Herbal and yakuso saunas in Nagano — 3 facilities
3 facilities in Nagano could be confirmed, on their official site or an equally citable source, to use herbs in the sauna as a permanent part of what they offer. 2 of them can be used as a private or reserved room, 1 is shared only.
By style: Thai-style herbal steam (1), Herbal löyly (2), Vihta / whisking (1) and Tent style (1). A facility that runs more than one style is counted under each.
The facilities listed are SAUNA TEN "Birch and cloud forest" (南佐久郡小海町), RAKUSA (松本市) and Hotaka Yojoen Herbal Sauna / Rebirth (安曇野市).
Look up the herbs themselves in the RootHerb Index, and the styles and terms in the glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Are there herbal saunas in Nagano you can book as a private room?
Yes — 2 of the 3 facilities listed in Nagano can be used as a private or reserved room: SAUNA TEN "Birch and cloud forest" and RAKUSA. Conditions and prices differ by facility, so please check the official site before you go.
What styles of herbal sauna are there in Nagano?
Thai-style herbal steam (1), Herbal löyly (2), Vihta / whisking (1) and Tent style (1). Thai-style herbal steam: Thai herbs such as plai, kamin (turmeric) and takrai (lemongrass) are simmered and the steam fills a sauna room or a tent. The room is usually kept at a low to middle temperature, around 40–50°C. Herbal löyly: Water in which herbs have been steeped is poured over the sauna stones, so the scent rises with the steam. Vihta / whisking: Bundles of leafy branches — vihta, usually white birch — are hung in the sauna room, or used to whisk the body. Tent style: Steam from simmered herbs is fed into a tent, entered by one person or a small group.
How are facilities selected for this guide?
Only facilities whose permanent use of herbs in the sauna could be confirmed in primary sources such as their official site are listed. Herb use at one-off events, herbal baths alone, and löyly with aroma water alone are out of scope. No facility has requested or paid for inclusion. Facilities wishing to be listed or corrected are welcome to use the contact form.
Only facilities whose permanent use of herbs in the sauna could be confirmed on their official site or an equally citable source are listed. The date of confirmation appears on each facility page; prices, hours and the herbs used are subject to change.