Located in Oku-Shizu (Deep Shizuoka), surrounded by the natural beauty of Shizuoka City, this facility offers a unique lodging experience with a sauna. Originally a drive-in, it has been transformed into a new type of accommodation that continues to be loved by many.
Concept
“A nostalgic drive-in with a fresh sauna experience.”
Nestled in the rich natural environment of Shizuoka City, this accommodation provides a special experience, away from the noise of the city, through sauna and lodging. Initially, this location served as a drive-in at the entrance to Umegashima, providing rest for drivers and selling local produce to support the community. The site has been repurposed into a completely new facility combining a sauna-equipped accommodation and a shop.
Opened with the aim of promoting tourism and relocation to Umegashima, the facility highlights its dedication to the Shizuoka region. Incorporating natural hot springs, pristine water, and local ingredients, it invites guests to become not only fans of the inn but also of the region itself.
The main attraction of this inn is its sauna, produced by the renowned sauna specialist Hiroshi Matsuo (also known as “Totonoe Oyakata”). The sauna experience is perfectly complemented by the hot spring water of “Umegashima Konya Onsen” and cold baths featuring natural water from the Abe River, creating a harmonizing environment for both body and mind.
Rooms
Accommodations are limited to two groups per day, with two types of rooms: Japanese-style and Western-style. Both feature large windows offering panoramic views of the lush natural surroundings, allowing guests to enjoy the changing seasons. Each room’s sauna is designed to match its unique atmosphere.
The hot spring water, once known as Takeda Shingen’s secret bath and Tokugawa Ieyasu’s hidden retreat, paired with the Abe River’s natural water (selected as one of Japan’s top 100 water sources), provides the ultimate refreshing experience.
和 Japanese-Style Sauna Villa [IRORI – Hearth]
A retro-modern Japanese-style room where guests can enjoy an expansive garden and natural beauty directly from their beds. The sauna is designed with a hearth-like ambiance, using the top-tier German-made EOS sauna stove. A kettle filled with local Shizuoka tea hangs over the hearth, allowing guests to enjoy the soothing aroma of tea.
洋 Western-Style Sauna Villa [SLIT]
This room features a chic design with calm tones, perfect for relaxation. The sauna uses a wood-burning stove from HARVIA, a world-leading brand from Finland (the sauna’s birthplace). Guests can listen to the crackling of burning wood while enjoying a deeply personal and relaxing time surrounded by nature.
Cuisine
Meal-inclusive plans feature BBQ options made with carefully selected local Shizuoka ingredients.
Guests can savor delicacies such as “Okamura Beef” raised at the foot of Mount Fuji in Asagiri Plateau, “Louis Bee Pork” (a new premium pork breed combining three types of high-quality pigs), “Fuji Chicken” raised on a rice-based feed, and the luxurious fish “Amago” farmed in Umegashima.
The deck is equipped with BBQ grills, offering a truly special dining experience amidst the great outdoors, perfect for enjoying with friends and family.
For breakfast, guests can enjoy wasabi rice made with Umegashima-grown wasabi, paired with Shizuoka’s katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), magurobushi (tuna flakes), and iwashibushi (sardine flakes). Alternatively, they can create hot sandwiches with their choice of ingredients.
Room service options include beer, whiskey, and other beverages for those staying overnight.
Location and Official Website
Name: UMEGASHIMA DRIVE-IN & SAUNA VILLA
Address: 4159-37 Umegashima, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Contact: 054-295-4137
Official Website: Link
Note: Information is accurate at the time of publication. Please check the official website for updates on hours or closures before visiting.
