Visiting Saunahouse
In this article, I’ll share my report on visiting Saunahouse, a facility that opened in January 2025 inside the “La Cittadella” near Kawasaki Station. It offers a wide variety of saunas, well-equipped cold baths, a clean interior, and food area.
Smooth Flow & Convenient Lockers
After leaving my shoes at the reception, I entered the facility. If it’s your first visit, the staff will give you a detailed explanation of the layout. The bathing areas are separated by floor—men go to the 4th floor, women to another.
One thing that impressed me in the locker room was the height of the lower lockers. In most facilities, lower lockers are so low you have to crouch down to use them, which can be a hassle. Here, the lower lockers are placed higher, so you can store and retrieve your belongings without much bending. It’s a small touch, but a welcome one.
Five Unique Saunas
The highlight here is definitely the variety of saunas, each with its own number and personality.
- 4th Floor: Saunas 1 & 2, one cold bath (~16°C)
- 3rd Floor (down the stairs inside the bath area): Saunas 3, 4, & 5, plus three cold baths (~8°C, 19°C, 33°C)
3rd Floor – For Those Seeking Intense Heat
- Sauna 3: Jungle gym structure
Looks like a jungle gym at first glance, with stairs inside to climb up. The vertical difference is significant—the higher you go, the hotter it gets. - Sauna 4: Compact with self-pour löyly
Small but allows focused, personal sessions. You can pour water yourself to increase the heat. - Sauna 5: Red lighting + high heat
Red lighting and temperatures exceeding 90°C make this feel extremely hot—probably the hottest in the facility. Even seasoned sauna-goers will find a few minutes here more than enough.
4th Floor – Classic & Mist Types for Relaxation
- Sauna 1: Standard type + auto löyly
A classic, calm sauna with good heat. The scheduled auto löyly sessions really get you sweating. - Sauna 2: High-temperature mist sauna
Surprisingly hot for a mist sauna. Its standout feature: a “rain” event every 30 minutes. For a brief time, warm rain falls, followed by slightly cool water from above—both very refreshing. A countdown timer outside lets you time your entry perfectly.
Note: The thermometer readings vary between saunas, but they all felt sufficiently hot. Despite being a weekend, it was relatively uncrowded, and I even had some saunas to myself.
Four Cold Baths, Three Temperatures
- 4th Floor (~16°C): Standard cold bath, no extreme chill
- 3rd Floor:
- 8°C: Ice-cold shock type
- 19°C: Perfect balance—just right in coolness
- 33°C: Mild, carbonated bath for long soaks
The 19°C bath is a safe choice if you’re unsure. The 33°C option is perfect for beginners who want to try a cold bath without the intense chill. This variety is greatly appreciated.
There are plenty of rest chairs in the bathing area, including a couple with mist from above—definitely worth trying if available.
Hot Bath for Heat Lovers & Clean Facilities
The 4th floor has a 43°C hot bath—ideal for those who love it hot. There are plenty of showers, so there’s almost no waiting, even when busy. Both the bathing area and changing rooms are spotless, making for a pleasant experience.
Tip: Be careful when using the stairs between the 3rd and 4th floors. There are handrails and anti-slip measures, but you might be lightheaded after a sauna session.
Dining on the 2nd Floor – Try the “Oropo Lemonade”
After bathing and changing, I headed to the 2nd-floor restaurant (shared by both men and women). It’s not very large, but it has a good turnover. I ordered bibimbap, which was delicious.
The Oropo Lemonade after the sauna was more refreshing than expected—highly recommended.
Note: I didn’t see any reclining chairs or “lie-down” type rest spaces, so staying a full five hours on weekends might be a bit challenging for me.
Pricing
- Weekend admission: ¥3,500
- Clothing rental: ¥400 for top & bottom (usage seemed about 50/50)
- Weekends: 5-hour course only (weekdays also offer 3-hour course)
(As of July 2025)
Conclusion – A good Visit for Cleanliness & Variety Lovers
With five diverse saunas, temperature-varied cold baths, and a clean, comfortable interior, Saunahouse is an outstanding new facility. The easy-to-use lockers, dining options, and overall comfort make even a short visit satisfying.
Highly recommended not only for all kinds of sauna enthusiasts but also for those who prioritize clean, well-maintained facilities.
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