Kanshukuen Tsudoi, Boutique Retreat, Japan

Boutique Wellness Retreat / Sauna & Accommodation

Year:

2024-2026

Scope:

333 m2

Location:

Fukui, Japan

Client:

Partners:

Flowstone

Sauna Consultant: Daisuke Shimada / Representative Director, SAUNaiDEA Inc. Local Architect: IDÉE Universal Co., Ltd. Cooperation: Embassy of Finland in Japan / Business Finland

Located along the banks of the Kuzuryu River in Fukui, Japan, TSUDOI is Studio Puisto’s first completed project in Japan. Developed as part of the Eshikoto destination and the historic Kokuryu Sake Brewery estate, the project brings Finnish sauna culture, architecture, and wellbeing philosophy into dialogue with Japanese craftsmanship, hospitality, and landscape.

The name TSUDOI, meaning gathering, reflects the project’s central idea: creating a place where people can come together, share meaningful moments, reconnect with nature, and experience the restorative qualities of the Finnish sauna tradition. Designed as an intimate retreat, the project comprises two accommodation suites and two distinctive sauna experiences overlooking the magnificent Kuzuryu River.

At the heart of the retreat are two contrasting sauna experiences.

Rauha, meaning “peace” in Finnish, offers a dark and atmospheric setting defined by natural stone, timber, and carefully controlled lighting. Panoramic views toward the riverbank create a quiet environment for relaxation and reflection.

In contrast, Kuohu, meaning “foam,” is inspired by the nearby rapids of the Kuzuryu River. Filled with natural light, the sauna combines sculpted wooden benches, expansive views, and organic materials to create an atmosphere of renewal and tranquility.

Rather than treating nature as a backdrop, the design seeks to immerse guests in it. The sounds of the flowing river, changing seasons, mountain ridges, and carefully framed views become an integral part of the experience. The architecture encourages guests to slow down, observe, and engage with their surroundings through all senses.

The project is rooted in four key design principles: experience-driven design, a seamless connection to nature, the creative use of wood, and the Finnish sauna tradition as a driver of architecture. Every detail, from the spatial sequence to the material palette, has been carefully considered to create moments of wellbeing, reflection, and human connection.

Developed in collaboration with Japanese partners and leading Finnish brands, TSUDOI showcases a holistic approach to Finnish wellbeing and design. The experience is enriched by contributions from companies such as Harvia, Lapuan Kankurit, and Arabia, bringing to the project Finnish sauna expertise, craftmanship, and everyday design traditions. Situated with one of Japan’s most celebrated sake destinations, the project creates bridge between Finland and Japan while offering a contemporary interpretation of the Finnish sauna expertice.

Kanshukuen Tsudoi, Boutique Retreat, Japan

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