cleanse my mind and body.
After men and women enter separately at the ticket counter at the entrance, the baths, rest rooms, and dining areas are all completely "segregated by gender."
Choose from the ultimate sauna experience: 100℃ or higher authentic sauna or 60℃ herbal steam sauna
At Sauna Shikiji, you can enjoy two types of saunas: an authentic Finnish sauna set at 2-100℃, and a steam herbal sauna that uses the power of herbs to encourage sweating at a lower temperature.
Two saunas next to each other
Finnish saunas are 100 to 110 degrees.
The steam herbal sauna was installed after the facility was renovated, and has been highly popular, especially among women, who say it "gives you beautiful skin." The temperature is relatively low at 60°C, but the room is filled with hot steam, and the rich aroma of herbs fills the air.
Herbal sauna with great skin-beautifying effects
The deep green herbal bath uses natural water pumped from underground at Sauna Shikiji.
The unique feature of this herbal sauna is that it is made by blending 15 to 20 kinds of herbs imported from Korea by a specialized blender. It moisturizes the skin and has a deep relaxing effect, so it is recommended to use it in combination with the herbal bath.
On the other hand, Finnish saunas are set at high temperatures of 100-110℃, making them perfect for those who want to work up a good sweat. Combined with Sauna Shikiji's proud "natural water cold bath," you can experience the ultimate "totonoi" for both body and mind.
Which sauna will you choose to "get in the zone" at? At Sauna Shikiji, a luxurious sauna experience awaits you, tailored to your mood and purpose.
Drinkable natural water,
The appeal of Sauna Shikiji's cold bath
One of the reasons why "Sauna Shikiji" is so popular among many saunas is the unique "water." In particular, the "underground natural water bath" has captivated many sauna enthusiasts with its smooth texture and comfortable temperature.
Instead of the cold water piercing your skin, the soft, smooth water envelops your entire body.
This water bath uses mineral-rich natural water that has been filtered over many years deep underground in the Southern Alps water system (Abe River water system).
The soft water, which is especially rich in calcium and magnesium, has a mellow taste and is excellent for drinking. The temperature of the water bath is set at 18°C, slightly higher than that of a typical water bath, so it is not too cold and is comfortable to soak in.
Natural groundwater quality chart
"People are free to take the water home with them, so many of us bring it home in plastic bottles or plastic containers," says Otani with a smile.
This natural water is used not only for the cold baths, but also for the bathtubs, showers, drinking water, and even for washing towels and indoor clothing. In the sauna, ice made from this natural water is also provided, which you can enjoy by sipping it in your mouth, a luxurious service.
The power of famous water behind its popularity: The deep relationship between water quality and cuisine
There is always a reason for delicious food. One of those reasons is "water." The quality of the water determines the taste of everything from the basic dashi stock, to the cooked rice, to the taste of coffee and tea. Water that is called famous has a different mineral balance and hardness, which brings out the best flavor in the ingredients, allowing for delicious meals to be served. The most popular dish is the "Ginger Pork Set Meal," a satisfying dish of sweet and spicy pork loin with a hint of ginger, three small side dishes, rice, and miso soup.
Large serving of rice. The most popular ginger pork set meal is 1 yen (December 950)
The kitchen is very busy at lunchtime. Lively voices echo throughout the kitchen.
The "water" at Sauna Shikiji will purify your body both inside and out. In addition to the sauna, please enjoy the food as well.
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Sauna Shikiji
Address: 2-25-1 Site, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City
Phone: 054-237-5537
Open: 24 hours (However, the men's bath is closed from 2:00 to 6:00 and the women's bath is closed from 1:00 to 6:00 due to cleaning)
Open all year round
Parking: Yes
*The waterfall bath facility is currently out of service.
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Hot springs × sauna × beautiful scenery—Umegashima Sauna Villa offers a new level of luxury
About an hour's drive from Shizuoka Station. As you drive along, admiring the mountains and clear streams, you will arrive at Umegashima, a secluded hot spring area known nationwide. In 1, a new accommodation facility, Umegashima Drive-in & Sauna Villa, will open in this area, known as Oku-Shizu in Shizuoka. This facility is a private accommodation facility limited to two groups per day, combining a drive-in and sauna villa, and its sophisticated design and natural space will provide visitors with a quiet and relaxing time.
sauna IRORI (Irori)
I was surrounded by the refreshing scent of the forest, the chirping of birds, the sound of the flowing water, and the fresh air. It was a place where I could forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
It has become a hot topic especially on Instagram, becoming a popular spot among young people and attracting many travelers from inside and outside the prefecture. In this article, we will introduce you to the exquisite sauna experience you can enjoy surrounded by the nature of Umegashima, as well as the unique charms of this place.
A view of Umegashima Island. Surrounded by mountains, the Abe River flows through the center. (Left) Drive-in (Right)
We spoke to Kondo Daichi, who runs the facility, about the facility's commitment and the background to its creation.
Daichi Kondo, Managing Director of Earthshift Co., Ltd. ~In the space called the gazebo next to the drive-in~
Offering a luxurious stay, limited to two groups per day,
And enjoy the bounty of Shizuoka
The special guest rooms, limited to two groups per day, come in two types: a retro-modern Japanese-style room and a natural, chic Western-style room. Both are open to the outside so that you can fully enjoy the rich nature of Umegashima, creating a luxurious space like a hideaway.
