Embark on a Sauna Journey in Ibaraki Prefecture

Japan’s proud sauna culture offers a special time to heal both mind and body. For sauna enthusiasts, Ibaraki Prefecture’s attractive sauna facilities are highly recommended. With easy access from the metropolitan area, this region, blessed with rich nature and historical tourist sites, offers visitors a variety of ways to enjoy themselves.

Ibaraki Prefecture is dotted with many unique sauna facilities, each with its own distinct features. For example, there are facilities with open-air baths overlooking the Pacific Ocean and traditional Japanese house-style saunas nestled in Japanese gardens. You can also enjoy a combination of fresh seafood and local gourmet.

This page introduces recommended sauna spots to visit in Ibaraki Prefecture, guiding you to fully savor their charm. Why not consider it as your next outing destination?

Enjoying a Sauna Journey in Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture is an area with easy access from the city center, offering a spread of historical tourist sites and a rich natural environment. Especially for sauna lovers, this region has many facilities worth visiting. This time, we introduce recommended sauna facilities and local gourmet in Ibaraki Prefecture.

Tsukuba Onsen Kirari Bettei

Located in Tsukuba City, “Kirari Bettei” is a facility where you can enjoy a fulfilling sauna and stone sauna. The interior, with its Japanese ambiance, allows you to refresh both body and mind with a variety of hot springs. You can spend a leisurely day enjoying the seasonal scenery from the open-air bath.

Yasato no Yu in Hitachiota City

“Yasato no Yu” in Hitachiota City is a facility using the region’s first natural hot spring, offering an authentic sauna experience. It also features a carbonated spring that promotes blood circulation, soothing your tired body. Additionally, you can see seasonal flowers in the garden bath, adding to the relaxation with their beauty.

SPA&Gohan Yuruumu

Located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, “SPA&Gohan Yuruumu” is a bathing facility that reopened in November 2023.Its most notable feature is the largest 8-tier tower sauna in Japan (7 tiers for women), equipped with auto löyly and fan functions, ensuring heat reaches the top tiers. In addition, you can enjoy four different types of saunas, including a herb sauna with relaxing herb scents and bonfire visuals, a salt sauna with self-löyly, and a herbal steam sauna in the open-air area. The cold bath area includes three types: a cold water bath at about 10°C, a lukewarm water bath at about 30°C, and a lying-down water bath. The outdoor air bath space is equipped with various chairs, allowing you to relax while feeling the natural breeze.The facility also includes a restaurant, a relaxation lounge, and accommodation, allowing you to spend a leisurely day.

Enjoy Unique Ibaraki Gourmet

Ibaraki Prefecture is rich in delicious local cuisine. After a sauna, be sure to enjoy gourmet dishes like the following.

Anglerfish Hot Pot

The “Anglerfish Hot Pot,” available only in winter, is famous as a seafood dish unique to Ibaraki. Its rich flavor and nutritious soup offer an unforgettable taste. Enjoying it with local sake provides an even more profound experience.

Natto Dishes

Mito Natto is known nationwide. Besides eating it as is, there are various cooking methods such as in ohitashi or stir-fries. Additionally, unique products like “Natto Ice Cream” offer a new culinary experience, so why not give it a try?

Enjoy Alongside Sightseeing

Ibaraki Prefecture also has many attractive tourist spots, so consider visiting them alongside your sauna journey.

Mount Tsukuba Hiking

Mount Tsukuba, with an elevation of 877m, is selected as one of Japan’s 100 famous mountains, where you can see diverse plants and animals. With cable cars and ropeways available, even beginners can enjoy hiking with ease.

Hitachi Seaside Park

In spring, this park turns entirely Nemophila blue, making it a must-see for Instagram. In autumn, it turns completely red with the plant Kochia, and the contrast is breathtaking. It is a popular place where you can see different expressions of the seasons.

How did you find the diverse charms of the Nationwide Sauna Journey to Ibaraki Prefecture? Consider it as your next outing candidate. Along with relaxing time, you will be fulfilled both physically and mentally with beautiful nature and delicious gourmet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saunas in Ibaraki Prefecture

What are the recommended sauna facilities in Ibaraki Prefecture?

Ibaraki Prefecture has many attractive sauna facilities. Particularly noteworthy are facilities with private saunas or private room saunas. For example, “Hitachi Health Land” in Hitachinaka City offers an all-night sauna in a spacious area where you can relax. Additionally, “Mito Spa Resort” in Mito City provides a comfortable time even for day-use visitors. Each has its own characteristics, so find the style that suits you.

What is a private room sauna?

Private room sauna is a sauna room that you can use privately, either alone or with a group, without being with other customers. This type is popular among those who want to sweat it out in a quiet environment. Several exist in Ibaraki Prefecture, each with different service contents and pricing, so it is recommended to check in advance.

Are there saunas where you can take a nap or stay overnight?

Yes, many facilities offer nap or overnight stays. Large facilities like “Hitachi Health Land” and “Mito Spa Resort” have dedicated rest areas and accommodation facilities. These are popular not only with travelers but also with locals. However, during busy periods, reservations may be required, so check before visiting.

Are there gourmet spots to visit in Ibaraki Prefecture?

Ibaraki Prefecture has many delicious dining spots. Famous ones include market restaurants around Oarai Town where you can enjoy fresh seafood, and natto dishes near Mito City. Additionally, dishes using “Hitachi Beef” are very delicious and offered at many restaurants. Don’t forget to experience gourmet using local ingredients.

How can I get the latest information?

For the latest information, it is recommended to check the official websites of each facility. Since details like business hours and pricing are frequently updated, be sure to check before visiting. Also, local tourism sites regularly release event information, which can be helpful.

From the content introduced this time, find your favorite place and refresh both body and mind!

Blissful Moments Gained from a Sauna Journey in Ibaraki Prefecture

Ibaraki Prefecture is a spot where you can fully enjoy Japan’s proud sauna culture. With good access from the city center, this region, dotted with nature-rich environments and historical tourist sites, welcomes visitors with sauna facilities of diverse charm. For example, at “Tsukuba Onsen Kirari Bettei,” you can enjoy the seasonal scenery from an open-air bath while being enveloped in a Japanese-style atmosphere. Also, “Yasato no Yu” in Hitachiota City offers an authentic sauna experience using natural hot springs.

Furthermore, “Mito Plaza Hotel Spa & Fitness” in Mito City provides a relaxation time in a luxurious space equipped with the latest facilities. With many facilities each having unique features, you are sure to find the perfect place for you.

Moreover, the gourmet unique to Ibaraki Prefecture is also attractive. Delicious dishes using fresh local ingredients, such as “Anglerfish Hot Pot” and creative dishes with “Mito Natto,” nourish both body and mind after a sauna. For those who also want to enjoy sightseeing, Mount Tsukuba hiking and Hitachi Seaside Park are recommended. These are wonderful places where you can feel the beauty of each season.

Overall, a sauna journey in Ibaraki Prefecture offers a fulfilling time with refreshment, local culture, and flavors. Consider it as your next outing destination.