[First Live Look] A Detached 'Hogyo-style Wooden' Sauna Reminiscent of Zenko-ji Temple's Kyozo. 'SAUNAGA' by Tetsuo Yamaji Architects Pre-opens Tomorrow, 4/4
SWAMP Inc. will grand open 'SAUNAGA', the first monthly owner-based sauna in the Nagano Station area, on April 11, 2026. Prior to this, a pre-open experience begins on April 4, revealing the full extent of its calculated spatial and functional beauty designed by the Good Design Award-winning Tetsuo Yamaji Architects.
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Architecture Becomes Part of the Healing. The Full Picture of 'SAUNAGA', Imbued with Shinshu's Climate
SWAMP Inc. (Headquarters: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture; Representative: Naoki Nishizawa) will grand open 'SAUNAGA', the first monthly owner-based sauna in the Nagano Station area, on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Prior to this, a pre-open experience will begin tomorrow, Saturday, April 4, and the full extent of the calculated spatial and functional beauty designed by Good Design Award-winning Tetsuo Yamaji Architects will be revealed.
What SAUNAGA aimed for is a dedicated 'fusion-type sauna' facility where the rational functionality of an urban sauna resonates with the traditional beauty imbued with the spirituality of Zenko-ji Temple in Shinshu. This is not a place for temporary entertainment or luxury, but a place where a new sauna experience begins—one that routinely maintains the mind and body and realizes high-quality habits.
[Design Concept: A Hogyo-style Wooden Detached Sauna Surrounded by Shinshu's Nature and Natural Materials]
The architecture is a dignified appearance, reminiscent of the Kyozo of Zenko-ji Temple, with a large 'Hogyo' (pyramidal) roof crowning a 5.5-ken square plan. The overwhelming sense of openness in the bathroom created by the high ceiling and the comfort of the veranda created by the low eaves—conflicting elements—are realized under a single roof.
'Gravity Ventilation' and 'Top Light' that Manipulate Light and Wind: A top light that pours down light from the sky is installed above the luxurious cold bath placed in the center. The wind that escapes due to the gravity ventilation created from there delivers the soft air of Shinshu directly to your skin, making you feel the breath of nature even while inside the bathroom.
Supreme Humidity Control Space Woven by 100% Natural Materials: Plastering materials made of 'hydraulic lime', a 100% natural material, are used in the sauna room. Furthermore, solid cypress wood is used for the benches, and Yamizo cedar is left exposed for the structural members. The natural humidity control effect of these woods and the structural beauty that draws the eye upward lead the mind and body into deep relaxation.
'Planting and Veranda' that Cut Off the Hustle and Bustle of the City: Tree species that make you feel the mountains of Shinshu are selected for the spacious veranda. The open-air bathing experience looking up at the sky provides overwhelming silence that makes you forget you are in an urban area just a 5-minute drive from Nagano Station.
■ Architectural Firm Profile
Tetsuo Yamaji Architects Inc. (Representative: Tetsuo Yamaji)
Achievements: Ginza Takagi Building (Good Design Award 2024, Wood Design Award, Forestry Agency Director-General's Award), GINZA 91°SAUNA, etc.
Characteristics: Known for minimal yet powerful spatial design that utilizes the local climate, weather, and materials.
Because We 'Want You to Experience It First'. Pre-open Experience Reservation Completed via Official LINE
Because SAUNAGA is a place where owners will visit for a long time, we value the prior 'experience' above all else. From reservations to entry on the day and membership procedures, everything is completed with just the official LINE. With just a smartphone, you can smartly access the architectural beauty of Shinshu and the sauna experience.
Limited to 300 People: 1st Term Owner Privilege '2nd Month Membership Fee Free' Campaign
To commemorate the opening, we will continue to offer special promotions to incorporate 'healing' into your daily life.
Campaign Details: All those who join as 1st term owners will get their '2nd month' membership fee for free. As a first step to making the sauna a habit, we have prepared a period for you to thoroughly feel its value.
■ Facility Overview
Public Owners Sauna [SAUNAGA]
Location: 653-45 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
Open Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
*Pre-open: Saturday, April 4
Parking: 10 spaces available
■ Contact Information Regarding This Matter
SWAMP Inc.
