Find Your Favorite Sauna!Where Are You Going Today?

Experience “Totonou” in the Sauna that Is Now Popular

With the recent sauna boom, the word "totonou" has become increasingly familiar. To help even beginners enjoy their sauna experience, we will explain the mechanism of "totonou," how to enjoy a sauna, and recommend sauna facilities.

View Popular Spots▸

Search by Area

A Closer Look at the Rumored “Totonou”

What Exactly Does “Totonou” Mean? The Science of “Totonou”

Totonou, as passionately described by sauna enthusiasts, refers to a state of bliss that comes from repeating three sets of sauna, cold bath, and outdoor air bath. Some compare it to a runner’s high or an athlete’s zone, but it’s not something you can achieve just by trying hard in the sauna. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated by the heat of the sauna and the cold of the water bath, followed by the parasympathetic nervous system taking over during the outdoor air bath, a blissful moment of "totonou" arrives.

I Want It to Be Safe Even for Beginners! Practicing “Totonou”

Beginners should start with about 5 minutes in the sauna, and once you're accustomed, increase it to around 10 minutes. The temperature rises the further you go from the entrance and the higher you sit, so begin in a lower temperature area until you’re comfortable. A water bath for about 1 minute is recommended, but don’t push yourself too hard. To truly “settle down,” the outdoor air bath is key. After stepping out of the water bath and drying off, head straight to a relaxing chair and unwind for 5–10 minutes, listening to your heartbeat and feeling your blood flow.

Try the Popular Loryu and Aufguss as Well. Enjoy “Totonou”

To enhance your sauna experience, give Loryu and Aufguss a try. Loryu, originating in Finland, involves pouring aromatic water over heated sauna stones to generate steam, which boosts metabolism and enhances relaxation. There are two types of Loryu: automatic, performed regularly by the facility, and self-loryu, where you pour the water yourself. Aufguss involves fanning the hot steam with a towel, and watching the heat master skillfully handle the towel is an experience in itself.

From Nearby “Sa-katsu” to Tent Saunas Saunas to Enjoy in Different Settings

In addition to saunas at hot spring facilities and spas, more options are becoming available for a full-fledged sauna experience. These include women-only saunas, solo saunas where you can change and rest in private, suburban saunas you can visit after work or during free time, and tent saunas set in nature, offering a unique outdoor experience. Find a sauna that matches your style and incorporate “sa-katsu” (sauna activities) into your daily life for a refreshing break.

Sauna Etiquette for “Totonou”

Before entering the sauna, it is good manners to wash your entire body, including your hair. Then, dry your body with a tightly wrung towel before stepping into the sauna. Before taking a cold bath, rinse off any sweat with a quick shower. Keep in mind that the sauna can be more challenging than expected, so don’t push yourself too hard just to experience “totonou.” If you find it difficult, slow down and adjust your pace. Be sure to hydrate before entering the sauna and drink water during breaks in the outdoor air bath.

A Closer Look at the Rumored “Totonou”

What Exactly Does “Totonou” Mean? The Science of “Totonou”

Totonou, as passionately described by sauna enthusiasts, refers to a state of bliss that comes from repeating three sets of sauna, cold bath, and outdoor air bath. Some compare it to a runner’s high or an athlete’s zone, but it’s not something you can achieve just by trying hard in the sauna. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated by the heat of the sauna and the cold of the water bath, followed by the parasympathetic nervous system taking over during the outdoor air bath, a blissful moment of "totonou" arrives.

I Want It to Be Safe Even for Beginners! Practicing “Totonou”

Beginners should start with about 5 minutes in the sauna, and once you're accustomed, increase it to around 10 minutes. The temperature rises the further you go from the entrance and the higher you sit, so begin in a lower temperature area until you’re comfortable. A water bath for about 1 minute is recommended, but don’t push yourself too hard. To truly “settle down,” the outdoor air bath is key. After stepping out of the water bath and drying off, head straight to a relaxing chair and unwind for 5–10 minutes, listening to your heartbeat and feeling your blood flow.

Try the Popular Loryu and Aufguss as Well. Enjoy “Totonou”

To enhance your sauna experience, give Loryu and Aufguss a try. Loryu, originating in Finland, involves pouring aromatic water over heated sauna stones to generate steam, which boosts metabolism and enhances relaxation. There are two types of Loryu: automatic, performed regularly by the facility, and self-loryu, where you pour the water yourself. Aufguss involves fanning the hot steam with a towel, and watching the heat master skillfully handle the towel is an experience in itself.

