I can't go back to a normal sauna anymore! A story about how the sauna hut built by the editor-in-chief Doupa himself was so awesome that it changed his outlook on life

Did you know that sauna builders (persons who DIY saunas) are on the rise as sauna-related dramas, publications, and culture take center stage? What's more, "Sauna Builder ~ A book to make a sauna with DIY ~" released on September 30 was out of stock on Amazon as soon as it was released. Isn't it so popular!

But can you build a sauna yourself? What is the quality of a DIY sauna? With many questions in mind, we interviewed Mr. Atsushi Shitara, editor-in-chief of Doupa, who created "Sauna Builder: A Book on DIY Saunas".

[Photo Gallery]

Sauna is more free!

First of all, let's introduce "Sauna Builder ~ A book to make a sauna with DIY ~". At the beginning of the book is the message:

Of course, I love hot bath facilities as much as everyone else. But before I knew it, I started hearing things like "How many times a week do you go to the sauna?" I don't think so." Aren't saunas meant to make you feel cramped like that?

Perhaps there are people who have similar thoughts about the recent sauna boom? But don't worry! The people who appear in "Sauna Builder ~ DIY Sauna Making Book ~" enjoy a one-of-a-kind sauna life that is one or two steps ahead of the recent sauna boom.

In addition, there are people who used scrap wood to complete a sauna hut for just 150,000 yen, and people who DIY a mobile sauna using the bed of a light truck. Recently, the popularity of outdoor activities has led to an increase in the number of people who buy their own mountains and build their own camping bases.

In "Sauna Builder ~ DIY sauna book ~", there are other methods such as how to master a tent sauna with DIY, how to make a fresh vihita using white birch, how to make a unique sauna hat, etc. If you have a book, you will definitely get hints for the sauna you want to make. This is a must-see for those who want to take a step out of the sauna of a hot bath facility!

【Do-It-Yourself Sauna Precautions】

Watch out for fires! → Do not put the wood stove directly on the stove as it will burn the hut. Be sure to make the furnace wall and furnace wall with non-combustible materials at the location where the wood stove is installed.

Watch out for carbon monoxide poisoning! → Be sure to create a “ventilated place” such as installing a window that can be opened and an air supply/exhaust port. Be careful, as the alarms that prevent poisoning can be destroyed by heat.

Watch out for smoke! → When the stove burns, smoke will be emitted, so don't forget to be considerate of your neighbors. There are no strict rules, but you should follow good manners to enjoy the sauna from the bottom of your heart.

Watch out for accidents during construction! → Handle tools carefully. Let's DIY safely and happily.

It was made for 370,000 yen! What is a sauna hut built by Doupa editor-in-chief?

From here on, I would like to introduce the editor-in-chief of Doupa, who not only was in charge of editing and producing "Sauna Builder - A book to make a sauna with DIY", but also built a sauna hut by himself. I would like to talk to Atsushi Shitara.

——Thank you for your time today! First of all, please tell us about your sauna history!

"I grew up in a downtown area, so I've been going to public baths since I was little. If you're in a public bath, you'll be able to enter the sauna. The reason I got hooked was about four years ago at Rakutenchi Spa in Kinshicho. It was my first experience of sending a message, and it was already shocking.It was a strange sense of unity as if I was at a live venue, and it was really fun.”

——So your first experience was a big hit! However, I feel that the road to "making a sauna with DIY" is quite far from there.

"I've been in charge of the DIY magazine ``Dupa'' for nearly 14 years, so I've been doing a lot of projects to build hobby huts, and I've actually built a sauna hut before. It wasn't a target, though, so the idea came to me right away that I could build a sauna hut."

——It's too cool to say, 'I can make a sauna hut'...!

“When I do this job, I feel like I can make most things (laughs). I collected all of them and was able to do it with a total cost of about 370,000 yen.”

——I'm not going to ask you again, but... Shitara-san, you're not a carpenter or an architect, but an editor, aren't you?

"That's right (laughs). I also interviewed 6 sauna huts and 1 tent sauna for the recently published ``Sauna Builder - DIY sauna book-'', and the points of each owner's commitment and ingenuity. It is precisely because of the knowledge I have gained from these interviews that I am able to build my own sauna hut.”

——I see. Are there more people building sauna huts these days?

"We are in the early days. There are still few precedents for DIY sauna huts, so we have no choice but to make our own. That's why every sauna hut is full of indie spirit, pure and cool! Sauna from the heart. Only people who like it make it, so there are only sauna huts that are particular about it.People who are tired of the hot bath facility sauna and the recent sauna boom have arrived at the next level. I think I'm a sauna builder. Really, now is the most interesting time."

——What is the appeal of DIY saunas?

"I've used it about 10 times since it was completed in May, but every time I use it, I feel like I'm getting along with the sauna hut. How much firewood should I burn, how long does it take to reach the best temperature, and so on?" I feel like I'm gradually grasping the peculiarities of the hut.I think that's both adorable and attractive.Also, I made it myself, so if it breaks a little, I can fix it, which is unique to DIY."

——In this space, you can have a sauna in the great outdoors! It must be the best ~.

