In August 2022, "New Gifu Sauna" (for men only) was born in the city of Gifu City.

Being a new facility, it is packed with "sauna lovers' favorites" such as private saunas, a single water bath, and a spacious dining room. Although the atmosphere is very sophisticated, the manager says, "We are still in the development stage," having just entered the sauna industry from a different industry. The enthusiasm of the staff to "create an ideal sauna in Gifu" is also inspiring.

*Information at the time of coverage in September 2022

Check out the bathhouse filled with sauna ideals!

"New Gifu Sauna" is located about 11 minutes on foot from Meitetsu Gifu Station. The facility has just opened, and the lobby has a sophisticated atmosphere.

The New Gifu Sauna is a vertical facility divided into three floors. First, change into indoor clothes in the locker room on the first floor, and then move on to the next floor.

A logo inspired by the family crest of the Oda family, which has close ties to Gifu City, is painted on each locker. The six patterns on the outside are said to represent "three saunas and three water baths. At this point, expectations are high.

Large public bath on the 2nd floor. It's a compact space, but it's fully equipped. Let's check them in order.

3 different types of saunas

The most distinctive sauna is probably the "private sauna" where self loyly is also possible. There are three rooms in total, and up to three people can enter. You can enjoy the sauna alone without being disturbed by anyone, or you can enjoy the sauna with your friends who you feel comfortable with.

The sauna is a favorite of the chairman of Finland Sauna Japan, who designed the bathhouse. It is designed for smart ventilation to prevent suffocation. It warmed my whole body up to my feet.

Next is the “High-Temperature Herb Steam Sauna,” which generates a large amount of steam. They directly purchase pesticide-free medicinal herbs used in tea from a medicinal herb garden in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture.

When you hear the word “steam sauna,” you may think of it as “taking your time to warm yourself up,” but this one is extremely hot! Still, the scent of medicinal herbs is pleasant and makes me want to stay in it for a long time.

Finally, the most standard sauna is the Finnish-style large room sauna, where the humidity is regulated by auto loyly once an hour to maintain good conditions at all times. The subtle aroma of the sauna is also soothing.

By the way, the color of the lighting in the sauna room is also phantasmagoric!

The "Finnish style large room sauna" offers a louly service several times a day. Katsushi Morishita, a staff member, was in charge of this time.

When the aromatic water is poured over the stones, h agitates the air forcefully. He fans each one of the customers with a brilliant towel use.

He is trying to aufguss not only with power but also with "wind flow" in mind. Nice swing, thank you very much!

Equipped with 3 types of water baths! Choose according to your mood

The amazing thing about the "New Gifu Sauna" is that you can choose not only a sauna but also a water bath. First, experience the "standard water bath," which is luxuriously filled with groundwater from the clear Nagara River flowing through Gifu City.

The temperature is about 15°C. The water quality is characterized by the way it clings to the skin and gently cools down the body that has been heated by the sauna.

Then there is the "single water bath" which offers an exciting coldness! It seems to be somewhat affected by the outside air, and the temperature is 7 to 9 degrees Celsius.

It is great news for sauna lovers that there is now another facility in the Tokai region where they can enjoy a "single "*!

* A water bath below 10℃.

However, I don't think I can stay too long, so it seems better to move to the "standard water bath" and enjoy the "cold alternate bath".

Lastly, there is the somewhat unusual "sleeping water bath". You can cool down by feeling as if you are floating in the water.

The temperature is set high at about 25°C. Since well water is originally about 17°C, the water is deliberately heated for use. This thoughtfulness makes me happy.

There is no open-air bathing space, but there is a resting space in front of the bathhouse where air conditioning is moderately effective and the breeze from the fan is comfortable.

The variety of both saunas and water baths is so great that you will want to head to the bathhouse as soon as you finish your break, which is a unique feature of the New Gifu Sauna. Everyone who visits this facility becomes a "Totonoi (revitalize) seeker".

Interview with Manager Koike, who is in charge of "New Gifu Sauna"

We interviewed the manager, Mr. Yoshitaka Koike.

Yasuda: "Please tell us how you started 'New Gifu Sauna'."

Koike: "Originally, we are a company that operates restaurants in Gifu City. However, as you know, there was a long period of time when we couldn't open our restaurant due to the Corona disaster. ......"

