Please tell me a bit about the background and history of the establishment of Boutique Sauna ARCH. What was the process behind the idea, and how long did its construction take? 

This facility opened in August 2022.

Our company originally focused on operating accommodations centred around vacation rentals, but the pandemic in 2020 led to the disappearance of inbound demand, putting us in a management crisis.

In the midst of hardship, I was invited by an acquaintance to go to a sauna, and I was impressed by the refreshing effects it has on both the mind and body, as well as its potential as a communication tool beyond just that.

Furthermore, I have a past where I have been managing a company while also engaging in composition and artistic activities as a musician, and I wanted to incorporate my commitment to creativity into my business. 

When inbound tourism disappeared during the COVID-19 pandemic, I also realised that in general, I was used to creating accommodations where people from foreign countries could use simply as a place to stay while sightseeing in Japan. Rather than that, going forward, I started wanting to create a facility that would become an actual destination in itself – and another reason why people would want to come to Japan. 

After experiencing the crisis of existing businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, encountering saunas, and developing a desire to infuse my creativity into the business to create a facility that would become a destination, we found a perfect property in the wonderful area, Kagurazaka, after six months of searching for the optimal location – and from there, we started planning this project.

We then completed ARCH in a short period of just a year and a half from the start of the planning of this project.

It’s also a ‘fun fact’ that at the beginning, the company also sold its membership at Makuake, a Japanese crowdfunding site, and achieved a fundraiser of about 16 million yen – unprecedented for a sauna facility. This record has become the best record in Japan at crowdfunding facilities for a sauna facility. After that, this was also covered in media and we received a high reputation from famous personalities and sauna lovers.

This is how ARCH was created – and overall it aims to enrich the users' lives by providing special time and experience through the stay, and sauna combined. 

Boutique Sauna ARCH is located as a hidden hot spring in Kagurazaka. Why did you choose this particular location – and what makes it particularly special? 

Kagurazaka is known as an attractive area where the streets evoke a sense of history and tradition, harmonising with a sophisticated atmosphere. The back alleys are lined with traditional restaurants and bars, exuding a charm of a ‘hidden retreat for adults’.

I was strongly drawn to this city, which – as a small neighborhood in central Tokyo – despite being located in the heart of the metropolis, exudes a unique atmosphere. I had been thinking about creating a special space where I could escape the hustle and bustle of the city and live authentically, and this location was perfect for that.

You’re a multifaceted business. So, what can guests expect when they arrive at Boutique Sauna ARCH; and what kind of atmosphere can be experienced from check-in, and throughout the stay?

ARCH distinguishes itself from traditional sauna facilities by introducing a new concept called ‘boutique sauna’.

It’s a sauna facility that feels like a hidden retreat, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy your own special time. The moment guests arrive at ARCH, that extraordinary experience begins.

In the entrance, carefully selected aromas gently envelop the guests. You will likely feel the tension accumulated in your daily life gently unravelling. The refined service and the heartfelt hospitality of the staff also creates a special experience for each and every guest.

The guest rooms at ARCH are also not just a place to stay. They are a space to face oneself, connect with important people, and create special moments.

When you want to heal your daily fatigue and refresh your mind and body, or when you want to create unforgettable memories with a loved one, ARCH will provide the perfect stage.

The rooms feature a simple and modern interior, equipped with carefully selected amenities and sauna facilities. Additionally, the sauna and cold bath can be customised to your preferred temperature, and there is a lovely playlist of music available, but you can also customise this to your liking.

As you wash away the daily stress and fatigue with sweat, you’ll feel liberated both physically and mentally. Then, if you jump into an ice-cold water bath, you'll feel your whole body awaken, and a clear sensation will spread throughout you.

Tell me more about the different facilities on the separate levels of Boutique Sauna ARCH that are available for guests. You have an amazing bar on the 1st floor, and a members-only private sauna on the second floor for example. How can guests best enjoy these facilities? 

There are guest rooms on the 2^nd floor and on the 3^rd and 4^th floors, along with a sauna for members.

On the 1^st floor, there is a bar lounge called ‘1^st ARCH Bar & Lounge’ – and that is open to non-members as well. The carefully curated interior and art aim to soothe the hearts of the guests. Here – before and after the sauna – you can enjoy original cocktails and light snacks that are perfect for post-sauna sessions. The ‘Yame Dumplings’ and ‘Lamb Mapo Rice’ are among other meal options, and will offer an exquisite experience that invite you into a state of relaxation.