From Nearby “Sa-katsu” to Tent Saunas Saunas to Enjoy in Different Settings

In addition to saunas at hot spring facilities and spas, more options are becoming available for a full-fledged sauna experience. These include women-only saunas, solo saunas where you can change and rest in private, suburban saunas you can visit after work or during free time, and tent saunas set in nature, offering a unique outdoor experience. Find a sauna that matches your style and incorporate “sa-katsu” (sauna activities) into your daily life for a refreshing break.

Sauna Etiquette for “Totonou”

Before entering the sauna, it is good manners to wash your entire body, including your hair. Then, dry your body with a tightly wrung towel before stepping into the sauna. Before taking a cold bath, rinse off any sweat with a quick shower. Keep in mind that the sauna can be more challenging than expected, so don’t push yourself too hard just to experience “totonou.” If you find it difficult, slow down and adjust your pace. Be sure to hydrate before entering the sauna and drink water during breaks in the outdoor air bath.

Find a Sauna to Suit the Occasion!

Create Your Own Private Space Exclusive and Private Sauna

A private sauna lets you enjoy your own space without worrying about others. It’s also gaining attention for its role in infection prevention. Whether you’re enjoying a solo sauna or sharing it with a partner or close friends, private saunas are becoming more popular. One of the key benefits of a private sauna is the ability to adjust the temperature to your preference. Every sauna enthusiast has their own preferred temperature and style. Another great perk is that you don’t have to worry about securing your favorite spot in the sauna room.

  • Yuya Harune

    Yamaguchi

    Yuya Harune

    湯や 晴ル音

    A new place of relaxation in the historic Yuno Onsen

    "Yuya Harune" stands in a corner of Yuno Onsen in Shunan City, Yamaguchi. They have three types of hot spring facilities: private hot springs, saunas, and large communal baths. The theme of the private hot spring is Yakushi Nyorai. "Tsubotsubo" is an open space where you can also take a bath in the outside air, with a bathtub shaped like the medicinal pot held by the Yakushi Nyorai in his left hand. In addition, the word "koukou," which represents a shining white light, is an image of the moonlight bodhisattva standing next to Yakushi Nyorai, and you can enjoy the feeling of bathing in dim moonlight even during the day. The public bath has been renovated while retaining the form of Yunoso, which closed in 2022, so fans of the old days will feel nostalgic.

  • Ichibata Yakushi (Ichibata Temple)

    Shimane

    Ichibata Yakushi (Ichibata Temple)

    一畑薬師(一畑寺)

    A temple known as the "eye medicine master"

    Ichibata Yakushi is located on Mt. Ichibata at an altitude of 200m in Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture. It is the head temple of the Yakushi faith that has continued for more than 1,100 years, and has long been known as the "Medicine Master of the Eyes" and is also known as the Buddha who helps children grow up safely. The divine atmosphere of the approach, surrounded by forest, makes you feel like you have traveled to another world. If you look out over the Shimane Peninsula from the temple grounds, you will feel as if you have stepped into the world of Izumo mythology.

Search for Private Saunas by Area

There Are Various Ways to Enjoy It Easy Spa & Sauna

With the recent sauna boom, more spas and super public baths are offering full-fledged saunas like Finnish saunas and salt saunas. You can enjoy a sauna while getting a hot spring-like experience, and many facilities also offer beauty treatments, massages, and rock baths, making it a comprehensive experience. Additionally, if you are sensitive to the cold and have trouble warming your feet, soaking in hot water before entering the sauna can help warm your entire body evenly, making it easier to experience "totonou."

  • Yuya Harune

    Yamaguchi

    Yuya Harune

    湯や 晴ル音

    A new place of relaxation in the historic Yuno Onsen

    "Yuya Harune" stands in a corner of Yuno Onsen in Shunan City, Yamaguchi. They have three types of hot spring facilities: private hot springs, saunas, and large communal baths. The theme of the private hot spring is Yakushi Nyorai. "Tsubotsubo" is an open space where you can also take a bath in the outside air, with a bathtub shaped like the medicinal pot held by the Yakushi Nyorai in his left hand. In addition, the word "koukou," which represents a shining white light, is an image of the moonlight bodhisattva standing next to Yakushi Nyorai, and you can enjoy the feeling of bathing in dim moonlight even during the day. The public bath has been renovated while retaining the form of Yunoso, which closed in 2022, so fans of the old days will feel nostalgic.

