Making a sauna village in Gifu, restoring people, nature, and community

Enbara River, flowing through the northern part of Yamagata City in Gifu Prefecture, is known for its miraculous water quality. The beauty of the crystal-clear water gushing from the rocks attracts many visitors, and its transparent stream has earned a spot among the “Gifu 100 Best Water and Green Environments.” Stretching about 8 km, the Enbara River flows into the Nagara River in Gifu City.

Now, a new facility is being created to offer a top-tier sauna experience by this pristine river. The project is spearheaded by Takibi Design, with Yukio Kawai as the main initiator. Drawing on his experience as an outdoor writer and river guide, and his expertise as a sauna and spa professional, Kawai has crafted the vision of “Circulatory Sauna Village: THE WATERS,” allowing people to fully immerse themselves in the remarkable waters of the Enbara River.

Currently, the project “THE WATERS: Circulatory Sauna Village with a water theme” has been launched, with crowdfunding ongoing until the end of October 2024.

Appeal of the sauna “THE WATERS”

THE WATERS has three key attractions. First, the unparalleled cold-water bath experience that utilizes the transparent waters of the Enbara River. Next, simply enjoying the sauna contributes to the preservation of depopulated villages and environmental conservation. Finally, an enriching sauna experience supervised by the enthusiastic sauna group “madsaunist.”

At the heart of this circulatory sauna village is the tent sauna “Sotoburo DOME12.” This tent sauna will be equipped with two sauna stoves, and also features two steam generators and a steaming unit. This setup ensures a perfect balance of heat and humidity, providing a “comfortable and moist sauna experience.”

The cold-water bath directly uses water from the Enbara River, which runs right next to the facility. This river is blessed with an abundant supply of subterranean water, born from Japan’s largest limestone belt, offering stable water temperatures year-round and natural mineral richness. This unique water quality makes for a distinctive sauna experience.

Furthermore, THE WATERS uses an off-grid system, minimizing environmental impact. This design not only allows sauna-goers to enjoy themselves, but also supports the sustainability of depopulated villages and natural conservation.

A place where community, nature, and visitors align

THE WATERS aims to be more than just a sauna; it is a circulatory facility that contributes to regional revitalization through the entire experience. With the philosophy of “restoring people, the community, and nature,” the project is advancing sustainable village building rooted in the local area, using the sauna as a medium.

Yamagata City Mayor Hiroyasu Hayashi also expresses high expectations for this project, as it could become a benchmark initiative in terms of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It holds the potential to simultaneously achieve community development that utilizes local characteristics, spread awareness of the value of this precious headwater, and create economic ripple effects.

“THE WATERS,” surrounded by water and greenery, offers an off-the-grid sauna village. Why not experience a new way of restoring yourself, while fully feeling the miracle of this pristine water, blending into nature and the local community?

Original article published on Livhub.