Cedar Heat and Steam

Taking your advice, I stepped into the miniature wooden sauna set beside the onsen. The scent of dry pine and warm cedar enveloped me immediately. I climbed onto the upper slatted bench, sitting cross-legged with one knee elevated to enjoy the warmth rising from below. Beside me sat a tiny wooden bucket and a brass ladle filled with faux resin coals. Using the tiny ladle, I pretended to scoop steam over the stones, arching my back against the slatted wall to let the gentle, cozy heat soothe my shoulders after an active day.