Ginza NAGANO, the Nagano Prefecture information hub in central Tokyo, is hosting a sauna enthusiast gathering on March 20, 2026 (Friday, national holiday). The event, titled "Shinshu Sauna Travel Recommendations" (信州サ旅のススメ), brings together sauna professionals from Nagano to introduce the region's growing sauna culture to metropolitan audiences.
The event comes as Japan's sauna scene continues to evolve. Beyond the popular löyly steam tradition, sauna goers are increasingly seeking out higher-quality sauna rooms, ample outdoor cooling areas, and nature-integrated settings. Outdoor and barrel saunas in remote mountain environments have been gaining nationwide attention, and Nagano's alpine landscape makes it a compelling destination for what enthusiasts call a "sa-tabi" — a sauna-centered travel experience.
Highlights of the Event
Shinshu Sauna Culture Showcase
Representatives from Nagano's hot spring facilities, professional heat masters, and members of the Shinshu Sauna Alliance share firsthand insights into what makes Nagano's sauna scene distinctive, including:
- Bathing facilities that draw on Nagano's natural environment
- Mountain locations ideal for outdoor cooling after a session
- The latest outdoor and barrel sauna installations in the region
Tent Sauna Display and Forest Aroma Experience
A Finnish-style tent sauna will be on display, and visitors can also take part in an aroma experience designed to evoke the scent of Shinshu's forests. Note that the stove will not be heated during the event, so the sauna itself will not be warm.
Networking Meetup with Guests
The event features a structured four-round format (15 minutes per round) designed so every participant can speak with all the guest speakers. It's a relaxed setting for deep sauna conversation.
"Sa-Meshi" — Post-Sauna Meal Included
A post-sauna meal is included with the participation fee. The menu features Shinshu-inspired dishes and drinks:
- "Sa-man" — an evolved take on oyaki, Nagano's traditional stuffed dumpling, available in mapo tofu and braised pork belly flavors
- Craft cola
- White birch tea
- Ichida drinkable yogurt
Sauna Goods Exhibition
Sauna merchandise from Nagano-based apparel brand TOTONOW and the Shinshu Sauna Alliance will be on display. Items shown at the event can also be purchased online.
Raffle: Shinshu Monomiyu Tegata Digital Coupon
Ten attendees will be selected by raffle to receive the "Shinshu Monomiyu Tegata," a digital coupon redeemable at 12 hot spring facilities across Nagano Prefecture.
Featured Guests
- Red Wing Tetsu (Tetsuya Akabane) — Manager and heat master at Shinshu Takamori Onsen "Godai no Yakata"
- Yuto Takemura — General Manager, Chuo Alps Resort Co., Ltd.
- Shinshu Sauna Alliance members
- Tadanori Morimoto — TXdesign Department, Nagano Tourism Organization (Onsen Sommelier)
- Kohei Takahashi — Work Work Work Co., Ltd.
Event Details
- Title: Shinshu Sauna Travel Recommendations (信州サ旅のススメ)
- Date: March 20, 2026 (Friday, national holiday)
- Session 1: 12:00 PM–1:30 PM
- Session 2: 3:00 PM–4:30 PM
- Capacity: 24 people per session (reservation required, first-come, first-served)
- Fee: 1,500 yen (includes sa-meshi)
- Venue: Ginza NAGANO 2F Event Space, 5-6-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
- Access: 1-minute walk from Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro), exits A1/A2/B5
- Reservations: https://www.ginza-nagano.jp/collections/03/products/260320event
