Tohogu Sauna Tour “Sa-Kin Kotai”

The Tohogu Sauna Tour “Sa-Kin Kotai” kicks off at Sendai PARCO on November 1 and will travel to popular sauna and hot spring facilities throughout the Tohoku region.

Following the success of the previous two years, this year’s theme is a traveling sauna pop-up. Starting from Sendai PARCO, the event will tour Tohoku’s top sauna destinations — bringing together fans and facilities to celebrate Japan’s growing sauna culture.

About “Sa-Kin Kotai”

The event’s name is a playful nod to Sankin Kotai, the Edo-period practice in which regional lords traveled to and from Edo (Tokyo). Inspired by that tradition, Sa-Kin Kotai invites sauna enthusiasts — “Saunners” — to embark on their own modern journey, visiting unique sauna facilities across the six prefectures of Tohoku.

The exhibition highlights representative hot spring and nature-based saunas from throughout the region, featuring original goods from each facility as well as the latest sauna-related products from emerging brands. Visitors can explore displays that showcase Tohoku’s distinctive sauna culture and craftsmanship.

Special programs during the event include guest appearances by well-known sauna enthusiasts, AR attractions featuring the official unit “Saunaman Bros.”, and a participatory “Suggestion Box Project” linked to the official website, encouraging visitors to share feedback and ideas.

Attendees can also receive the updated TOHOGU SAUNA MAP, which introduces 44 sauna facilities across Tohoku. The map aims to promote sauna tourism and help visitors discover new destinations.

Sa-Kin Kotai continues to serve as a cultural platform connecting sauna lovers with local communities while fostering a deeper appreciation for Tohoku’s regional wellness and outdoor traditions.

The Tour Schedule

• Miyagi — Sendai PARCO (Opening Stop): November 1–16, 2025, Sendai PARCO 1F Event Space

• Miyagi — 9th Tohogu Steam Festival in Marumori Fudoson Park: November 8, 2025, https://www.tohogusauna.jp/

• Iwate — SPA Sento Yukko Morioka: March 6–15, 2026, https://yukko-morioka.jp/

• Aomori — Capsule Inn Hirosaki / Asahi Sauna: March 20–29, 2026, http://asahiweb.jp/asahisauna.html

• Akita — Youland Hotel Yahaba: April 3–12, 2026, https://youland.jp/

• Yamagata — Kogenyu, April 17–26, 2026, https://kogenyu.com/

• Fukushima — Sauna & Spa Green (Atagoyama Onsen), May 1–10, 2026, http://green-hill-park.com/

• Miyagi — Aiko Tenku no Yu Soyoginomori Miyagi — Aiko Tenku no Yu Soyoginomori, May 15–24, 2026, https://soyoginomori.site/

Exclusive Goods & Collaborations

The event will feature limited-edition “Sa-Kin Kotai” merchandise and collaboration items with participating sauna facilities. Each pamphlet includes the updated TOHOGU SAUNA MAP — featuring 62 facilities and reviews by the Tohogu Sauna Committee. Randomly Included: Sa-Kin Kotai Service Ticket Enjoy special discounts at up to three participating sauna facilities between November 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.

Visitors who spend over ¥5,000 (tax included) at the venue will receive a complimentary Healthy Bathing Support Set (limited to the first 200 participants), which includes Pocari Sweat Ion Water (300ml), a Pocari Sweat vinyl backpack, and a Healthy Bathing Handbook.