Near Nikko! Takahara Sauna: Enjoy a Sauna in the Middle of Nature

Takahara Sauna: A New Sauna Facility in Shioyamachi

Tochigi Prefecture's Shioyamachi, located near Utsunomiya City, is a town known for its gyoza dumplings and being close to the famous tourist destination Nikko. With Shiobara Onsen and Nasu Onsen nearby, Shioyamachi is the perfect hub when planning a tour of Tochigi Prefecture.

From the heart of Tokyo, it takes about three hours by train or bus and about two hours by car. So it's possible to make a day trip here from the metropolis.

This article introduces Takahara Sauna, a nature sauna scheduled to open in Shioyamachi in March 2024.

What Kind of Place Is Shioyamachi?

Shojinzawa-Yusui Photo by Pixta

Shioyamachi is a forest town with 60% of its land covered by mountains and forests. This natural beech forest is somewhat unusual in Japan. Some of the trees here are hundreds of years old. So, the magnificent natural surroundings are still alive and well.

In particular, Shojinzawa-Yusui is surrounded by a beautiful primeval forest where visitors can enjoy the mystical and surreal scenery. Shojinzawa-Yusui's spring water, called Japan's most delicious spring water, is a soft water (about 23mg of calcium carbonate per liter of water). As a result, it's gentle on the skin.

The Ministry of the Environment also selected Shojinzawa-Yusui as one of Japan's "100 Famous Springs."

A Nature Sauna Experience Offering Exquisite Healing!

Taking full advantage of Shioyamachi's lush greenery and bountiful spring water, Takahara Sauna will open in March of 2023 to offer the ultimate sauna experience.

Next, we'll introduce the attractive features of Takahara Sauna, a spot where you can experience the richness of nature with your whole body.

What Kind of Experience Does Takahara Sauna Offer?

Takahara Sauna is a nature sauna facility built along a clear stream at the base of Mt. Takahara. A sauna tent is placed amid the natural surroundings where the Kinugawa River flows directly in front. Then, instead of a cold bath (mizu-buro), they use spring water flowing down from the side of Mt. Takahara.

Please click here to make reservations for Takahara Sauna.

You Can Enjoy a Nature Sauna Because of Takahara Sauna

Takahara Sauna is a spot for enjoying a nature sauna. The sauna offered here is a wellness experience where participants can take alternating hot and cold baths while enjoying a panoramic view of nature.

Since the Kinugawa River's mountain stream flows right in front, it feels like the lush natural surroundings and expansive sky are embracing you.

As its name indicates, Takahara Sauna's sauna tent is set up at the mountain's base, where you can see Mt. Takahara. After warming up their body in the sauna tent, participants jump into the Kinugawa River instead of plunging into a cold bath.

The temperature inside this sauna tent (Russian brand Morzh) goes up to a maximum of 120 degrees, higher than a typical tent. If you can withstand the high temperature until the last moment and run outside, the amazing scenery and slightly alkaline spring water will envelop your entire body.

The alternating hot and cold baths will free your mind and body, helping you eliminate your daily fatigue and inner conflicts. Takahara Sauna is surrounded by beautiful nature. So this allows you to enjoy a one-of-a-kind wellness experience that puts you in harmony with nature.

The Best Way to Enjoy Takahara Sauna

One of the common ways to enjoy a sauna is a method called löyly. This Finnish word refers to the steam generated when water is poured over heated rocks with a ladle, creating steam to arise.

Water is typically poured on the sauna stones. However, Takahara Sauna uses aroma water and natural spring water instead.

When aroma water—which contains 100% natural essential oil—is used in the löyly process, the sauna tent gets filled with a soothing aromatic scent.

During the löyly process, your body temperature will quickly rise, causing you to sweat, and your mood will be lifted. The sauna temperature can be adjusted to one's liking, so everyone, from beginners to advanced, can have an enjoyable experience.

They also use a sauna whisk accessory (see above photo) at Takahara Sauna.

A sauna whisk ("vihta" in Finnish) is made up of leafy tree branch tips (oak and birch) that are bound together in a bunch. When the whisk is covered in steam, it's used to gently pat and stroke another person's body in the sauna, creating a relaxing effect.

Using a whisk also promotes blood circulation and increases metabolism, recognized for effectively warming the entire body.

In Japan, there are only a handful of places where you can experience the healthy benefits of a sauna whisk. In Takahara Sauna's relaxing space filled with the scent of aroma oils, you can experience something that can't be enjoyed anywhere else.

Access to Takahara Sauna

To arrive at Takahara Sauna, you'll need to get to the nearest train station or bus stop, then take a shuttle bus or go by car from there.

The closest train station to Takahara Sauna is Yaita Station. If you use the Shinkansen and a local train line, you can arrive at this station in about 90 minutes.

Another option is taking a bus from Utsunomiya Station and getting off at the Tamanyu-shako bus stop, then hopping on board a shuttle bus to the sauna.

Takahara Sauna Information

Address: Tochiji, Shioyagun, Shioyamachi, Funyu, Sanuki (Google Map)
Sauna hours: 9:00-16:00 (reservations required. 90 minutes per session)
Parking: Some parking spaces are available nearby.

Enjoy a Sauna Amidst Beautiful Natural Surroundings!

Takahara Sauna is a luxurious sauna spot where visitors can enjoy Shioyamachi's magnificent natural surroundings with their entire body. This spot is easily accessible by a day trip from Tokyo, and you can even have a sauna using a whisk—an experience that's unique in Japan.

While sightseeing in Nikko and Utsunomiya, why not stop at Takahara Sauna and get an energy boost from Mother Nature?

Sponsored by Takahara Sauna