1. Steam Is King—Use It Wisely
A sauna without steam is just a toasty room with no magic. Pouring water onto the stones is a necessity, but moderation is key. A few controlled ladles will reward you with a gentle, relaxing steam, not a tropical storm. Show respect for the heat, and the sauna will reward you.
2. Silence Is Golden, But Not Mandatory
Some people enjoy a quiet, meditative sweat, while others like a light chat. The main rule of sauna chat? Keep it low key. A sauna isn’t the place for podcasts, therapy, or loud business pitches—keep conversation calm and considerate for those around you.
3. Tap Out or Black Out
It is not a competition. If you start to feel dizzy, overheated, or you’re seeing things, you have overstayed your welcome. The sauna will be there when you’re ready for round two. No need to push your limits hard.
4. The Towel Is Your Best Friend
Always sit on your towel—it’s simply good manners and keeps things hygienic for everyone. And if you’re relaxing after the sauna, a little wrap goes a long way to keep things cozy, not revealing.
5. The Cold Plunge Is Not Optional
Yes, it’s freezing. Yes, your body will scream in protest. But once you take the plunge, you’ll feel invincible. Plus, skipping it means missing out on the ultimate post-sauna euphoria.
6. Leave the Cologne (and Ego) at Home
The sauna should be filled with steam, not your latest designer cologne. Heat intensifies scents, so be considerate of other sauna guests. No one wants to be trapped in a suffocating fog of sandalwood, citrus, and regret.
7. Move Like a Sauna Ninja
In the sauna, try to keep your movements calm and minimal—it helps everyone enjoy a more peaceful experience. Think of it as a place to unwind, not a workout. A little stillness goes a long way in keeping the shared space comfortable for all.
8. Personal Space Is Sacred
Personal space is important, and the same goes in a sauna. If the sauna is mostly empty, don’t sit right next to the only other person in there. Give others room to breathe, unless you both agreed to a synchronized sweating session.
9. No Wimpy Water Intakes
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. If you think you drank used water after sweating out half your body weight, you’re wrong. Drink plenty of water pre- and post-sauna, or you might end up looking like a sun-dried tomato in hiking gear.
10. Embrace the Post-Sauna Glow
After surviving the sweat, the steam, and the icy plunge, don’t rush off. Chill out, sip some water, and savor newfound state of zen. Sauna culture is all about balance. So take your time and truly enjoy the afterglow.
Here are three of our favorite saunas in the Hakuba Valley.
1. From P
From P is Hakuba’s first dedicated sauna and glamping retreat—an ideal place to relax, recharge, and reconnect with nature. Guests enjoy exclusive access to two private saunas and a cold plunge bath, along with a cool-down lounge and showers. Everything you need for a complete sauna experience is available on-site, including beverages and firewood for post-sauna relaxation.
2. HAKUBA Sauna Nonin (HAKUBA MISOKANO SAUNA)
This chic sanctuary is housed in a beautifully restored abandoned house, now turned into a rustic Finnish sauna hideaway. The mixed-gender facility merges modern amenities with traditional sauna rituals, cold baths, and outdoor relaxation spaces. It’s the perfect place to relax after a day exploring the village.
3. Hakuba Zekkei Sauna ao
For a natural experience, enjoy a lakeside sauna by the crystal-clear waters of Lake Aoki. The cold spring water from the Northern Alps provides the perfect contrast to the heat of the sauna, with views of Hakuba’s snowy peaks reflecting in the waters.
