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National Sauna Tour: Sauna Facilities and Gourmet in Fukushima Prefecture

2025.06.27

National Sauna Journey┃Introduction to Sauna Facilities and Gourmet in Fukushima Prefecture

The Charm of a Journey Exploring Saunas and Gourmet in Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture is blessed with a rich natural environment, dotted with diverse sauna facilities amidst beautiful landscapes. Here, you can enjoy a variety of experiences, from outdoor tent saunas to unique cave saunas where you can feel the steam. These places not only refresh the body and mind but also offer visitors a special experience.

Moreover, Fukushima is known as a treasure trove of gourmet food, attracting many tourists with dishes made from fresh local ingredients. This region, renowned for its hot springs, often features saunas in its accommodations, allowing for a relaxing day. Enjoying Fukushima’s great nature and delicious cuisine, a national sauna journey offers a special moment that will become an unforgettable memory once visited.

Unique Sauna Experiences in Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture is home to numerous sauna facilities ideal for refreshing the body and mind. Offering unique sauna experiences that take advantage of the region’s natural environment, they provide visitors with new discoveries and relaxation.

Inawashiro Town “MINATOYA SAUNA”

Located in Inawashiro Town, “MINATOYA SAUNA” is popular for its Finnish-style log house sauna. Enjoy your own time amidst nature at this facility, which offers a private and relaxing space. You can also enjoy beautiful natural scenery such as Lake Inawashiro and the three lakes of Urabandai.

Sauna Hattatsu

Located in Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture, “Sauna Hattatsu” is a unique sauna facility established by former comedian Mr. Yamada as a way to give back to his hometown.The name “Hattatsu” embodies the desire to promote mental and physical health and grow together with the community.This sauna is self-made with an earthbag sauna, showcasing a strong commitment to its design. A wood stoveallows for an authentic sauna experience, providing deep relaxation to visitors.Additionally, events and workshops for interaction with local residents are actively held, making it a place where people connect through saunas.“Sauna Hattatsu” is gaining attention as a new form of sauna that goes beyond a mere relaxation facility, contributing to the revitalization of the local community.

Outdoor and Cave Saunas

Fukushima Prefecture also offers distinctive saunas such as outdoor and cave saunas. For example, in the outdoor tent sauna, you can enjoy a refreshing experience while sweating in the great outdoors. On the other hand, the cave sauna offers a mystical atmosphere, allowing you to spend an extraordinary moment.

Private Saunas for Families and Couples

In Fukushima City, there are many facilities that can be rented privately, allowing families and couples to use them with peace of mind. These facilities are highly rated because they allow you to spend a relaxing time without worrying about your surroundings.

Luxury Ryokan with Sauna

You can experience a luxury sauna even in a luxurious ryokan. In this area, famous for its hot springs, you can enjoy a luxurious time along with high-quality hot water. Additionally, some accommodations require advance reservations, which adds to their popularity due to the privacy they offer.

River & Lake Side Sauna Spots to Enjoy Along Rivers and Lakes

In Fukushima Prefecture, there are places surrounded by beautiful watersides such as the Abukuma River and Lake Inawashiro. In such locations, the river & lake side sauna experience</strong is recommended, where you can enjoy the cool scenery unique to the waterside.

&sauna FARM’s Finnish-style Log House Sauna

At “&sauna FARM,” various ways to enjoy are available, such as eucalyptus vihta and five types of aroma oils. It is completely reservation-based and fully private, allowing you to spend a comfortable time in your favorite style. This freedom can truly be described as luxurious.

Recommended Gourmet in Fukushima Prefecture

When it comes to traveling in Fukushima, delicious meals are indispensable alongside hot springs and nature. Enjoying them together makes for an even more fulfilling trip.

Specialty Dish: Sauce Katsu-don

Sauce Katsu-don is said to have originated in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture and is a delicious dish. The thick meat soaked in sweet and spicy sauce pairs perfectly with rice. This dish will surely be a source of stamina for your tired body.

Local Cuisine: Kozuyu

Kozuyu is a unique soup from the Aizu region. It is rich in ingredients such as scallops and vegetables, making it highly nutritious. Please enjoy the natural flavors of each ingredient.

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Where are the recommended sauna facilities in Fukushima Prefecture?

Fukushima Prefecture has various sauna facilities. Particularly recommended is “Tenjin Misaki Onsen Shiokaze-so” in Naraha Town. At this facility, you can enjoy a high-temperature sauna along with 100% natural hot spring water. The open-air bath overlooking the Pacific Ocean is also attractive. There are also many hot spring inns and hotels with high ratings. When visiting, choose your preferred sauna type (dry sauna, steam sauna, etc.) and enjoy.

Are there any gourmet spots to enjoy during a sauna tour in Fukushima Prefecture?

Fukushima Prefecture has many delicious gourmet spots using local ingredients. For example, in “Aizuwakamatsu City,” you can enjoy famous sake and the local dish “Kozuyu.” Also, the ramen in “Kitakata City” is known nationwide, so be sure to try it. Enjoy the sauna tour along with the unique cuisine of each region.

Where can beginners feel comfortable using the facilities?

For beginners, “Shiokaze-so” is recommended as a facility where you can feel comfortable. Friendly staff are always on hand to provide advice for safe enjoyment. Additionally, the cold bath and relaxation space are well-equipped, allowing you to spend a relaxing time. Other inns and hotels with high reviews can also be expected to offer comfortable services.

What is an effective detox method using a sauna?

To maximize the detox effect, alternating between a high-temperature sauna and a cold bath is recommended. First, sweat out in a high-temperature environment, then tighten your pores in a cold bath. This repetition can activate metabolism. However, it is important to do it without overexerting yourself, considering your own health.

Where can you have a unique experience in Fukushima Prefecture?

If you are looking for a unique experience, the campsite and dog run within “Tenjin Misaki Sports Park” are recommended. You can enjoy outdoor activities in a nature-rich environment. Additionally, the large lawn area allows for picnics, ensuring you won’t get bored throughout the day. Such multi-purpose facilities offer a diverse recreational experience.

Are there any convenient day-trip plans?

For a day-trip plan, “Tenjin Misaki Onsen Shiokaze-so” is convenient. This place is designed to allow for sufficient refreshment even in a short time. It operates from early morning to night, making it easy to adjust your schedule in combination with sightseeing. There are also many options for hot spring inns and spa centers accessible from nearby urban areas.

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A Journey to Enjoy the Charming Saunas and Gourmet Experiences of Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima Prefecture is characterized by its rich natural environment and diverse sauna facilities, offering visitors a special experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are unique options like tent saunas and mystical cave saunas, while “MINATOYA SAUNA” in Inawashiro Town offers a private space in a Finnish-style log house. Additionally, there are facilities available for private rental, allowing families and couples to relax without worrying about their surroundings.

On the other hand, Fukushima is known as a gourmet paradise, where you can enjoy dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The specialty dish Sauce Katsu-don and the local cuisine Kozuyu are popular among many tourists. These dishes provide energy to travelers, making the trip even more fulfilling.

River & Lake Side Saunas surrounded by beautiful watersides offer a refreshing experience for the body and mind along with cool scenery. Especially at “&sauna FARM,” you can enjoy a highly flexible experience using eucalyptus vihta and aroma oils. A trip to Fukushima Prefecture, where diverse saunas and exquisite gourmet food come together, will surely become an unforgettable memory.