It was my first time using a private sauna, and it was such an excellent experience that I want to share its charm with everyone

A Brief History of Japanese Baths

Did you know about the history of bathing in Japan? It is said that the culture of bathing spread in Japan with the introduction of Buddhism during the Nara period. Monks used steam baths called “Karafuro” to purify their bodies. This style, which involved sweating out impurities and then rinsing off in an outdoor water area, resembles modern saunas.

Off to the “Karafuro” (Sauna) at Konjaku-so Nara Naramachi Sauna Villa

Inspired by this historical context, the sauna at Konjaku-So is designed with low sliding wooden doors.

For sauna preparation, we first set the room temperature, filled the cold bath with water drawn from the basement, and took sport drink from the fridge and placed it in the relaxation area.

Immersed in the scent of Hinoki cypress

With a mat in hand, we slid the door open and were immediately immersed in the scent of hinoki cypress

This aroma is something you can’t capture in a photo, so I want to emphasize it—its gentle, calming fragrance was both physically and mentally soothing. While deep breaths were challenging when the room reached around 90 °C, starting at a lower temperature allowed us to breathe in the hinoki aroma deeply, which was incredibly relaxing.

Luxurious Private Space

Another significant charm I felt was the “complete privacy.”

Having only experienced public saunas at spas, I found it incredibly enjoyable to be in an environment with just a friend, casually chatting, sweating profusely, and plunging into the cold bath together, all without any concerns about others.

It was also our first time doing a löyly (evaporating hot steam) ourselves. We had a lot of fun figuring it out, laughing, “Is it this way…? If we pour water on the front stones, it splashes back at us?! Yikes!”

After the cold bath, we lounged on sauna chairs in a space overlooking a Japanese garden, relishing the sensation of our core temperature cooling down and the refreshing air passing through our throats.

Highlights of the Private Sauna at Konjaku-so Nara Naramachi Sauna Villa

Based on my visit, I’ve written about the aspects of the sauna that I especially want to highlight. Stepping away from the screen light and the hustle and bustle of the city, it felt like my mind, tightly packed like puzzle pieces, was gently unwound, providing an extraordinary, premium experience.

Additionally, the state-of-the-art facilities, the various welcome drinks, and the numerous izakayas offering local specialties within walking distance made me truly appreciate the house’s appeal.

*You will be redirected to the Konjaku-So Official Booking Page.

A 20-25 minute walk from the station might seem a bit far, but there are so many interesting places in the city of Nara that you won’t get bored! With traditional buildings called Machiya, small craft shops, and modern cafes, you’ll be at your destination in no time, distracted by the delightful sights along the way.

Our Konjaku-So staff took a trip from Kintetsu Nara Station to Naramachi, passing through Gangoji Temple, peeking into Konjaku-So, then strolling around Nara Park, and finally visiting Kasuga Taisha Shrine and Kofukuji Temple.

It turned out to be a fun journey where we fully enjoyed Nara’s charm, and we’d love to share this experience with our guests and those considering a stay at Konjaku-So

Arrival at Kintetsu Nara Station

The warm welcome right from inside the station set the mood perfectly. Recently, the area has been bustling with tourists, and it seems like you hear more languages other than Japanese!

Naramachi

“Naramachi” is the area centered around the old precincts of Gangoji Temple. It features narrow-fronted houses with latticed doors. Step away from the busy main roads, and you’ll be struck by the sudden quiet—only your voices break the silence.

Walking through the alleys lined with old wooden houses, we came across a deer in a small open space! Speaking of which, I’ve heard that the deer in Nara gather somewhere for an end-of-the-day meeting and then disperse after a while. Who knows the truth…?

Strolling Around Gangoji Temple, Nara Park, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Walking along the quiet roads, we suddenly came upon Gangoji Temple, a World Heritage Site with 1300 years of history.

Next, we headed to Nara Park, where we experienced the deer with all our senses: their unique smell, round and pure eyes, slender legs, unexpectedly stiff fur, and the sound of twigs snapping underfoot. Watching the deer bow or cross the pedestrian crossings according to the signals is always amusing.

With the rise in the number of the tourists, it was also fun to see foreigners enjoying their encounters with the deer. We couldn’t help but smile seeing tough-looking guys with tattoo-covered arms having a blast playing with a deer.

We also ventured into Kasuga Taisha Shrine, but both of us have extremely poor sense of direction, so we ended up walking in circles, exhausted and lost…

Moreover, one of us has a kind of bird phobia, and since a crow was perched on the map sign, she couldn’t even look at it

Impressions of Nara Stroll

Though we’re not very familiar with the city’s history (plus we’re directionally challenged), it was a trip where we enjoyed the unique atmosphere and scenery we don’t usually see.

Even with our limited knowledge, we were able to spend a wonderful, extraordinary time.

Alongside traditional small wooden houses and long-established restaurants, we noticed several new bakeries, cafes, and galleries. There’s still so much more to explore.

When you stay at Konjaku-so Nara Naramachi Sauna Villa, be sure to fully experience the charms of Nara. If we get a chance to meet you during check-in, please share your impressions with us

By the Way…

I love Shikamaro-kun, a character of the Nara City Tourism Association. Of course I brought my Shikamaro-kun mini towel this time, and even got a Shikamaro-kun pouch from a capsule toy there. It’s the perfect size for holding a Goshuincho (a book for collecting temple and shrine stamps).

His happy expression is just so adorable. <3

*You will be redirected to the Konjaku-So Official Booking Page.