Do you enjoy a good sauna session?

Saunas are quite popular not just in Japan but around the world, and recently I had the chance to check out a private room sauna called “Totonoubai” in Kikuchi City!

 What does “Totonoubai” mean?

Mr. Okui & Mr. Ishibuchi
“Hi! Nice to meet you!”

Hiroyuki (the original writer of this article in Japanese) “It’s my pleasure to meet you too! By the way, let me ask you a question just with my curiosity. What’s the story behind the name “Totonoubai” for this sauna?”

Mr. Okui “That was actually my idea!”

When they launched their sauna, it was right in the midst of the sauna boom, and the term “totonou” (meaning to be refreshed) was gaining traction. They decided to incorporate this word into their sauna’s name, blending it with “bai”, a local dialect commonly spoken in Kumamoto and Kyushu, hoping to create a sense of familiarity for their visitors.

Mr. Ishibuchi “I just want to hear my customers say, “I feel ‘totonoubai’ after my time at ‘Totonoubai’!”

Hiroyuki “Clever!”

Let’s head in!

As you are led to the sauna-only area and pass through the door,

you are first greeted by the cold plunge pool.

Crafted from very white stone, this bath is a hallmark of Totonoubai. The stone, known as “Kazakami-ishi,” is regarded as one of Japan’s rare stones. It was once a massive boulder that obstructed a farm road in Mifune town after the Kumamoto earthquake. Eventually, it was auctioned off, and dynamite was used to break it apart for the creation of this beautiful cold plunge pool.

There are eight chairs surrounding the water bath. Trying various chairs is one of the joys of the sauna experience.. Oh, and just so you know, there are ashtrays outside, so you can smoke if you wish!

Across from the sauna room, you’ll find more relaxation chairs crafted by Mr. Ishibuchi himself, who happens to be a temple carpenter.  They’re not just stylish; I tried  lying down one, and it’s perfectly angled for relaxation!

There is a shower room next to the sauna room.

We suggest you take a moment to wash up before you go in the sauna!

 For those who wish enjoy a to soak in a bathtub, there’s a full bathing room beyond the changing area. But let’s dive into the heart of the sauna now. 

Now that we’ve covered everything but the sauna room, let’s move on to introducing the sauna itself.

The small window in the door is marked with the word “”, telling you “Here is the sauna room”.

There’s a two-level setup inside. It might be a bit hard to tell, but six people can easily fit in without any issues.

 It’s equipped with a Finnish-style wood stove, and the tools for adjusting the heat, including gloves, are at your disposal. 

The room features pillows stuffed with cypress shavings, allowing you to enjoy a sauna experience even while you are lying down!

There’s also buckets and ladles you can use to pour water onto the hot rocks on the sauna too enjoy the “löyly” steam experience.

By the way, this paddle is a collaboration paddle with “Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo” featured in the drama “Sado”!

One of its features is that it is designed to be long, ensuring it doesn’t get too hot during the löyly. The handle is marked with the words “Hokuo × Totonoubai”!

Apparently, it is used at the “Sauna & Capsule Hotel Hokuo”!

You can also enjoy music through Bluetooth! How great is that?

A sandglass hangs near the entrance.

It was around 100 degrees when I walked in. Perfect sauna temperature!

I’m really looking to feel rejuvenated since that’s why I came here! I’m eager to break a sweat and want the heat!

So, I decided to pour about three cups of water. The room quickly filled with steam and heat, and I started to feel great again.

The thermometer had shot up to about 105-110 degrees Celsius.

 

After around eight minutes, I hit my limit and headed straight for the cold plunge!

The moment I stepped outside, I noticed the sun setting and the cold bath was lit up beautifully! Seeing the cool blue hues of the bath after leaving the sauna was breathtaking.

The water bath temperature ranges from 15 to 17 degrees, and when combined with the current outdoor temperature for this season, it creates a perfect environment to feel your best.

It was difficult to decide which chair to sit on, but I decided to take a break on this one.

As I settled in and shut my eyes, I thought “This truly is ‘Totonou-bai’.”

I enjoyed two sets this time, and it was an absolutely indulgent experience.

 Make sure to hydrate regularly!

After I enjoyed the sauna time, I had Oropo, which is a tasty mix of Oronamin C and Pocari Sweat! Just a heads up, there aren’t any water fountains available, but you can find a vending machine close to the entrance. So, grab your drink from there!

Stepping Inside the Sauna

There are actually several other saunas, and they are still under construction.

First, here it is!

 As you can see, there’s a building topped with a statue of Kannon, the bodhisattva of mercy. 

And yes, it is also a sauna! Take a look at the interior.

The name of the sauna is “Satori Sauna”. (“Satori” means enlightenment in Japanese. )

 Designed to look like a “zazendo” (Zen meditation hall), it can accommodate up to 15 people in its spacious interior. Plus,

The seating area is adorned with tatami mats, which emit a delightful fragrance. Additionally, the seating is incredibly comfortable.

This sauna was made possible through crowdfunding efforts. You can find the logos of the companies that supported its construction on the ceiling. While the sauna room is finished, the water bath and additional facilities are still in progress and will be constructed next door.

In the design, this torii is intended to be situated in the water bath, and we can’t wait to see it finished!

*At the moment, “Satori Sauna” isn’t open to the public yet! If you’re interested, please DM Totonoubai on Instagram!

 Next up is the “Octagon Sauna”, an eight-sided sauna.

 Unlike traditional barrel saunas, which have curved walls that require you to curve your back, this octagonal design allows you to sit with your back straight against the wall, creating a truly stress-free environment! 

The final one is “Ouchi-DE Totonobai,” which translates to “a sauna to refresh yourself at home” in English!

This sauna is for one or two people and has a long vertical shape. As the name suggests, it is designed to be installed in the home.

Inside, the layout resembles an H, with wooden dividers between the seating. This thoughtful design allows you to relax in the sauna while comfortably stretching your legs, keeping a safe distance from the stove without being too far away!

At this time, there are no plans to open the “Octagon Sauna” and “Ouchi-DE Totonobai” to the public, but they are expected to be used for special events.     

Both models are available for custom order and sale, so if you’re interested, please inquire for more information!

 Feeling it’s like a theme park

I couldn’t share all the details, but as a frequent sauna visitor, it was truly like a dreamland!

Plus, they’re planning to add food and beverage facilities, so keep an eye out for the exciting developments at Totonou Bai!

If you’re curious about trying out a sauna but feel unsure about how to start, or if you’re interested but have some hesitations, don’t worry.

Totonobai staff will teach you everything you need to know!

Why not seize this chance to experience your first sauna session or make your Totonobai debut?

Getting ready for “totonou-bai” (to be refreshed) at the sauna “Totonoubai”!