Unique Sauna Culture in Japan

Do you know that the sauna industry is booming in Japan? In the past, I had the impression that it was more popular with older people. However, nowadays, it is also popular among young people in Japan. (However, in more recent times, it has also become popular with the younger population.) The reason behind this is the relaxing effect you can achieve by alternating hot saunas and cold baths. In Japan, this effect is called 'Totonoi'. When sufficiently relaxed, you say, "I am Totonotta!".

The recent developments in sauna culture in Japan are remarkable. They introduced (a Finnish-style sauna has been introduced) a Finnish-style sauna in which you can pour water on the sauna stove to generate hot steam and the Aufguss performance in which the sauna master diffuses the hot steam using a towel. In 2022, the Japanese team participated in the Aufguss World Match for the first time and won the first in 2023.

This article explains the latest sauna culture developments in Japan.

Sauna culture in Japan: differences from European countries

Saunas have been part of people's lives in Japan for a long time, but their sauna culture has developed differently from European countries such as Finland and Germany. Here are some examples:

• Onsen and sauna: It is common in Japan to enjoy a sauna and Onsen simultaneously. … while..no Onsen facilities…in Europe

• Cold water baths: While many saunas in Europe provide only water showers, it is common to have a water bath in Japan.

• Sauna and TV: Saunas in traditional Japanese public bathhouses have a TV in the sauna room.

Here are more detailed features of the Japanese sauna.

Japan vs Europe

If you have previously experienced saunas in Europe, you may be confused by the differences between Japanese saunas and those in other countries. Below are the main characteristics of Japanese saunas.

Dry saunas in Japan.

The dry sauna is the most standard type of sauna in Japan. It is characterised by a higher room temperature of nearly 100°C, while the humidity is lower. In this type of sauna, you cannot pour water on the sauna stove as it is not manufactured for this purpose.

The Onsen is the main part, and the sauna is an extra

Japan mainly focuses on hot springs or public baths, with saunas as an added bonus. For this reason, saunas are located in hot springs or public baths in Japan.

Saunas in Japan are separated for men and women

In Japan, saunas are often located in public bathhouses and hot springs, and most are separated for men and women, and swimwear is not allowed.

TV in the sauna

TV is particularly common in Japanese saunas. You genetically enjoy watching TV in the Japanese sauna. It is an excellent way to use time effectively, as there is nothing to do while warming up in the sauna.

Sauna Etiquette in Japan

Here are some rules for enjoying saunas in Japan.

Wash your body thoroughly first.

You must wash your body before entering a hot spring or sauna in Japan. In Japan, shampoo and body soap are usually provided in facilities.

Swimwear is not allowed in saunas.

Without a few exceptions, saunas in Onsen and Sento (public bathhouses) prohibit wearing swimwear. These saunas are separated for men and women in the same way that Onsen and public bathhouses are separated for men and women.

With the recent increased sauna boom, you sometimes find a Japanese sauna with mixed bathing and wearing swimwear, but this type is rare.

No need to bring a bath towel to the sauna

In most European countries, you bring your bath towel and sit on it in saunas. However, you do not need to do so in Japanese saunas in general since towels are already laid out on the benches.

You might be concerned about a hygiene problem since other people's sweat is absorbed into the towels. Don't worry, it's not a problem. In Japan, many sauna facilities change towels frequently, and you can also use a sauna mat made of plastic instead of towels. When using a sauna mat, do not forget to wash it with water and put it back in its original place.

No talking in the sauna

Saunas are used as social communication spaces in Finland and Russia. Therefore, it is common to see various conversations taking place in saunas.

In contrast, in Japanese saunas, talking is generally prohibited. You are expected to relax and feel the heat in silence. It may seem strange to see adults sitting on benches cramped together without saying a word, but this is the Japanese sauna culture.

The recent development in Japanese sauna culture

In recent years, saunas have become popular in Japan, especially among the younger generation. If you want to relieve the stresses of modern life, the sauna is an excellent place to go. Your worries will disappear along with the hot steam.

The recent boom in Japan has led to new sauna styles. Let's take a look:

• Finnish saunas: More and more Finnish-style saunas have appeared in Japan, where you can pour water on the sauna stove to generate hot steam.

• Aufguss: In 2022, Japan participated in the Aufguss World Championships for the first time. Aufguss is gaining momentum in Japan.

• Outdoor sauna: Thanks to the recent sauna boom, nature-experience sauna facilities with lakeshores and forests are beginning to appear.

Loyly: the Finnish sauna culture

The Loyly may be a typical Finnish sauna practice. Recently, many saunas in Japan have started to offer this style of saunas.

• What is loyly? : The loyly is the practice of pouring water onto hot stones on a sauna stove, which generates hot steam to raise the sensory temperature and enhance the sauna experience.

• Rules and respect: Not all saunas in Japan allow loyly. Check the facility's website or ask the staff beforehand.

Aufguss: German sauna culture

Aufguss, originating in Germany, have appeared in Japanese saunas.

• What is Aufguss?: Aufguss is the performance in the sauna. In general, the sauna master pours water with aromatic essential oils onto hot stones. Then, they use a towel to diffuse the aromatic hot steam around the room, creating a relaxed experience.

• Aufguss World Match: In 2022, Japan participated in the Aufguss World Match for the first time, and their team won the first in 2023.