A designer sauna has arrived at a hotel floating in a rice field | SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE
SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE
A designer sauna, the first of its kind for the hotel, by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban. The spa building at SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE has been renewed and reopened.
SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, has opened a new sauna and renovated its spa building, which includes natural hot springs and a fitness center. Starting in June, guests can also enjoy morning yoga on an open terrace overlooking the rice fields, and the restaurant offers healthy menus using vegetables grown on the hotel's own farm.
Text by YANAKA Tomomi | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Morning yoga on an open terrace overlooking the rice fields begins in June
“A hotel floating in a rice field, where one can spend time in leisure and contemplation.” From the Dewa Sanzan mountains to the Shonai Plain, and then to the Sea of Japan. SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE opened its doors in 2018 in the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture, blessed with a beautiful water cycle.
The hotel was designed by world-renowned architect Shigeru Ban and also features a library with approximately 2,000 books, a restaurant using local ingredients, and a bar. Events such as markets and workshops featuring local artisans and cafes are also held, making it a place to experience the charm of Shonai.
The spa building, which has been renovated this time, was also designed by Ban, just like the hotel. The sauna, the first designed by Ban, is an authentic Finnish sauna equipped with self-löyly, a first for hotels in the prefecture.
Ama-iro no Yu Sauna
Ama-iro no Yu Sauna
Ama-iro no Yu Sauna
Ama-iro no Yu Sauna
The saunas are available on a rotating schedule for men and women. The Ama-iro no Yu sauna, with its hexagonal design that complements the architecture, is a true designer sauna, unified in hexagons from the wooden roof and skylight to the benches and cold plunge pool. From inside, guests can enjoy views of the tranquil rice fields, and the outdoor bathing area, integrated with the open-air bath, allows for a relaxing time after the cold plunge.
Geppaku no Yu Sauna
Geppaku no Yu Sauna
Geppaku no Yu Sauna
Meanwhile, the Geppaku no Yu sauna features wooden benches reminiscent of the paper tubes that are an icon of Ban's architecture. After a thorough sweat session, guests can enjoy the much-anticipated cold plunge and outdoor bathing. The expansive view of the water basin and sky before you offers a sense of true oneness with nature.
After your bath, visit the SAKE BAR or SAKE LOUNGE, where you can sample local craft beers, sake, and wines from the prefecture, as well as enjoy fruit juices and gelato. The adjacent library, curated by book director Mitsutaka幅, offers books organized around seven themes, including "One Book, One Serving" and "To Be Refined." Immerse yourself in reading or relax on the sofa; spend your time as you please.
In addition to fitness and massage services, morning yoga on an open terrace overlooking the rice fields began in June 2021. To coincide with this renovation, the restaurant "MOON TERRASSE" now offers healthy menus using vegetables from the hotel's own organic farm and local ingredients.
SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE has renovated its spa building, creating an environment for year-round relaxation amidst nature that changes its expression with the seasons. We invite you to spend time healing your mind and body at this hotel floating in a rice field.
SHONAI HOTEL SUIDEN TERRASSE
Address | 23-1 Shimo-Tori-no-su, Kitakata, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