In the midst of these difficult times, manager Koike and other employees learned that a sauna and capsule hotel they had frequented was closing, and they decided to take over the facility as a new challenge. After some renovations, the "New Gifu Sauna" opened in August 2022.

Yasuda: "Are there any sauna facilities you referred to?"

Koike: "First of all, it's 'Ogaki Sauna'. I think it's a 'complete sauna' with a pleasant cold bath, delicious food, and the kindness of the staff. If I didn't know that place, I might not have thought 'I want to open a sauna' (laughs)."

Yasuda: "Even so, having a variety of saunas and water baths in a compact space is unique."

Koike: "We took a cue from Karumaru Ikebukuro in terms of offering a choice of several saunas and water baths. I was also influenced by "Yurakkusu," which I asked for and was allowed to be trained at.

Yurakkusu is a sacred place for sauna lovers, especially famous for its water bath filled with Kumamoto's famous water.

Koike: "Of course, the facilities and equipment are wonderful, but I was also impressed by the liveliness of the people who work at 'Yurakkusu'. There are a considerable number of employees working there, but not a single one of them shows signs of being unmotivated! I always think, 'We want to be close to that.'"

Perhaps the "Yurakusu-ism" that Manager Koike learned has already spread, and the staff working energetically at the "New Gifu Sauna" is also very impressive. You are sure to have a refreshing experience.

Go to a restaurant where you can taste Gifu's local food!

When you start to get a little hungry, you can take a break at the Ranmaru restaurant on the third floor, which offers a wide variety of dishes unique to Gifu. The counter seating is stylish and has the atmosphere of a fashionable café.

Tatami flor is also available for groups. Relax and have a drink while wearing indoor clothes! Isn't this a great idea?

As mentioned above, the restaurant is owned by a company that operates restaurants, so the quality of the food is second to none. The Hida beef sukiyaki yukke-don (1,480 yen) is a dish that allows you to fully appreciate the sweetness of Hida beef. The special beef bowl sauce has just the right amount of saltiness, making you want to scarf it down after your sauna. A very satisfying dish!

In addition, there are many Gifu-style menus such as “Takayama Ramen (880 yen)” and “Mino Healthy Pork Ginger Grill (980 yen)”. There is also a full menu of appetizers such as "Meiho Ham (780 yen)"!

Also, from 18:00 to 21:00 on Fridays, you can taste the shaved ice of "Akawani", which is known nationwide as a famous store in Gifu City! Surprisingly, the owner comes to the store directly and offers shaved ice (picture is an image).

The owner of Akawani is said to be a sauna lover, and was so pleased that a new sauna was opening in Gifu City that he made a reverse offer to serve their popular shaved ice there. It is a great pleasure to be able to taste the shaved ice of a famous restaurant without standing in line, especially after a sauna! (Please check the official web for the schedule of shaved ice offerings.)

There is also a rest room with dimmed lighting, perfect for a nap. There are two types: a recliner sofa and a flat mat.

Open all night on Fridays, Saturdays, and the day before holidays. After 1:00 am, you can stay until 10:00 am for an additional 1,000 yen. There are many attractive bars in the center of Gifu City, so it might be a good idea to remember this in case you miss the last train. Of course, I also recommend enjoying the sauna all night!

From a teacher to the sauna industry! ?
What is Mr. Morishita's dream?

I was also able to speak with Mr. Katsushi Morishita, who delivered the heat wave to us earlier.
While he was working as a teacher, he heard that a new sauna was being built in Gifu, and decided to change his career because he wanted to join in on the project. 

Mr. Morishita has also taken the Heat Wave Master Certification and is a leader in the "New Gifu Sauna," which started with many inexperienced workers in the hot spring industry.

Mr. Morishita has a dream.

Morishita: "I want to build a sauna facility in my hometown of Gero. To do that, I need to learn the know-how at the 'New Gifu Sauna' and keep improving myself."

Oh! I'm so excited just imagining the collaboration of that famous hot spring and sauna. If it's that kind of wonderful dream, I'll do my best to support it!

"New Gifu Sauna" offers a wide range of saunas and water baths, so you can find a style that suits you. There are many Gifu-style food menus, and I felt that it was a sauna facility that could be a “trip destination”.

They have just taken their first step in Gifu City. We cannot take our eyes off of its future development.