My recommended drink is ‘Black Oropo’. Oropo is a popular drink in Japan that is enjoyed after a sauna, made by blending Oronamin C and Pocari Sweat. What we offer is a reimagined version in the ARCH style.

*These beverages are from Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and have been loved by Japanese people for a long time. Oronamin C is a kind of sparkling energy drink and Pocari Sweat is a sports drink for hydration. Oropo stands for Oronamin C + Pocari Sweat (Oro + po).

Architecturally, the building of Boutique Sauna ARCH is especially beautiful – could you tell me more about the design, and the inspiration behind it? 

ARCH was produced by myself, and the interior was designed by Mr. Oyamatsu, who has worked on many restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide.  

The building, which was originally designed as both a store and a residence, has been completely renovated from its original skeleton state.

Inspired by the arched ceiling on the 4^th floor, we adopted the name ‘ARCH’ and considered arches to be the ‘boundary between outside and inside’, and incorporated many arched designs into the facility. Through this, we hope that guests can switch off from their busy reality, and relax and regain their sense of self in a space that mixes the cosy feeling of the arch with the small comfort concept of a boutique sauna.  

In addition, the spatial design of the entire facility reflects thoughts and inspirations – as I’m also an active composer and artist. This is also reflected in spaces that are simple yet sophisticated, with selected music and art; and there are also those elements that add to the overall design, such as fragrance that can be enjoyed with all five senses.

So essentially – the arched ceiling on the 4^th floor is what the name is based on, and it has inspired the arch-shaped designs throughout the facility. It gives the impression that passing through the arch transitions you from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to a world of the extraordinary. The spirit of minimalism and Zen is always present here.

So overall, I focused on a simple, unadorned minimal space. By minimising decorative elements and decorations as much as possible, we created a space that pursues both harmony and relaxation.

What is the unique concept about Boutique Sauna ARCH that sets it apart from other accommodations?

ARCH promotes a unique concept of a ‘boutique sauna’ – this fuses both the concept of a sauna and accommodation.

Speaking of saunas – they’re typically found in the shared areas of hotels. Sometimes, there are cases where the sauna is located indoors, but in those instances, it’s mostly just an added bonus.

At ARCH though, you can enjoy the sauna room, cold bath, and relaxation space all in a completely private room, without any interruptions, whether you're with a partner, family, or a group of friends. The temperature of the sauna room can be adjusted -1 degrees celsius, and the water bath can be set to the guest’s preferred temperature. It’s a fascinating fact for most that users can customise the experience to their own taste.

Overall, the hotel stay experience is really designed around the sauna; and it’s a place where you can enjoy deep relaxation to your heart's content in the heart of Tokyo.

Again, what I want is to provide a unique spatial experience that can be felt through the five senses.

The guests can share with loved ones a meticulously designed special space, featuring a comfortable flow, as well as well-calculated open areas within a modern industrial hideaway, where they feel satisfied with their stay and have unique experience with cultural richness that they can only experience at boutique sauna arch.

The policy and values that the ARCH brand stands for are as follows:

·   Alternative: By this we mean "another option" or "counter style" against mainstream or common choices, pursuing unique values and aesthetics.

·   Independent: Which indicates being "self-reliant" or "autonomous" without depending on external influences or support, possessing the freedom to pursue a unique vision.

·  Distinct aesthetic: It combines a traditional beauty that everyone can empathise with, and innovation.

·   By deconstructing and reconstructing existing products and styles, it also creates new value. While maintaining a global perspective, ARCH also cherishes local culture and values, incorporating them into our design and products.

·   There is also a strong connection to subculture.

·   It prioritises artistic expression and messaging over commercial success.

·   It integrates artistic elements into products, emphasising experiential value that engages the senses.

·   There is also involvement in the local community. Harnessing the creative energy of the community.

To put it more simply – Boutique Sauna ARCH focuses on providing an ‘experience’ that goes beyond just a sauna facility/accommodation. With this new concept of ‘boutique sauna’, we strive to present an alternative, independent, and original worldview at the level of a boutique hotel, and within this, provide services customised to each customer's needs.

It’s about the idea of “I am”. At Boutique Sauna ARCH we want to provide each guest a special time, where each person can: “Forget about everyday life and face yourself.”

