[Sauna Report] Kokubunji Matsunoyu. I tried out a secret "divine item" at this retro yet super clean hideaway
[Samakko's Sauna Report:]
Everyone, have you been properly "totonou" (reaching a state of deep relaxation) at the sauna lately?
If you go to a popular, famous sauna, there's a line in front of the sauna room. The cold water bath is packed like a sardine can, and the chairs for outdoor bathing are all taken... I'm sure every sauna enthusiast has had the experience of thinking, "I wanted to be healed because I was tired, but instead, I just ended up more stressed."
"I want a home sauna that is quieter and where no one will disturb me." "I like the taste of Showa-retro public baths, but I can't compromise on the cleanliness of the changing rooms and bathrooms."
That was the selfish dilemma I was facing when I discovered "Matsunoyu," a public bath quietly nestled in the Kokubunji/Fuchu area.
https://m-yuuhuku03.com/kokubunji-matsunoyu-sauna-report/
This time, I'd like to talk about the charm of this hidden gem and the "secret weapon that makes your relaxation 10 times deeper" that I've recently started keeping in my sauna bag.
1. A miraculous coexistence of retro and cleanliness. "Matsunoyu," a place you'll want to stay in all day
The first thing that surprises you when you pass through the noren curtain of Matsunoyu is its overwhelming cleanliness.
Despite being a building that retains a strong Showa-era atmosphere, both the changing rooms and the bathrooms are polished to a shine in every corner. It's a space where even women and sauna beginners can feel at ease and stay for a long time.
When you enter the bathroom, what spreads out in front of you is a Western-style mosaic tile mural. The monochrome-toned tile art depicting the Virgin Mary, angels, and doves creates a solemn atmosphere, as if you had wandered into an old European art museum.
After your bath, you can relax in the lobby or on the sofa in the changing room with a cold drink in hand. It's so comfortable, like returning to your parents' home, that before you know it, you'll find yourself thinking, "I want to stay here forever..."
2. A mild sauna and a gentle natural groundwater cold bath
The sauna room at Matsunoyu uses a far-infrared heater at around 85-90°C. At first glance, you might think, "Is it mild?" but thanks to the exquisite humidity, you can sweat deeply and gradually without feeling any breathlessness at all. The thoughtful touch of providing a dedicated bag (containing a bath towel, face towel, and sauna mat) to sauna users is also a nice point.
And waiting for you after you leave the sauna room is a cold water bath that uses "natural groundwater."
The water temperature is around 21°C. It's not too cold, and it has a "plump and mellow" feel that wraps around your skin. As you enjoy the feeling of floating while being swayed by the bubbles, you can feel your daily worries and distracting thoughts melting away.
When you go out to the semi-open-air rock bath space and feel the breeze, your first "totonou" moment arrives in a quiet space watched over by Captain Duck.
3. [A secret weapon to deepen your 'totonoi' by 10 times] The 'mini ice pack' to sneak into your sauna bag
Here, I'd like to introduce a 'secret item' that I always bring to the sauna lately. It's a palm-sized 'mini ice pack' (portable mini ice bag).
It's very easy to use. Just put some ice and a little water in it beforehand and bring it in your sauna bag.
Once you get out of the cold water bath and sit in the semi-outdoor air bathing space, just place this mini ice pack on the 'back of your neck' or 'the base of your thighs' (where large blood vessels pass).
"...Ahhhhhh......!!"
After taking a thorough hot-cold alternating bath in the gentle groundwater cold bath, this sensation of cooling specific points is incredible. You'll be enveloped in a deep feeling that makes the core of your head tingle, and your 'amami' (red skin spots) will explode all at once. Unlike large ice bags, it's not bulky, making it the perfect size for carrying to public bath saunas.
If you want to deepen your usual sauna experience or master your 'totonoi' during air bathing, please give it a try. It really changes everything...!
👇 A compact size that fits in a sauna bag! Here is the mini ice pack I love using
4. Detailed store data & sauna room setting information on the main blog!
More detailed access information for Matsunoyu, recommended visiting times, detailed settings of the sauna room, and a report with photos are available on my main blog, 'Samakko's Sauna Report'!
If you're wondering, 'Where should I get my totonoi next weekend?', please check out the full version on the blog.
👇 [Full Version] Kokubunji Matsunoyu Sauna Report & Strategy Guide is here [Link to main blog: https://m-yuuhuku03.com/kokubunji-matsunoyu-sauna-report/
May today's 'totonoi' make your tomorrow a little bit gentler. If you liked this article, I'd be happy if you could press the '♡ (Like)' button below!