The History of Saunas and Japan’s Unique Evolution

Saunas, a bathing culture originating from Finland, have also uniquely developed in Japan. Saunas were first introduced to Japan shortly after World War II, and the Olympics played a significant role in their spread. In Japan, saunas are recognized not only for warming the body but also as effective places for refreshing the mind and body and promoting health.

In modern society, saunas are once again gaining attention as a countermeasure to the stress of contemporary life. From the first to the third sauna booms, each has been influenced by different backgrounds and factors. Keywords include “sports,” “health orientation,” and now “mental health care.” Through these trends, a uniquely Japanese sauna culture has formed, with diverse facility types and services emerging.

In this way, Japan’s sauna culture has become more than just a trend, integrating into the daily lives of many people. By understanding its history and evolution, you can discover a deeper way to enjoy it.

The Origin of Saunas and Their Introduction to Japan

The origin of saunas lies in Northern Europe, particularly Finland. In Finland, people have used saunas for centuries for health maintenance and relaxation. This culture was introduced to Japan in the late 1950s, with the first full-scale sauna facility established in 1956. At that time, saunas began to gain attention in Japan, especially after being installed in the Olympic Village.

The First Sauna Boom: Sports and the Olympics

The first sauna boom in Japan occurred during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. During this period, the use of saunas by many foreign athletes spread awareness. The Olympic Village had a full-scale sauna facility, which led the general public to gain knowledge about its benefits and appeal. From this time, saunas gradually became popular as a health method in Japan.

The Period of High Economic Growth and Health Orientation

From the late 1960s to the early 1970s, Japan experienced a period of high economic growth. During this time, people began to use saunas as a place to escape from their busy daily lives. Many facilities opened in urban areas, often attached to public baths, and were supported by busy businessmen and those feeling a lack of exercise.

The Second Sauna Boom: Health Orientation and Leisure Culture

In the 1980s, the second boom arrived. The background of this era saw a rise in “health orientation.” Saunas were increasingly featured on TV programs and in magazines, leading many people to visit for various purposes such as refreshment and dieting. During this time, spa resort facilities also increased, transforming into places where families could enjoy themselves.

Diversifying Facilities

During this period, unique facilities with distinctive equipment and services appeared across Japan. For example, facilities offering experiences like stone saunas and aromatherapy differentiated themselves by providing experiences different from traditional ones, gaining support from many customers.

The Third Sauna Boom: Stress Society and Mental Care

Recently, since 2020, what is called the third boom has been occurring. The background includes the stress issues unique to modern society. As a response to new challenges such as information overload and work style reforms, saunas are expected to have effects on both physical and mental well-being. The word “tuning” has also become popular, with growing interest in achieving a state of mental stability or euphoria.

Revival Through Media Collaboration

This boom has also been significantly influenced by collaboration with media. TV dramas and documentaries like “Sauna Way” have permeated a wide range of generations, from high school students to seniors. Additionally, the active sharing of personal experiences and photo posts on social media has contributed to the expansion of popularity.

 

Why is the History of Saunas in Japan Important?

The history of saunas in Japan is not just about bathing culture; it is deeply connected to the Japanese way of life. The sauna, transmitted from ancient Finland, has merged with Japan’s unique culture and evolved to this day. Especially around the time of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it spread for health and relaxation purposes, becoming beloved by many. Understanding this background is highly significant for knowing the daily lives and cultural values of the Japanese people.

Where Was Japan’s First Sauna Facility Located?

In 1957, the first sauna facility appeared as a bathing facility called “Tokyo Onsen” in Ginza, Tokyo. This facility offered what was then a novel “Japanese-style sauna.” Pipes were installed indoors to maintain a high-temperature state. This attempt became a model adopted by many bathing facilities, spreading throughout Japan.

Why Did a Sauna Boom Occur in Japan After the 1960s?

The 1964 Tokyo Olympics served as a catalyst. At that time, the visit of many foreign athletes and tourists heightened interest in Western lifestyles. Additionally, this period was one of economic growth, allowing people more leisure in their daily lives, and saunas became popular as a new health method. As a result, a wide variety of facilities emerged, leading to a major boom.

What is Sauna Culture in Modern Japan?

Today, the number of uniquely characterized sauna facilities is increasing, attracting attention worldwide for their uniqueness and creativity. For example, there are facilities offering heat wave services like “Löyly,” and outdoor saunas that emphasize harmony with nature. These are not just passing trends but have developed as a culture established throughout Japanese society.

Is There a Possibility of New Trends Emerging in Japan?

The integration with technology is also advancing, and new forms of sauna experiences are anticipated. Concepts that allow relaxation in virtual spaces using VR technology are under development. Additionally, attention is being paid to health and mental care effects as “wellness.” Therefore, new products and services are likely to continue emerging.

Summary: What is the Unique and Attractive Sauna Scene in Japan?

The unique style fused with public bath culture continues to diversify. Through ingenuity not found in other countries, Japan offers its own unique ways to enjoy saunas. This evolution will continue. Once you experience it, you will realize its depth and appeal.

In this way, the ever-changing “sauna culture in Japan” will lead to a richer experience by understanding its background. Exploring facilities with different characteristics in various regions is also recommended.

The Evolution of Sauna Culture in Japan and Its Impact

While saunas are known as a health method originating from Finland, they have also uniquely developed in Japan since the late 1950s. Shortly after the war, the installation of saunas in the Olympic Village drew attention, and the first boom occurred during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. During this period, saunas spread as a health method linked to sports, and many citizens came to know their benefits.

In the following 1980s, the second boom saw “health orientation” as a keyword, with many people using saunas for various purposes. Refreshment and dieting effects were featured in the media, and spa resort facilities increased, transforming into places where families could enjoy themselves.

Recently, the third boom has been occurring since 2020. The background includes expectations for effects on both physical and mental well-being as a countermeasure to the stress of society. The word “tuning” has also become popular, with growing interest in achieving a state of mental stability or euphoria.

Currently, diverse styles and concepts of evolved stores are emerging nationwide in Japan, with new forms like “cube-shaped” saunas also appearing. These offer a well-equipped environment despite limited space, and in some regions, the “private reservation” format is also popular. This evolution is expected to further spread, gaining international attention as a unique Japanese sauna culture.