The sauna industry is heating up in Japan. An increasing number of people are sweating it out in new and novel, high-heat settings, including private saunas for individuals, mobile saunas installed in converted buses and camping-tent saunas that can be enjoyed outdoors. Some local governments are even attempting to turn saunas into attractions, with an eye on rebuilding the tourism industry following abatement of the coronavirus pandemic.
Mente, a men-only facility in the Umeda district of Osaka City, opened Feb. 14. The establishment boasts four private rooms, each with a sauna, shower and rest area, so customers can avoid encountering others while there. Though an 80-minute session costs 5,000 yen -- double the price of a typical sauna facility -- the firm receives 20 to 40 bookings each day, according to Mente, which is operated by an Osaka City beauty salon.
