Auberge Villa SOSO (楚々), operated by Nishigaki Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture), has introduced a fully private sauna at its exclusive villa in the Amanohashidate area of Kyoto. The facility accommodates only one group per night, offering a premium stay where gourmet dining meets complete relaxation.
The renovation was carried out to combine the property's reputation as a fine dining destination featuring Tango's abundant ingredients with an ultimate relaxation experience. The new private sauna allows guests to enjoy the space entirely on their own terms, with no interruptions.
Official website: https://www.auberge-soso.com/
Background: Why a Private Sauna
Sauna culture has evolved from a passing trend into an established wellness practice. As demand grows — particularly for private and exclusive-use saunas among those seeking quality experiences — SOSO has connected the sauna lifestyle with its culinary heritage rooted in the 天橋立離宮 星音 lineage, adding new value to the stay.
SOSO (楚々) opened in December 2020 as a sister property of 天橋立離宮 星音, built on the concept of "the luxury of doing nothing." The addition of a private sauna to its philosophy of "experiences born from exclusive ownership rather than service" allows the villa to meet the needs of diverse guests: anniversary-celebrating couples, small gourmet groups, families, and women's travel parties.
New Sauna and Natural Hot Spring Facilities
Private Sauna (SAUNA DICE / BLACK EDITION)
The sauna features a carefully selected stove that combines design and functionality. The temperature is maintained at approximately 70–90°C, and guests can enjoy self-löyly (self-administered steam) to adjust the heat and humidity to their liking. The rich natural wood fragrance inside the sauna promotes deep relaxation and helps restore physical and mental balance.
Private Pool for Direct Post-Sauna Cool-Down
Once the body is thoroughly warmed in the sauna, guests step directly into the private pool for a refreshing cool-down. Plunging freely into the spacious pool without any concern for other guests is one of the unique pleasures of having a completely private space.
Outdoor Air Bath with Sea Breeze from Miyazu Bay
After cooling down, guests unwind with an outdoor air bath on the terrace. A gentle sea breeze from Miyazu Bay brushes the skin, and only the quiet sound of the waves reaches the ears. On clear days, the endlessly blue sky overhead, and on rainy days, the sight of raindrops falling on the water's surface — each weather condition creates a uniquely rich "totonou" (整う) experience.
Two Types of Natural Hot Springs
The guest room features two rare natural hot springs to soothe the body after the sauna.
Outdoor Bath: Gold Hot Spring (金温泉)
A cloudy sodium chloride strong-saline spring that turns from colorless and transparent to a reddish-brown upon contact with air. It carries a faint iron scent, with a mild and mellow feel on the skin. The high heat-retention effect keeps the body warm for an extended period after bathing.
Indoor Bath: Silver Hot Spring (銀温泉)
A mildly alkaline simple hot spring rich in metasilicic acid. Known as a "bijin-no-yu" (beauty bath), it gently envelops the heated body, leaving the skin smooth and moisturized.
The Ultimate Four-Step Hot and Cold Bathing Cycle
Sweat it out in the sauna, tone up in the private pool, warm up in the heat-retaining Gold Hot Spring, and finally refine the skin in the Silver Hot Spring. This premium cycle can be repeated as many times as desired without watching the clock — a privilege exclusive to the fully private SOSO.
In-Room Free Amenities for Inner Wellness
To enrich the sauna and hot spring experience further, the guest room offers a variety of complimentary drinks and wellness foods. The selection includes essential sauna hydration drinks, house-made soups crafted with the auberge's unique touch, and an original herb tea blend that can also be poured over the stove as an aroma löyly. Every item has been chosen to gently care for the body from within.
A Stay at Auberge Villa SOSO
Dining: A Gourmet Experience with Tango's Finest Ingredients
Served in the private space, the dinner is prepared by chefs from the sister facility 天橋立離宮 星音 who travel to the villa to cook. The menu makes abundant use of the sea's bounty and the mountains' harvest from the Tango area. Seasonal ingredients savored after the senses have been heightened by the sauna bring a depth of flavor that resonates on a whole new level. Since there is no need to travel to a restaurant, guests can fully enjoy wine and sake pairings without worrying about driving. After dinner, the bedroom is just steps away — the true essence of a "restaurant you can sleep in."
Relaxation: Ultimate Private Rejuvenation
The fully private sauna is available at any time and as many times as desired. After sweating it out with self-löyly, guests dive into the spacious private pool. The outdoor air bath with Miyazu Bay's refreshing sea breeze guides the mind and body toward ultimate "totonou."
Lingering: Blissful Rest in a Private Villa
After savoring the gourmet dinner and the finest "totonou" experience, guests immerse themselves in the afterglow undisturbed in the fully private guest room. The spacious living room with refined interior design and the bedroom enveloped in comfortable stillness create a special private space that makes one forget the hustle of daily life. The stay offers a luxury resort experience right up until the moment of checkout.
Facility Overview
Facility Name: Auberge Villa SOSO (楚々)
Address: 3101 Heki, Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture
Site Area: Approximately 321 m²
Room Facilities: Full-building exclusive villa, in-room natural hot springs (Gold Hot Spring / Silver Hot Spring), private sauna, dedicated cold water bath (natural groundwater), private pool, and more
Capacity: Up to 6 guests
Access: Approximately 2 hours by car from the Keihanshin area / Shuttle available from Amanohashidate Station (reservation required at least 3 days in advance)
Website: https://www.auberge-soso.com/
Future Plans
Following the introduction at SOSO (楚々), Nishigaki Co., Ltd. is sequentially rolling out original saunas — each tailored to the character of each property — at 久遠 (KUON), 日置浜ヴィラ, and はなもみじヴィラ in the Kyoto Amanohashidate area, as well as at key facilities in the Kansai and Kanto regions. The company also aims to expand the wellness dimension of accommodation stays and contribute to regional economic vitality through サウナレ (SAUNARE), a booking and information platform specializing in sauna-equipped lodgings.