Email: saunaga_info@sau-naga.com
Phone: 050-1784-3775
SWAMP Inc. (Headquarters: Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture; Representative: Naoki Nishizawa) will grand open 'SAUNAGA', the first monthly owner-based sauna in the Nagano Station area, on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Prior to this, a pre-open experience will begin tomorrow, Saturday, April 4, and the full extent of the calculated spatial and functional beauty designed by Good Design Award-winning Tetsuo Yamaji Architects will be revealed.
What SAUNAGA aimed for is a dedicated 'fusion-type sauna' facility where the rational functionality of an urban sauna resonates with the traditional beauty imbued with the spirituality of Zenko-ji Temple in Shinshu. This is not a place for temporary entertainment or luxury, but a place where a new sauna experience begins—one that routinely maintains the mind and body and realizes high-quality habits.
[Design Concept: A Hogyo-style Wooden Detached Sauna Surrounded by Shinshu's Nature and Natural Materials]
The architecture is a dignified appearance, reminiscent of the Kyozo of Zenko-ji Temple, with a large 'Hogyo' (pyramidal) roof crowning a 5.5-ken square plan. The overwhelming sense of openness in the bathroom created by the high ceiling and the comfort of the veranda created by the low eaves—conflicting elements—are realized under a single roof.
'Gravity Ventilation' and 'Top Light' that Manipulate Light and Wind: A top light that pours down light from the sky is installed above the luxurious cold bath placed in the center. The wind that escapes due to the gravity ventilation created from there delivers the soft air of Shinshu directly to your skin, making you feel the breath of nature even while inside the bathroom.
Supreme Humidity Control Space Woven by 100% Natural Materials: Plastering materials made of 'hydraulic lime', a 100% natural material, are used in the sauna room. Furthermore, solid cypress wood is used for the benches, and Yamizo cedar is left exposed for the structural members. The natural humidity control effect of these woods and the structural beauty that draws the eye upward lead the mind and body into deep relaxation.
'Planting and Veranda' that Cut Off the Hustle and Bustle of the City: Tree species that make you feel the mountains of Shinshu are selected for the spacious veranda. The open-air bathing experience looking up at the sky provides overwhelming silence that makes you forget you are in an urban area just a 5-minute drive from Nagano Station.
■ Architectural Firm Profile
Tetsuo Yamaji Architects Inc. (Representative: Tetsuo Yamaji)
Achievements: Ginza Takagi Building (Good Design Award 2024, Wood Design Award, Forestry Agency Director-General's Award), GINZA 91°SAUNA, etc.
Characteristics: Known for minimal yet powerful spatial design that utilizes the local climate, weather, and materials.
Because We 'Want You to Experience It First'. Pre-open Experience Reservation Completed via Official LINE
Because SAUNAGA is a place where owners will visit for a long time, we value the prior 'experience' above all else. From reservations to entry on the day and membership procedures, everything is completed with just the official LINE. With just a smartphone, you can smartly access the architectural beauty of Shinshu and the sauna experience.
Limited to 300 People: 1st Term Owner Privilege '2nd Month Membership Fee Free' Campaign
To commemorate the opening, we will continue to offer special promotions to incorporate 'healing' into your daily life.
Campaign Details: All those who join as 1st term owners will get their '2nd month' membership fee for free. As a first step to making the sauna a habit, we have prepared a period for you to thoroughly feel its value.
■ Facility Overview
Public Owners Sauna [SAUNAGA]
Location: 653-45 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture
Open Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
*Pre-open: Saturday, April 4
Parking: 10 spaces available
■ Contact Information Regarding This Matter
SWAMP Inc.
Email: saunaga_info@sau-naga.com
Phone: 050-1784-3775
FAQ
When does SAUNAGA open?
It will have its grand opening on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with a pre-open experience starting Saturday, April 4.
How can I make a reservation?
Reservations, entry on the day, and membership procedures are all completed solely through the official LINE account.
Are there any promotional campaigns?
Yes, limited to 300 people, first-term owners will receive their 'second month' membership fee for free.