Shibuya Saunas -WOODS-(Shibuya,Tokyo)

Shibuya – A Must-Visit Tourist Destination in Tokyo for Sightseeing and Shopping. There are so many attractions in Shibuya that even as a Japanese person, I sometimes get lost deciding where to go. Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Hikarie, Meiji Shrine… In Tokyo, the vibrant metropolis, Shibuya is a popular tourist mecca that cannot be explored in just one or two days.

And now, in the heart of this bustling city, there is a brand-new sauna facility that opened at the end of 2022: “Shibuya Saunas”! This facility is produced by Katsuki Tanaka, the author of the manga “Sa-do,” which played a significant role in the recent sauna boom in Japan. Katsuki Tanaka has even been appointed as Japan’s sauna ambassador. With such credentials, you can’t help but have high expectations for this place!

The location is also fantastic. It’s only a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station! Yes, you heard that right, just 5 minutes on foot. You can find it easily using Google Maps↓↓↓↓↓

Indeed, it’s crucial to check Google Maps and ensure you exit the station correctly to avoid ending up in a completely different location. Tokyo’s train stations can be quite complex, and taking the wrong exit can lead you astray.

Once you cross the pedestrian bridge over the bustling main street, you’ll come across a charming slope called “Sakura-zaka” (Cherry Blossom Hill). This street is known for its beautiful cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque scene. During my visit in May, the cherry blossoms had already fallen, leaving behind a carpet of cherry blossom petals. However, if you visit during the peak season when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, it would look something like this↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

It is absolutely beautiful. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom for only 1-2 weeks a year, but it is a scenery of Japan that I would definitely recommend seeing. The first or second week of April has the highest probability!

Now, as you climb Sakura Slope, you will see this!!!!!!!

Introducing “Shibuya Saunas”!!!!!!!! It’s a modern-designed building! As a sauna facility, it has fewer openings. Unlike Koganeyu, which was introduced earlier, this is not a traditional public bathhouse but a dedicated sauna facility. Since it is sauna-exclusive, there are no bathing tubs (though showers and a cold water bath are available). Please note that the purpose is different for those who want to soak in a large bath.

Next, here are the facility details ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

At Shibuya SAUNAS, we refuse admission to the following individuals:

• Individuals under the age of 18
• Individuals with tattoos (including paint, stickers, etc.) regardless of size
• Intoxicated individuals
• Members of organized crime syndicates or individuals associated with antisocial organizations
• Individuals with contagious or infectious diseases
• Individuals prohibited from bathing by a medical professional
• Individuals who cannot independently use bathing facilities or toilets

Please note that these restrictions apply to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests.

↑↑↑↑↑Here is the facility floor plan. The sauna area is divided into east and west sections, and the genders are switched on even and odd days. This time, we used the WOODS (west) section on an even day, so I will provide information about that. The information for the east section will be shared on another occasion!

■WOODS(West Side)
Even-numbered days: Men / Odd-numbered days: Women

◇3F
TUULI SAUNA
TEETÄ SAUNA
KELO SAUNA

SYVÄ[WATER BATH]

◇2F
VIHTA SAUNA
HARMAA SAUNA

MATALA[WATER BATH]

On the 2nd floor, there are two types of saunas, a cold-water bath, and on the 3rd floor, there are three types of saunas, a cold-water bath, and an outdoor relaxation area. It’s a facility that sauna enthusiasts will be delighted with! It’s truly a sauna theme park!

Upon entering the entrance, you will need to put your shoes in the shoebox and receive a locker key at the reception. (At this time, you will leave the shoebox key at the reception.) All payments will be made using this locker key, so be careful not to lose it. You can also purchase original merchandise from Shibuya Saunas here, so be sure to check it out! (Only entrance ticket holders can make purchases.)

Tap the locker key at the gate and enter inside. There is a staircase leading to the 2nd floor, so let’s go up!

On the landing of the 2nd floor, there is a counter like the one shown above. Here, you can receive bath towels and purchase drinks.

