A Japanese City Turned Unused Buses Into Moving Saunas Complete With a Wood Stove Steamer

The old bus route in Himeji was something the locals took a lot of pride in. However, the company decided to repurpose the busses because of slowed tourism due to the pandemic. Even though the inside is completely transformed, the company is using some of the old features on the original vehicles. The buttons that were previously used to request a stop now release water onto the sauna stones to emit steam when pressed, and the leather rings will remain for customers to hang onto while taking in the mist. The area that used to be where the driver sat will double as a resting space to cool off from the steam and an office space if you’d like to complete some remote work in between sessions.

Photo: SABUS Japan

Guests can enjoy the onboard sauna while getting a ride to a pool that is soon to be set up, using water from a local lake, along with plans for restroom facilities as well. The company also plans to rent out the buses, particularly to people who have a place to store one like an outdoor space or a designated parking spot.

Which draws the question: Would you turn to one of these hotspots on wheels for your rest and relaxation?