A new permanent sauna facility, claiming to be Japan's first castle sauna, will open at Hirado Castle in Nagasaki Prefecture on November 1, 2025. The Hirado Castle Kaijuyagura CASTLE SAUNA offers a unique wellness experience combining history and relaxation, limited to one group per day.
Noroshi Co., Ltd., which operates the Kaijuyagura turret at Hirado Castle, announced the opening of this innovative facility. The castle, designated as one of Japan's Top 100 Castles, has been gaining attention since the turret was converted into Japan's first permanent castle stay accommodation in April 2021. Now, the addition of a sauna facility marks another first for the historic site.
The term "Japan's first" refers to a permanently installed sauna facility within or directly connected to a castle structure (turret, keep, etc.) in Japan, based on the company's research.
Three Key Features of Hirado Castle Kaijuyagura CASTLE SAUNA
Authentic Sauna Experience
A 4-person barrel sauna made of red cedar has been installed on the wooden deck adjacent to the Hirado Castle Kaijuyagura turret.
The barrel sauna's cylindrical structure allows heat to circulate efficiently, spreading warmth evenly throughout the interior.
The facility uses an electric heater and sauna stones from HARVIA, a long-established sauna heater manufacturer from Finland, the home of saunas. Guests can enjoy an authentic Finnish-style sauna experience in a completely private, reserved space.
A Timeless "Totonou" (Wellness) Experience
Among the growing trend of "sauna × tourism experiences" gaining attention nationwide, this facility pursues a uniquely Japanese experience of "finding wellness within history."
The wooden deck where the sauna is located offers panoramic views of the Hirado Strait and sky.
Guests can experience a luxurious "totonou" moment that feels like traveling through time while gazing at the spectacular scenery before them.
From the same vantage point where castle lords once surveyed the sea, modern visitors can restore their mind and body.
This "timeless healing" experience will be shared with the world from Hirado Castle.
Available Without Castle Stay
The sauna can be used not only by guests staying at the Hirado Castle Kaijuyagura but also as a day-use facility.
Changing rooms and showers are available using the bathroom facilities exclusive to Hirado Castle Kaijuyagura guests.
Facility Specifications
Barrel Sauna
- Material: Red cedar
- Size: Width 1,800cm × Depth 2,000cm × Height 1,860cm
- Capacity: 4 people
- Heat source: HARVIA electric heater
Ice Bath
- Material: Polyvinyl chloride
- Size: 150cm × 108cm × 50cm
Plan Details and Facility Overview
Plan Details
- Opening date: November 1, 2025 (Saturday)
- Usage time: 3-hour sessions (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
- Capacity: Limited to 1 group per day / Maximum 4 people
- Rates (Day-use sauna):
- 1 person: ¥19,800 (tax included)
- 2 people: ¥19,800 (tax included) - ¥9,900 per person
- 3 people: ¥26,400 (tax included) - ¥8,800 per person
- 4 people: ¥30,800 (tax included) - ¥7,700 per person
- Castle stay option: ¥16,500 (tax included) - Unlimited "totonou" sessions from check-in to check-out
- Reservation URL: https://castlestay.snack.chillnn.com/snack/castle-sauna
- Address: 1446 Iwanoue-cho, Hirado City, Nagasaki Prefecture
Amenities
Outdoor reclining chairs, sauna hats, sauna ponchos, sauna mats, löyly aroma oil (cypress), sandals, bath towels, face towels, cooler box, soft drinks
Other
Access to Kaijuyagura bathroom facilities