Western sauna villa [SLIT]
Japanese sauna villa〔IRORI-hearth-〕
Guests are treated to special meals made with carefully selected ingredients from Shizuoka Prefecture. The menu is packed with seasonal delights, including BBQ, paella, and for a limited time, shabu-shabu. You can feel Shizuoka's commitment in each and every ingredient, such as Okamura beef steak from Mt. Fuji Okamura Farm, amago trout and fresh wasabi from Umegashima, and rare Suruga Shamo chicken. What's more, even the rice and bonito flakes are from Shizuoka Prefecture, so you can fully enjoy the flavors of the land.
Furthermore, the meals here are not just for tasting. The final touches to the dishes are entrusted to the guests themselves, with a special presentation in which guests complete the dish using all five senses. Using ingredients unique to this area and preparing the dish with their own hands, you can enjoy a deeper dining experience.
Carefully selected ingredients from Shizuoka Prefecture for BBQ
The juicy 100% beef burger is accented with flavorful Umegashima wasabi. The fries are garnished with Umegashima-grown amago trout and log-grown shiitake mushrooms, allowing you to enjoy a well-balanced flavor.
Its crispy texture and the delicious flavor of amago trout spread throughout your mouth, bringing a smile to your face.
There is a drive-in where you can eat without staying overnight, serving hamburgers, curry and sweets that are only available on weekends and holidays, and it is popular with families and motorbikes.
Umegashima Burger + Okusiz Set: 2,000 yen (as of January 2025.1) Includes Okusiz tea [Yacon tea] (HOT/COLD)
Chef Hori Taku, in charge of cooking
Produced by Master Totonoe, a sauna to enjoy in the midst of nature
We also offer day use of the sauna only, limited to one group per day. Another attraction is being able to enjoy an outdoor bath under the starry sky at night. There are two types of saunas. One is a Japanese-style sauna modeled after a hearth, with Shizuoka tea in a kettle hung over the hearth. You can also enjoy tea loyly.
The other is a full-fledged sauna that uses a Finnish wood stove. Using firewood from the local Umegashima area, you can enjoy the aroma of the fire and the heat. Originally a drive-in, the sauna area was produced by Dai Matsuo, also known as "Totonoe Oyakata," who inherited the story of "turning this place into a place where people can find healing through saunas."
Japanese-style sauna villa [IRORI] Uses electric stoves made by German manufacturer EOS, which are rare in Japan
Western-style sauna villa [SLIT] Uses a wood stove made by the world's top brand HARVIA
And what I would like to point out most of all is that you can enjoy two different types of cold water baths with excellent water quality.
The first is the cold spring "Umegashima Konya Onsen". The second is the natural water of the medium-hard water "Abe River". This is a special water bath that can only be found here.
Umegashima Konya Onsen is one of the four hot springs that make up the Umegashima Onsenkyo hot spring resort designated by the Ministry of the Environment. The spring quality is a strong alkaline simple sulfur spring, characterized by its colorless, transparent, and smooth texture on the skin, and its pH of 4 is the highest level of alkalinity in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is rich in sodium and chloride ions, and is said to be effective in removing dead skin cells and promoting metabolism, making it one of Japan's most famous hot springs, also known as a "natural lotion" and a "beauty bath."
Furthermore, we insist on using 100% natural hot spring water without any circulation, and hot spring water is also drawn into each room, so you can enjoy the hot spring water indoors.
The natural water of the Abe River is medium-hard water, rich in minerals, with a hardness of 110, sodium 3.9 mg/L, calcium 41 mg, magnesium 2.5 mg/L, and silica 12 mg/L. This natural water is used when cooking meals and brewing coffee.
Two water baths: "Umegashima Konya Onsen cold spring" and "Abe River natural water"
The facility's signs and room numbers also feature designs that mimic pH 10.3.
Hot springs and food hospitality that will be etched in your travel memories
The experience here allows you to fully experience the charms of Shizuoka as a form of gastronomy tourism, including food. Mr. Kondo, who runs the facility, says, "It's not enough to just have hot springs to be chosen by customers."
Initially, the idea was for guests to bring their own food, similar to glamping, but after realising that visitors were looking for local food, they decided to offer a "food" + "hot spring (sauna)" style that is appropriate for this location.
What's more, the appeal of the facility lies in its strong desire to enliven the local area and its willingness to listen to customer feedback. Creating a space that reflects customer feedback means it is a facility that continues to evolve.
"We installed transparent blinds on the gazebo."
"A theater will open next to the drive-in."
"We will add a hot spring tank so you can enjoy hot springs in the outdoor bathtub."
Kondo says that all of these are "the result of reflecting customer feedback."
The fact that they handle everything from planning the facility to posting on social media, and continue to meet the expectations of visitors, is what makes this place so appealing.
Kondo, who is a native of Umegashima, also told us about the area's challenges and future prospects.
"Umegashima's population is now below 350, and when I think about where it will be 10 or 20 years from now, I feel a strong desire to protect the area. We want to enliven it with multiple efforts, including attracting businesses, and not just our own efforts. We offer guests coupons for use in the area and bicycle rentals, so we hope they'll come and explore Umegashima."
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UMEGASHIMA DRIVE-IN & SAUNA VILLA
Address: 4159-37 Umegashima, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Phone: 054-295-4137
Hours: Drive-in 10am-16pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 8am-16pm
*For day use and overnight stays, please check the official website
Closed holiday: irregular holiday
Parking: Yes
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Finally
Sauna Shikiji, a mecca for saunas, and Umegashima Sauna Villa, a hidden gem surrounded by abundant nature where you can enjoy local ingredients, are both special places worth visiting.
Shizuoka's water is so healthy and delicious that we encourage you to come and enjoy the ultimate sauna experience in Shizuoka.
Photos: Tsukasa Kozuka and Yuichi Yamaguchi
