Yakushikan Touji-ba Sauna
Nagano/2023

“smoke sauna”

The emergence of the “smoke sauna” followed the “maasa sauna,” also known as the earth underground sauna. Referred to as “savusauna” in Finnish, the smoke sauna is regarded as the quintessential sauna model. It involves burning wood within the sauna, retaining the smoke for a specific duration, and then releasing it outside for bathing.

In earlier times, most structures were constructed as log cabins, including the sauna hut. The walls and ceiling of the sauna hut acquire a distinctive blackened hue from the smoke and soot generated by the smoke sauna, lending it a unique ambiance. Consequently, the enthusiasts of traditional saunas still consider the aroma of smoke and the patina of soot as essential elements of an exceptional sauna experience.

Hence, our endeavor is to craft a sauna hut that resonates with authentic sauna enthusiasts by constructing a traditional log cabin infused with the aroma of roasted cedar.

Design：Masahiro Yoshida, Kakei Ishii
Photo ：Keisuke Miyamoto　
Design support : LORE Daiki Sakai