Could you explain the three arches to future guests?

The 1^st arch, the ‘1st ARCH Bar & Lounge’ located on the first floor, is a bar/lounge accessible to non-members, and it also serves as a reception welcoming guests who are staying or using the day-use facilities. It serves as a space for communication among sauna users, where you can enjoy craft dumplings and original drinks.

There are then two room types, ‘2^nd ARCH’ and ‘3^rd ARCH’, each with its own unique charm.

2^nd ARCH: A compact and private space that can be enjoyed by close friends and couples, designed with carefully calculated pathways that allow for a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. In the silence, two can huddle close together, and a gentle time flows by. You will likely forget the daily hustle and bustle and feel each other's presence more closely.

3^rd ARCH: The maisonette-type suite ‘3^rd ARCH’ spans the third and fourth floors, and is perfect for those seeking a luxurious experience of a higher level. The spacious area, which can accommodate up to seven people for day use, is also perfect for a glamorous party.

The 4^th floor features a bedroom and a spacious terrace that can be used for outdoor relaxation. After enjoying a sauna, it's a luxury to relax in the fresh air on the terrace. While gazing at the urban landscape, you can fully enjoy a special time that can only be experienced here.

What is the difference between day use and accomodation at Boutique Sauna ARCH?

For day use, bedding is not provided, and you can enjoy a completely private boutique sauna experience. Unlike accommodation, group use is also possible.

Up to four people can use 2nd ARCH, and up to seven people can use 3rd ARCH.

In addition to couples, it is widely used not only for friend groups and sauna friends, but also for business needs (company executive meetings, off-site meetings, promotion celebrations, entertainment in lieu of dinners, etc.).

The attraction of our accommodation is that you can actually enjoy the sauna as much as you like at night and in the morning.

I want you to enjoy deep relaxation before going to bed in a relaxed manner, and to your heart's content in a quiet space, and with subdued lighting at night.

In the morning, my wish is that I want you to spend a refreshing time in the morning sun within the sauna.

In the evenings, we also recommend a playlist by Yuki Kawamura and in the morning, a playlist by Shohei Uemura.

What are the key things you want future guests to know about your hotel? 

This facility may not be suitable for those seeking full-service amenities of a 5-star hotel or those looking for a comprehensive experience.

It's important to convey that our facility is a ‘boutique sauna’ – a hotel where you can enjoy a sauna experience in a space that balances privacy and luxury.

The guest rooms are designed with the primary focus on achieving a state of “tune-in", resulting in a different range of facilities and services compared to typical accommodations.

Additionally, it’s a very small facility consisting of only two rooms and a bar lounge. So, while we may not be able to meet the needs of those seeking a luxurious stay at a 5-star hotel, what we do offer is a completely unique accommodation experience, in an independent and alternative space that is meticulously crafted down to the finest details.

Also, this is a great chance to use a traditional sauna in Japan, and I definitely want you to experience the Japanese way of enjoying a sauna, known as ‘totonou’.

Spend 5-10 minutes in the sauna (without overdoing it!), then 10 seconds to one minute in the cold bath (don't push yourself too hard though!), then take a break. If you repeat this three times, you’ll find that you can immerse yourself in a world of deep relaxation.

What are a few favourite things that you love about Boutique Sauna ARCH?

Regarding the accommodation experience, the morning sauna is the best!

You can enjoy a refreshing sauna experience that is different from the mysterious feeling of the night, with plenty of sunlight. It energises you at the start of the day and gives you a sense that a good day is about to begin.

Furthermore, it’s important to reiterate that during the difficult times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I was saved by my experiences with saunas, and the friends I made there – and this led me to realise that saunas not only have stress-relief effects but also serve as a potential communication tool among people. This is how I came up with the concept of ARCH.

I felt it was the best way to express it all with this title. It also expresses the hope that it will be a place that will be a catalyst for a change in someone's life. 

For these reasons, ARCH is a place that has a special place in my heart. A place where people can gather through the sauna, gain healing and vitality, and create a new turning point in their lives.

Are there any new facilities or equipment which are you planning to add to ARCH in the coming months?

There is nothing in particular – but our amenities, equipment, and bar products are constantly being updated.

We interpret the voices of our customers, listen to their feedback, and always strive to provide better services.