"Yes. When you bathe in the open air in a place without a roof, you can feel a sense of unity with nature, such as the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves on trees. (laughs) Saunas are really strange, and you can make friends with people you meet for the first time. I think we have a role.”

—— I'm ashamed to say that I've never been "too". Even in public bath saunas, after the sauna, I take a shower and leave.

"Oh, haven't you taken a cold bath? If you experience 'Totoi' in this natural environment, you won't be able to go back (laughs). If you were to use a sauna until now, it would be ramen without noodles." It's like eating noodles, so please come and experience the noodles in my sauna hut!"

Experience a sauna hut full of commitment!

Until now, I was satisfied with just ramen soup... Will I be able to eat even the noodles properly and become "Totoi" for the first time in my life?!

First, the entrance. It is said that he intentionally adjusted the height to 1,500 mm, which is rather low, in order to create an atmosphere that invites you to an extraordinary experience, like entering a tea room. It is unique to DIY that you can adjust the height to your liking.

The inside of the sauna hut is just the right amount of light with gentle sunlight filtering through the windows. It is designed to be dim without installing lighting equipment on purpose. This time, the interview was conducted during the day, but in the evening, watching the fire from the wood stove will create a great atmosphere!

The inside of the sauna is more spacious than it looks from the outside, and it can accommodate up to 6 people. There is a lower stool and an L-shaped stool on the upper tier, and by sitting on the upper and lower tiers, even 6 people can stay comfortably. In addition, the upper part can be removed, so it is easy to clean, and if it breaks, it can be replaced immediately.

The air supply and exhaust port is located on the right side of the entrance. At first, he was worried that the hot air would escape, but he didn't have to worry about that! The room heats up to nearly 100 degrees.

Hold on! Put firewood in the wood stove and "fire" it.

After a while, smoke from Mokumoku and Chimney. Occasionally add more firewood and wait until the temperature reaches your desired temperature.

The temperature was just right, so I borrowed a sauna hat and started the sauna experience!

When you enter through the small entrance, the inside of the hut is filled with the pleasant scent of wood. This alone is great for relaxing! I thought, "Isn't the sauna at the facility hotter?", but it was the same or even hotter than that, so after about 3 minutes, I started sweating on the surface of my body. rice field.

Then, Mr. Shitara began to sizzle water mixed with aroma oil onto the sauna stones with a ladle. Yes, this is "Roryu"! The inside of the sauna, which had smelled like wood up until a little while ago, was filled with a sweet aroma along with the steam.

More! When I was urged to lie face down over there... this time he used the birch bundle "Vihita" and started hitting my body with a bang!

I was surprised at the first time, but as I got used to it, it felt so good that the bad things in my body were coming out~ (I also feel like my blood circulation is improving!). It seems that the good scent and minerals of birch are good for your skin.

After about five minutes, I decided to go outside saying, "Mr. Shitara, it's getting hot."

I sweated it out, and this is the "ramen soup" part. So far I've stopped here.

Now, let's go to the "water bath" that will be the part of the noodles... At first, my heart was pounding, and I was screaming, "Are you sure you're okay?!"

In just 5 seconds, you will get used to the water bath, and you will feel a coat like a feather robe forming around your skin! At this moment, I could understand Mr. Shitara's words, "I'm going to enter the sauna for this water bath." What is it ~ a water bath feels so good! ! !

After leaving the water bath, wipe your body and take an open air bath. As I sat on an outdoor chair next to the hut and let Shitara-san's voice say, "Close your eyes and take it easy," water poured over my head.

It feels so good that my body starts laughing on its own, saying “Hahahaha”! I was able to experience "Totoi" for the first time in my life. Thank you Shitara-san! I feel like I've already started down a road of no return! !

"Sauna Builder - A book about DIY saunas" full of the charm of a free and fun sauna builder

After experiencing "Totoi", when I read "Sauna Builder ~ A book to make a sauna with DIY ~" again, the fun is completely different! When I read about it before the interview, I thought, "There are amazing people out there," and I felt like I couldn't reach them.

If you have experienced a lot of "Totoi" so far, you should be able to fully enjoy the fun of "Sauna Builder ~ A book to make a sauna with DIY ~". Also, in this magazine, in addition to the explanation of the particular sauna hut, we introduce the sticky rice such as steak and dumplings that you want to eat after the sauna called "Sa Meshi". Looking at this makes my body tingle...! Ah ~ I want to enter the sauna! ! And I want to eat delicious "sa rice" too! !

If there are 100 people, there should be 100 ways to enjoy the sauna. If you can create and enjoy your own ultimate sauna instead of being bound by various rules, your life should be more organized! This is a must-read book for those who want to DIY a sauna someday, those who want to find new ways to enjoy saunas, and those who love saunas.

[Book introduction]

Author: Dupa! Editorial department publication: One Publishing

Saunas have become more popular in recent years and are gaining momentum. Sauna terms such as "Totou" and "Roryu" have become popular in the world, but the next phase is a DIY home sauna! In this book, we will introduce specific production methods based on examples of various handmade saunas, as well as customizing tent saunas and how to make sauna tools such as sauna hats and vihita. Get your own special time with DIY sauna!

Learn more on Rakuten BooksLearn more on Amazon