A little heat for health

Today, and March 7th annually, is Sauna Day サウナ健康の日. It is a light-hearted anniversary created by the Japan Sauna and Spa Association. They chose March 7th as the anniversary because 3/7 can be read as "Sa (3) una (7)". The aim of the day is to encourage more people to visit saunas.

The anniversary was originally registered as "Sauna Health Day" in 1984, but today it is simply known as "Sauna Day". On this day several sauna facilities have promotions or mark the occasion in some way. Perhaps, the most famous is free admission to a sauna for people who are exactly 37 years old. 

Unfortunately, due to a horrific tragedy last year, sauna have a slightly tainted image currently. Before the tragedy, sauna use had been on the rise for several years. But Japan's first sauna actually opened 75 years ago, in 1951. They are popular in Japan for their relaxation and revitalization properties.

Have you ever been to a sauna in Japan?