Auberge Villa KUON in Kyoto's Amanohashidate, Limited to One Group per Day, Introduces Two Types of Authentic Private Saunas

*Internal research. As the first introduction of a private sauna utilizing Leil® Viva 210 to an accommodation facility in the Kansai area.

Nishigaki Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture; Representative Director: Shumpei Nishigaki) announced that its exclusive Auberge Villa KUON in the Amanohashidate area of Kyoto, limited to one group per day, has introduced two types of private saunas: an authentic outdoor Finnish sauna overlooking the sea and an indoor steam sauna utilizing natural hot springs.

With a growing demand in recent years for chartered saunas and private spaces that can be enjoyed without worrying about others, an 'Auberge with Sauna' that offers gastronomy with a personal chef, authentic private saunas, and two types of natural hot springs in a fully chartered estate is an extremely rare entity.

With the introduction of these saunas, KUON will evolve from a 'Gastronomy Auberge' to an 'Auberge with Sauna.'

Official Website: https://www.glamping-kuon.com/

Introduction of the Two Private Saunas

■ SAUNA OCEAN VIVA / KUON SIGNATURE

~ An Outdoor Private Finnish Sauna Becoming One with the Sea ~

An outdoor private sauna designed exclusively for KUON. The open-air bathing space allows guests to monopolize the spectacular view of the Sea of Japan and the sky, making it truly a sauna worthy of the name 'KUON SIGNATURE.' It utilizes high-temperature heat-treated wood from Northern Europe, featuring outdoor specifications that prevent warping and cracking even in seaside areas prone to sea breezes. Compatible with self-löyly, guests can enjoy as many sets as they like at their own pace while spreading the scent of their favorite aroma.

■ ONSEN STEAM SPA / MILD EDITION

~ Another 'Relaxation' Caring for the Skin Using Silver Hot Spring ~

A steam sauna installed inside the bathroom. Its greatest feature is the utilization of a 'Silver Hot Spring' rich in metasilicic acid. Fine steam containing hot spring components gently fills the room, providing a mild thermal bathing experience that moisturizes the skin. As the name 'ONSEN STEAM SPA' suggests, it realizes a 'third thermal bathing experience' unique to the villa, combining a hot spring and a steam sauna. It can be safely enjoyed by those who dislike high-temperature dry saunas, generations who cannot tolerate long baths, sauna beginners, and families with small children.

Information on New Developments in Late June 2026 - Completing the Wellness of 'Water' and 'Fire'

At KUON, two additional investments are planned for late June 2026 to make the sauna experience even more authentic.

■ Free-Flowing Cold Water Bath Using Natural Groundwater of Drinking Water Quality

Natural groundwater pumped from within the premises will be used as a free-flowing cold water bath after the sauna. Providing free-flowing groundwater that has passed water quality inspections under the Water Supply Act—meaning it is safe to drink as is—without adding chlorine is a rare specification nationwide. The groundwater maintains a nearly constant temperature deep underground year-round, preserving the 16-18°C temperature range that sauna enthusiasts consider 'ideal,' regardless of the season. Softly containing natural mineral components like calcium and magnesium, and without added chlorine, it provides an exquisite cool-down with minimal irritation to the skin and hair.

■ Pellet Stove - 'Time Spent Gazing at the Fire' Extends the Afterglow of Relaxation

A pellet stove made by a domestic manufacturer is planned to be introduced inside the residence. The flickering flames seen through the glass window invite the mind and body, balanced by the sauna and hot spring, into an even deeper tranquility. The fluctuation created by the flickering flames is known to prioritize the parasympathetic nervous system, inviting deep relaxation. The time spent gazing at the fire while warming up after the 'Sauna -> Cold Water Bath -> Open-Air Bath' sequence ('Löyly -> Open-Air Bath -> In Front of the Fire') completes a new flow of 'relaxation' at Amanohashidate. Wood pellets are considered a carbon-neutral fuel, making it a sustainable choice from the perspective of sustainable tourism.

Background of Sauna Introduction

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, saunas have transitioned from a passing fad to a culture enjoyed daily. Enthusiasts who visit a sauna at least once a month amount to approximately 6 million nationwide (Note 1), and the market size of the spa and public bath industry has recovered to its highest level since the pandemic, driven by sauna demand (Note 2). Among these, support is rising for 'private saunas' and 'chartered saunas' that can be enjoyed without worrying about others.

By layering the experience of 'relaxation' over its existing value as a 'Gastronomy Auberge Villa,' KUON responds to diverse, high-value accommodation demands, such as anniversary couples, reward trips, families with children, large group trips, and girls' trips.

The 3 Exquisite Experiences of 'Gastronomy x Relaxation x Afterglow' Fulfilled by KUON

1. [Gastronomy Auberge] Wood-Fired Gastronomy Prepared Before Your Eyes by a Chef

The greatest attraction is a completely private culinary experience where one group can monopolize a top-class chef. Guests can savor a full course of winter Taiza crab and Matsuba crab, wood-grilled Ine yellowtail, Miyazu Bay oysters, and dry-aged Wagyu beef—bounty from the sea and mountains of Kyoto by the Sea where the producers' faces are visible—in a counter-style private dining room overlooking the sea, along with the live feel of wood and fire. Since no movement to a restaurant is required, guests can fully enjoy wine and sake pairings without worrying about driving. Families with children can spend their mealtime without hesitation toward other guests, and after eating, they are just a few steps from the bedroom. 'Relax after eating, then sleep after relaxing'—this flow, unattainable in hotels or restaurants, is the core of this facility.

2. [Relaxation] 2 Original Private Saunas and 2 Types of Natural Hot Springs

The outdoor private sauna 'SAUNA OCEAN VIVA / KUON SIGNATURE' is an authentic Finnish style (80-90°C), compatible with self-löyly, with a capacity of 3 people. Guests can experience 'relaxation' while monopolizing the Sea of Japan and the sky spreading beyond the double glazing. On the other hand, the indoor steam sauna 'ONSEN STEAM SPA / MILD EDITION' offers a mild thermal bathing experience where soft steam containing hot spring components, utilizing silver hot springs with metasilicic acid, moisturizes the skin, making it safe for sauna beginners and families with small children. Furthermore, a one-of-a-kind flow has been completed, allowing guests to warm up to the core in the 'Gold Hot Spring,' a salt-containing spring.

3. [Completely Private] Limited to 1 Group per Day, Chartered Estate of Approx. 200 sq.m on a 429.52 sq.m Plot

Unlike a hotel room, this is a completely independent villa of over 200 sq.m on a plot of approx. 429.52 sq.m, chartered to one group per day. It is a chartered style equipped with a spacious 4LDK layout, a private pool for summer use, and counter-style private dining. Privacy is ensured regardless of the occasion, catering to anniversary couples, 3-generation trips, group trips (up to 8 people), girls' trips, and wellness retreats.

Auberge Villa KUON Facility Details

[Space] 429.52 sq.m plot, approx. 200 sq.m residence, completely independent villa limited to 1 group per day

A completely independent villa of over 200 sq.m on an approx. 429.52 sq.m plot overlooking the Sea of Japan below. Featuring a spacious 4LDK layout with two 6-tatami mat Japanese rooms, two twin-bed Western rooms, a living room, and a dining room, it can accommodate up to 8 guests. The private dining room allows guests to interact with the chef while din