There is a sauna where you can experience the ultimate "totonoi" while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea.
It is the "Floating Sauna" (Fuu Sauna) located within DENIM HOSTEL float.
The experience from the moment you arrive until you leave is filled with unique experiences that can only be had at the Floating Sauna.
Since its opening, it has continued to gain fans.
We conducted an interview to find out what special experiences can be had and the thoughts behind them.
What is the Floating Sauna?
The Floating Sauna is a sauna facility located within DENIM HOSTEL float in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
It opened on March 7, 2022 (Sauna Day).
4 sessions a day, 90 minutes each, with a maximum of 4 people per reservation. (Reservation required)
Since it is not a private rental, if you reserve for 4 or fewer people, you may experience the sauna with other guests.
At the facility reception, you will receive guidance on filling out the sauna check-in form and changing areas, so be sure to arrive 10 minutes before your session starts.
When people hear "sauna," they may imagine one located indoors in a hot spring facility, but the Floating Sauna is located outdoors.
Additionally, it is characterized by its cylindrical shape rather than a box shape.
There is also a cold bath and an outdoor bath area, allowing you to fully experience the fresh air of the Seto Inland Sea and Ojigadake Hill.
What is the cylindrical sauna "Barrel Sauna"?
The cylindrical sauna that can be experienced at the Floating Sauna is called "Barrel Sauna."
"Barrel" means "cask."
A Barrel Sauna refers to a sauna that has a stove installed in a wooden barrel-shaped facility.
While this shape is not commonly seen in Japan, it is a typical type of sauna in sauna countries like Finland.
The Barrel Sauna used at the Floating Sauna is an Estonian barrel sauna provided by totonou Japan Co., Ltd.
Estonia, like Finland, is also a sauna country.
The cylindrical Barrel Sauna has the advantage of better heat circulation compared to box-shaped saunas (cabin saunas) when performing roulu.
You can have a pleasant experience sweating in a short time.
The reason for adopting the Estonian Barrel Sauna will be discussed in the later interview.
Various "totonoi" experiences unique to the Floating Sauna
The view of the Seto Inland Sea from the Floating Sauna is unforgettable.
However, there are many other experiences that can only be enjoyed at the Floating Sauna.
Here is an introduction to the unique "totonoi" experiences.
Rental of items such as swimsuits and sauna hats made of denim
Since the Floating Sauna is an outdoor facility and is primarily mixed bathing, wearing a swimsuit is mandatory.
While bringing your own is fine, it is recommended to rent swimsuits and items from ITONAMI.
| Item | Type | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon denim swimsuit | Men: S.M.L.XL Women: S.M | 500 yen |
| Organic bath towel | Ivory | 300 yen |
| Denim sauna hat | Type A (nylon denim) Type B (denim material recycled from unwanted denim) | 300 yen |
| Versatile poncho | Blue, Gray | 500 yen |
The company operating the Floating Sauna, ITONAMI Co., Ltd., also runs the apparel brand ITONAMI.
Most of the items available for rent at the Floating Sauna are produced by ITONAMI.
The swimsuits and sauna hats are made of denim material, allowing for a unique experience that is characteristic of Kojima, a denim-producing area.
Why not prepare for totonoi with items made with care in this region?
Self-roulu with changing aromas by season
After changing into your swimsuit and completing check-in, it's finally time for the Floating Sauna.
When you open the door, you will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea that looks like a painting.
While gazing at the magnificent Seto Inland Sea, you should experience "self-roulu" at the right timing.
Roulu involves pouring water over heated sauna stones to create steam.
This raises the room temperature and promotes sweating even more.
The water used for self-roulu at the Floating Sauna is aroma water that changes with the seasons.
During the interview, it was the period for cola roulu, but in the past, there have also been mandarin roulu and cacao roulu.
You can check the types of roulu on the Floating Sauna's Instagram.
Cold bath in a Shigaraki pottery tub
After sweating in the sauna for about 10 minutes, head to the cold bath located to the left after exiting the door.
The cold bath after experiencing the space of the Barrel Sauna with all your senses is exceptional.
The cold bath tub is made of Shigaraki pottery, designed specifically for the Floating Sauna.
The tub is just the right size for one adult, and of course, you can see the Seto Inland Sea from it.
After soaking in steam, let's reset your body in the cold bath.
Outdoor bath in the shade while listening to the sound of waves
After the cold bath, an outdoor bath experience awaits you in the infinity chairs lined up.
Sliding the chairs back to lie down makes it even more comfortable.
Right next to the outdoor bath area, there is a large tree, allowing you to spend a leisurely “toto” time in the shade.
If you close your eyes and listen carefully, you can hear the sound of the waves and the sound of the leaves swaying in the wind.
Let your five senses be liberated in the outdoor bath and experience the ultimate “toto.”
After spending a full time enjoying the “toto,” head to the shower room.
Wash away the sweat and leave the floating sauna feeling refreshed.
After the “toto,” enjoy original meals and drinks
After thoroughly enjoying the floating sauna for 90 minutes, there is still more fun to be had.
Be sure to taste the original sa-meshi (meal eaten after the sauna) and drinks.
The sa-meshi includes the classic menu item keema curry and, depending on the timing, seasonal limited items.
During the interview, there was a shirako mapo don.
After sweating and consuming energy, why not enjoy a meal that only those who have experienced the floating sauna can taste?
You can also enjoy the experience of the floating sauna with drinks.
Drinks related to aroma water are available.
During the interview, they recommended the “craft cola float” in line with the cola low-ryu season.
The craft cola float can be enjoyed on the regular menu at the restaurant “pile” inside DENIM HOSTEL float.
The floating sauna is not just about sauna time; renting swimsuits and enjoying food and drinks is also part of the “toto” time.
The floating sauna is operated with a focus on such “experiences” by Shunsuke Shimada (島田舜介), the representative director of ITONAMI Co., Ltd.
Providing the Estonian barrel sauna is Shin Kimura (木村新), a director of totonou Japan Co., Ltd.
We asked the two who created the floating sauna about the background of its establishment and their commitment to the experience.
Floating sauna data
| Name | Floating sauna |
|---|---|
| Location | 1421-26 Kojima Karakoto-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 080-3885-3737 (DENIM HOSTEL float: 086-477-7620) |
| Parking | Available Free municipal parking for about 40 cars at the bottom of the hill |
| Business hours | [Mixed bath sauna 90-minute course] 9:30 AM / 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM / 3:30 PM / 5:30 PM [Women-only sauna 90-minute course] Irregularly held [Private sauna for 2 people 90-minute course] Weekdays only, irregularly held [FRYDAY NIGHT SAUNA 90-minute course] 7:30 PM *Mixed bath Please check Instagram for details. |
| Regular holidays | None |
| Usage fee (including tax) | [Mixed bath sauna 90-minute course] 2,200 yen (including tax) [Women-only sauna 90-minute course] 2,200 yen (including tax) [Private sauna for 2 people 90-minute course] 6,000 yen (including tax) [FRYDAY NIGHT SAUNA 90-minute course] 3,000 yen (including tax) |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservation availability | Yes Please contact us by phone for changes or cancellations during reception hours. Reception hours: 10 AM to 6 PM |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Website | Floating sauna |
