What Is the Barrel Sauna “sui”?
Opened in 2024 in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, Sui is a barrel sauna facility set within a vast forest spanning about 10,500 square meters (approximately 3,200 tsubo). Surrounded by trees and rich greenery, the site features three cylindrical wooden saunas heated by wood-burning stoves. Within just one year of opening, the facility has welcomed over 7,000 visitors, making it one of the most talked-about sauna destinations in Japan.
The name “Sui” carries multiple layers of meaning. It includes “水 (water)”, an essential element of any sauna experience; “粋 (sui)”, meaning refined or effortless enjoyment; “翠 (sui)”, evoking the lush greenery of the surrounding forest; and “睡 (sui)”, representing rest and relaxation.
The barrel saunas at Sui have gained attention as a revolutionary upgrade to traditional barrel saunas, overcoming common issues such as poor insulation and drafts. By incorporating advanced construction techniques developed by Kumagai Construction, a local company experienced in building for snowy climates, the saunas achieve exceptional airtightness and thermal insulation, ensuring consistent warmth and comfort even in winter.
The sauna rooms allow for self-pouring löyly (steam infusion), with temperatures rising up to around 110°C, letting you fully enjoy a deep, satisfying sweat. The cold bath, maintained at about 15°C and filled with natural well water, is soft to the touch and gentle on the skin. Combined with the surrounding forest atmosphere, it offers a pleasantly refreshing full-body cooldown experience. The main building, which houses the changing rooms and showers, was created by renovating a traditional Japanese farmhouse.
Highlights of Sui
「sui」のサウナの大きな特徴は雪国ならではの建築技術を活かした高断熱構造。薪ストーブとセルフロA defining feature of the saunas at Sui is their high-insulation structure, built using architectural techniques unique to Japan’s snowy regions. Heated by wood-burning stoves and self-pouring löyly (steam infusion), the saunas reach temperatures of around 110°C, delivering an intense yet exhilarating sweating experience that leaves the body feeling deeply refreshed.
This was made possible by applying the insulation technology developed by a local construction company in Shibata City. The design effectively retains heat while allowing air to circulate, creating a comfortable and stable sauna environment.
After the sauna, take a plunge into the natural groundwater bath, which stays at a refreshing 15°C year-round, and feel your body cool down instantly.
You can step barefoot onto the all-wood deck sauna area, where infinity chairs and benches are available for you to relax freely and unwind at your own pace.
The main building, renovated from a traditional Japanese farmhouse, is equipped with changing rooms, showers, and a relaxation lounge. Inside, guests can enjoy complimentary “sauna detox water” made with seasonal fruits. The lounge retains the charm of the original tatami-floored room, offering a peaceful space to rest after your sauna session.
In addition, locally sourced materials are used throughout the facility — including Shibata-grown cedar, stones from Shibata Castle’s walls, and recycled building materials from Kumagai Construction. These sustainable design choices reflect Sui’s commitment to preserving regional resources and traditional craftsmanship. In this unique space where nature and local artistry harmonize, visitors can experience a truly luxurious cycle of heat and cool immersion—a sauna experience unlike any other.
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Barrel Sauna
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サウナ後の森林浴
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Cold bath after the sauna
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Cold bath after the sauna
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サウナ後のウッドデッキでの沐浴
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Barrel Sauna “sui”
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Rental
Natural well water used for the cold bath is also available as drinking water.
How to Enjoy Your Time at Sui
Sui operates on a reservation-only basis. You can make a booking either through the official reservation website or via the official LINE account. Upon arrival, check in at the reception desk inside the main building, then change into your swimsuit in the changing room. Don’t worry if you come empty-handed — swimsuits, towels, sauna mats, and ponchos are all available for rent, so you can travel light and enjoy your visit with ease.
During your 2.5-hour session, alternate several rounds between the wood-fired sauna and the natural well-water bath. After working up a deep sweat through self-pouring löyly, cool your entire body in the 15°C cold bath to refresh and restore balance. Between sauna and water sessions—or during outdoor cool-downs—be sure to stay hydrated with the complimentary detox water provided.
After your sauna cycles, stretch out on the infinity chairs or benches on the wooden deck and immerse yourself in forest bathing. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let the sounds of birds and the scent of greenery surround you as both body and mind unwind into a state of true relaxation. In summer, the shade of the trees keeps you cool; in winter, the warmth of the wood stove contrasts beautifully with the snow-covered scenery, offering a uniquely soothing experience. You can also return to the main building afterward to rinse off in the shower and complete your refreshment ritual.
If you’re visitingThis option allows you to enjoy the sauna freely without worrying about others, offering an exclusive 2.5-hour session priced at ¥13,200 on weekdays and ¥16,500 on weekends and holidays for a truly private experience.
In 2025, a new auberge named “Ne” is set to open on the same property, welcoming only one group per day. Guests will be able to savor exquisite French cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients. With a one-night stay priced at ¥90,000, it’s a luxurious retreat that promises an exceptional dining and lodging experience—perfect for pairing with your rejuvenating sauna time at Sui.
Basic Information
Opening Hours：11:00AM – 8:00PM
Closed：Mondays and Tuesdays
Fees：
- General use (2.5 hours): ¥2,200 on weekdays / ¥3,300 on weekends and holidays
- Private use (up to 6 people, 2.5 hours): ¥13,200 on weekdays / ¥16,500 on weekends and holidays
Reservation：Required in advance via official website or official LINE account
Access
Adress：180 Ishiki, Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, Japan
Access：
- By car: About 40 minutes from Niigata Station, or about 15 minutes by car or taxi from Shibata Station.
- By bus: From Shibata Station, take a bus toward the Kawahigashi District, get off at Ishiki stop, then walk 1 minute.
Barrel Sauna