  • Spametsa Otaka Ryusenji no Yu

    Chiba

    Spametsa Otaka Ryusenji no Yu

    スパメッツァおおたか 竜泉寺の湯

    A spa that everyone can enjoy to soothe the mind and body

    "Spametsa Otaka Ryusenji no Yu" is about a 4-minute walk from the west exit of Nagareyama-Otakanomori Station on the Metropolitan Area New Urban Railway Tsukuba Express and Tobu Railway. One of the best spa and sauna facilities in Kanto, with 15 types of baths, 6 types of rock baths, 3 saunas with different styles, and 3 types of cold baths. The popular "Dragon Sauna" is a masterpiece with "Dragon Roryu" released all at once from five stoves. The bedrock bathing lounge "Mezzanerio" has about 15,000 books and comics, a co-working space with about 50 seats and reclining beds, so you can fully enjoy and relax.

  • Hakodate Yumoto Hana no Yu

    Hokkaido

    Hakodate Yumoto Hana no Yu

    函館湯元花の湯

    Relax at a day trip hot spring facility in Hakodate

    Hakodate Yumoto Hana no Yu, about 16 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station, is a day-trip hot spring facility where you can enjoy the free flowing hot spring water. Equipped with a "Garden Open-air Bath" and "Lauryu Sauna" with different Japanese and Western styles, high and low temperature indoor baths, and a negative ion air purifying space "Salt Pit", this facility offers a special feeling of "Toto" after sauna. Recommended for sauna lovers. All of the staff are qualified as hot spring bathing instructors, and the level of hospitality is high.The bath is popular for its fun and healthy bathing experience, and is crowded with people from both local and other countries. Be sure to stop by on your way home from your trip to relieve your fatigue.

  • Shiohama no Yu Shikoku Health Village

    Kagawa

    Shiohama no Yu Shikoku Health Village

    しおはまの湯 四国健康村

    A facility in Kagawa Prefecture that is fully equipped with a women's Lory sauna.

    Shiohama no Yu Shikoku Kenkomura, located approximately 10 minutes by car from Sakaide IC on the Seto Chuo Expressway, is a hot spring facility where you can enjoy a bath, sauna, and meals all day long. There are a variety of baths for men and women, and the women's bathroom has a new exclusive "Lowry sauna", where they hold daily self-lowry sessions, which are rare in Kagawa Prefecture, and Aufguss, which involves raising steam and blowing hot air through it. You can enjoy popular theater performances inside the building, and the restaurant offers local gourmet food from Kagawa Prefecture and a wide variety of drinks. The popular Shikoku Aquarium is about a 7-minute walk from the facility, and there are many tourist attractions, so why not take a bath to soothe your fatigue during your trip?

Search for Saunas at Spa/Hot Spring Facilities by Area

Enjoy a Sauna in the Midst of Nature The Best Part of Tent Saunas

The biggest advantage of tent saunas is that you can enjoy a sauna anywhere. Whether by a river, lake, or even with tap water, as long as there’s water, you can pitch a special tent and have a sauna. Outdoor saunas by lakes or streams offer a truly unique experience. More campgrounds and glamping sites are now offering permanent tent saunas, making it easy to enjoy. Surrounded by fresh air, experience the cycle of hot and cold and connect with nature.

  • SHIMAASOBI

    Kagawa

    SHIMAASOBI

    SHIMAASOBI

    Enjoy a variety of activities and spectacular views in the nature of Shodoshima

    We offer many activities such as auto camping, SUP, sea bathing, fishing, hiking, and tent saunas on the shores of Shodoshima, with the calm Seto Inland Sea in front of you and mountains that change with the seasons in the background. . In order to share the wonders of this island with as many people as possible, the young members of the U-Turn group will teach you the fun of "Shima Asobi" using a variety of approaches. Fully enjoy the nature-based leisure experience of playing with friends and family, eating delicious food, and sleeping while looking up at the starry sky. I would like to experience the "luxury of nothing".

  • Minonaru Mori Tokoyono Sato

    Mie

    Minonaru Mori Tokoyono Sato

    みのなる森とこよの郷

    Blueberry farm where you can enjoy BBQ and sauna

    Located on an 8-hectare hill overlooking the forest and Matoya Bay, this tourist farm features a café serving sweets made from homegrown blueberries, seasonal fruits, and freshly baked bread on weekends. Enjoy barbecues, tent saunas, and a dog run, with pet-friendly café areas available. The farm also offers blueberry jam and locally crafted goods, making it an ideal spot to relax and shop.

Search for Tent Saunas by Area

Search by Area

Other Special Futures

Find Your Favorite Sauna!
Recommended Day Trip Hot Spring Facilities
Marine Sports and Marine Activities
Enjoy Leisure at All-Weather Facilities