Tent sauna in a natural setting at Daitaiji Temple
Drive 15 minutes from Kii-Katsuura station. A little further down the road from Route 42, you will suddenly see Daitaiji Temple. It is one of the most famous Yakushi Sacred Temple in Nanki, founded about 1200 years ago by Saicho, the founder of Mount Hiei. After passing through the temple gate and going up the hill lined with red streamers, you will be welcomed by Yakushi-sama.
As seasonal flowers bloomed and birds chirped, we were guided to the riverside, where we found a private tent sauna. Not only does the scenery change with the seasons, but the temperature, water temperature, and other environmental factors differ each day, making it a different pleasure each time you come. In addition, the firewood used in the sauna is made from trees that have been thinned in the surrounding area, and the water for the waxing is drawn freely from the Ota River. We felt that this is truly a place where one can play in nature.
The childlike and Zen spirit you can get at a temple.
Saunas vary in strengths and features from facility to facility. The most important features of the tent sauna at Daitaiji are the distance to the river that serves as a water bath, and the fusion of the sauna with Zen, says chief priest Nishiyama. The distance to the river is a three-second walk from the sauna entrance. The ability to jump into the river immediately after the body has reached its limit in the sauna is sure to bring one’s mind back to childhood.
In addition, “toning up” in the sauna is similar in sensation to the “state of selflessness” when performing zazen, isn’t it? One of the attractions of the sauna is that it allows people to experience Zen in a casual way. says chief priest Nishiyama. In fact, at Daitaiji, zazen is also available, so by combining the sauna experience with zazen, you will experience a unique kind of mental and physical conditioning that cannot be experienced anywhere else.
*Paid rental: towel, sauna poncho, sauna hat, sea pants.
*Free rental: sandals