If you’re a sauna head, you’ve definitely heard of Sado (The Way of Sauna) – the beloved manga and essay series that sparked Japan’s recent sauna boom. Since its publication, author Katsuki Tanaka has poured his energy into building the kind of sauna he once only wrote about.
Located just five minutes from Shibuya Station, Shibuya Saunas is the culmination of Tanaka’s vision: a modern temple of sweat that’s both serious about tradition and playful in execution. Guests can choose from nine distinctive sauna rooms, each designed with a different theme – from the silent, pitch-black ‘Musta’ sauna to the music-infused ‘Sound’ sauna and the serene, tea-inspired ‘Teetä’ room – channeling introspection and experimentation in equal measure.
The facility’s layout is divided between two areas – Woods and Lämpi – which alternate between men and women on different days, ensuring everyone gets the full experience. Shibuya Saunas is also tattoo friendly, a rare and welcome policy in Japan’s public bath scene, making it a magnet for international visitors and Tokyo’s creative crowd alike.
Beyond the steam, Shibuya Saunas offers a plant-based menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Yusuke Nomura of Shojin Ryori Daigo, plus plenty of lounge space for cooling down. It’s wellness with a pulse; equal parts detox and downtown hangout.
Whether you’re a seasoned sauna tripper or just sauna-curious, this spot invites you to sweat, cool down, and start again – over and over, until you’re left in that perfect post-sauna haze.
Note: Prices are for 2.5 hours for men and 3.5 hours for women.