Sauna Herbal Cup 2026 Japan Championship

The Japan Sauna & Spa Association (a public interest incorporated association) held the "Sauna Herbal Cup 2026 Japan Championship" over two days, Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Sauna Center Inaricho (Taito-ku). The competition blends herbs with sauna culture, and contestants who made it through the regional qualifiers competed in aroma, heat, and peeling techniques.

Herb and Sauna Skills Competing at a Global Standard

This event follows in the tradition of the "Sauna Herbal Cup," held in the Czech Republic since 2015. Judging followed the evaluation catalog of an international wellness competition that originated in the Czech Republic.

• Herbs & Aromatherapy: The synergy of 100% natural herb ingredients and the flow of aromas
• Peeling & Scrub Treatments: Exfoliation care and hospitality inside the steam bath
• Thermal Comfort: Smooth, comfortable heat distribution and spatial presentation

Herbal rituals inside the sauna room and treatments performed in front of an audience in the steam bath were showcased.

Results

• Winner: Yushi Mashimo (YUBUNESAUNA PARK)
• Runner-up: Yujiro Otsuka (Maihama Eurasia)
• 3rd place: Asuka (FUROBAKKA)

The top two will advance to the World Championship. Sauna fans and wellness enthusiasts from across Japan gathered at the venue, and the natural herb aromas and heat presentations were well received.

Hideo Yoshida, Chairman of the Japan Sauna & Spa Association, commented, "We will continue to further develop herbal sauna culture in Japan." Going forward, the association plans to support the Japanese team athletes as they take on world competitions, and also to work on promoting herbal saunas and nurturing the next generation.