One cannot think of the different saunas that exist worldwide without considering how integral they’ve been a part of Japan’s culture. You think of Finland as saunas throughout history, but other countries also used saunas significantly. Japan was not only one of them, but their methods to get their sauna benefits are also incredibly fascinating. To see how they developed this way, let’s look at Saunas throughout the years and how they have become today.

Origin

The concept of saunas in Japan has been around since the 10th century. With many caves used to contain heat, some are created from hot rocks and other methods to make sweat. Of course, this wasn’t the only method through which they accomplished this around the time, as there were many natural hot springs that the Japanese could enjoy to get their body to relax as a whole. Through these two concepts of heating the body naturally, the Japanese sauna eventually evolved.

The ways it’s used

When the Japanese use saunas, they do it to separate them from their foreign counterparts. This practice is because people regularly use a sauna or engage in activities lasting 45 minutes to almost an hour. Meanwhile, the Japanese engage in such activities for half the day if they have the time. The reason is that you don’t usually spend your entire day heating your body. Still, cleansing your body first in front of a faucet with others, followed by taking a dip in a hot spring, and then you go into the sauna itself to get the exclusive sauna benefits. Sometimes this can be followed up by a message if it’s available, depending on the location.

Further Enjoyment

It’s safe to say that the Japanese love the idea of going to a sauna with the number of activities that you can be a part of mentioned above. Both men and women love the action with such a passion that they incorporate televisions or other forms of entertainment when they’re in a sauna so that they can enjoy themselves. 

Finnish Inspiration

In some way, many modern Japanese saunas, shape and form, take inspiration from Finland, especially with Finnish smoke saunas gaining popularity as the years went by within the country. There’s so much appreciation for the Finnish sauna that there is a location called Finland Village, which has an underground smoke sauna for people to enjoy. It has become so popular that it has been the focal point for many gatherings and festivals throughout the years.

Customs

If you’re a foreigner and you plan on taking part in the Japanese Saunas, there are some customs that you may need to learn not to be caught off guard with what happens. One of these customs is the fact that almost all saunas in Japan are appreciated in the nude. You can still wear a towel to cover yourself up, but it’s considered frowned upon to do so upon entering the hot springs. If you’re shy when it comes to your body, just don’t be surprised. Be aware that if you have any significant or large tattoos on your body, no matter where it may be, there’s a good chance that you won’t be allowed into the sauna. This is because tattoos are heavily associated with Japan’s infamous organized crime syndicate: the Yakuza. The new laws heavily penalize those who serve members of the Yakuza. It will be more difficult now to go into a sauna with a tattoo on your body, even if you’re a foreigner.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are pretty exciting facts concerning Japan and the culture that it shares with saunas and how the concept has evolved throughout the times. The exciting and in-depth uniqueness of Japanese saunas warrants a visit sometime in the future, should you find the time and the money to get sauna benefits from the experience.