This is the locker room. It’s still new, so it looks clean. It has a neat and simple design. Use the locker with the same number as the one on your locker key that you received at the reception. There are various amenities available as well.

Now, let’s start by introducing the saunas on the 2nd floor!

◆VIHTA SAUNA

This is a smaller sauna room that can accommodate up to three people. Birch branches are hanging everywhere, allowing you to enjoy the scent of birch. The seating spaces are separated by partitions, providing a small but personal space for each individual to concentrate on warming their body. It’s an ideal location to face the heat of the sauna. The sauna stove is equipped with an automatic pouring system.

◆HARMAA SAUNA

This sauna room features a rare, all-gray color scheme. It’s also equipped with an automatic pouring system. The room is relatively spacious and heated up nicely by the stove. Attention has been given to the seating comfort, with a Z-shaped design at the foot area, showcasing delicate details that should not be overlooked!!!!!

◆MATALA

Here is the water bath located on the 2nd floor! It’s a unique type of water bath where you can lie down. By entering in this posture, you can immerse the back of your head, which is usually difficult to cool down in a regular water bath. (It’s considered bad manners to fully submerge in a water bath!) Personally, one thing I liked about it is that you can extend your feet outwards. Since the feet and toes tend to get cold easily, it feels really nice to have them exposed while in the water bath. I personally loved this water bath!

With just the 2nd floor alone, there’s already so much to enjoy, but on the 3rd floor, there’s even more amazing space waiting for you!

Here is the water bath located on the 2nd floor! It’s a unique type of water bath where you can lie down. By entering in this posture, you can immerse the back of your head, which is usually difficult to cool down in a regular water bath. (It’s considered bad manners to fully submerge in a water bath!) Personally, one thing I liked about it is that you can extend your feet outwards. Since the feet and toes tend to get cold easily, it feels really nice to have them exposed while in the water bath. I personally loved this water bath!

With just the 2nd floor alone, there’s already so much to enjoy, but on the 3rd floor, there’s even more amazing space waiting for you!

◆TUULI SAUNA

The concept of this sauna is “Wind.” It’s a healing space covered in wood from floor to ceiling, and it can accommodate up to 20 people. This sauna room is specifically designed for aufguss, and the wood finish that extends all the way to the ceiling is quite rare, creating a remarkably beautiful interior. Self-inflicted löyly is also possible, so it’s enjoyable to sit in various spots and experience how the steam moves in this spacious room.

◆TEETÄ SAUNA

And here we have my favorite sauna, TEETÄ SAUNA! Its concept is “Tea.” True to its concept, this sauna is designed like a tea room where you sit cross-legged around the sauna stove and enjoy the view through small windows. It’s my favorite sauna in WOODS! The minimal lighting in this space creates an ideal setting for self-reflection. The arrangement where everyone gathers around a single sauna stove is also wonderful!

◆KELO SAUNA

And finally, let me introduce this sauna! It is made using rare and highly prized Kelo wood, which comes from dead-standing pine trees that are several hundred years old. You can also receive the Whisking treatment performed by a Whisking Master.

◆SYVÄ

Here is the cold-water bath on the 3rd floor! It’s called SYVÄ and boasts a depth of 160cm. Unlike the lying-down style bath on the 2nd floor, this one is designed for standing entry! The water temperature is refreshingly cold and feels amazing. So, are you a fan of lying down or standing entry? Which do you prefer?

Even after enjoying the sauna to the fullest, “Shibuya Saunas” has more to offer. They have a café space that serves vegan cuisine. After refreshing your mind and body in the sauna, be sure to enjoy a post-sauna meal here. The concept is to provide “casual food that doesn’t compromise the healthiness of the body even after relaxing in the sauna.” It truly is a facility that puts sauna enthusiasts first!

Lastly, you settle the payment at the self-checkout machine by scanning your locker key. By the time you pass through the exit gate, you will surely be captivated by “Shibuya Saunas” and the world of Japanese saunas. Please visit this new attraction in Shibuya and experience it for yourself!