Yakumo Town in Hokkaido is located in the center of the Watashima Peninsula, and is known for its abundant marine products, dairy farming, agriculture, and other primary industries. I, Shuhei Fujitani, a member of the Yakumo Regional Development Cooperation Volunteer Association, will report on local topics in Yakumo Town. On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, a full-fledged sauna hut, "Pecorella Sauna," opened at "Pecorella Schoolhouse," an abandoned school facility that I am also involved in the management of.

Pecorella Schoolhouse is a "learning house where you can play and stay" built by renovating the former Ozeki Elementary School on top of a mountain in Yakumo-cho. The facility is used not only for camping but also for events, camps, training, workcations, manufacturing, and various other purposes.

The sauna hut that opened this time is named "Pecorella Sauna". The project was launched with Yakumo carpenters and woodworkers from neighboring towns with the hopes of "increasing the number of people who casually get involved in Yakumo Town" and "creating a place where people from inside and outside of Yakumo Town can mingle. Don't underestimate it as a DIY project. Customers who came to the opening event praised it as a "highly finished, authentic hut sauna.

What are the features we are proud of?
Former elementary school campsite deep in the mountains x Sauna hut with a spectacular view x Sky water bath
Sauna poncho and hat rental
Sauna drink: a bottle of Yakumo Town milk, coffee milk, or Koji cider as a gift
Use of local timber "Dounan cedar
The list goes on and on...!

Here are some ways to enjoy the Pecorella Sauna. The room is tightly sealed, so you can enjoy the sauna at temperatures exceeding 100°C while being surrounded by the delicious aroma of "Donan cedar," a local wood. For those who want to raise the temperature even higher, we recommend the Ezo spruce aroma of the wax wax.

After warming up thoroughly, cool down in the open-air water bath located a little higher up. In winter, you can even dive into the snow!

If you lie down on a reclining chair right away, you will feel the warmth from inside your body. Yes, this is what it feels like to be "toto-no-to". Then, quench your dry throat with Yakumo's unique sauna drink.

Repeat this process as many times as you like, and after you have fully enjoyed the sauna, taste the sauna rice at the campsite.

After filling your stomach, relax and look up at the star-filled sky over a bonfire, and when you feel sleepy, go to bed in your tent.

This is how to enjoy Pecorella sauna. You can enjoy the luxury of being deep in the mountains away from the hustle and bustle!

Pecorella Sauna is open from 10:00 to 21:00, with rates starting at 3,300 yen for 2 hours. Private use starts at 19,800 yen for 2 hours. Pecorella Academy is also always looking for volunteer members, known as "Pecollers," to help with campsite operation and event planning and management. Although we cannot pay salaries, we will provide free lodging and partially subsidize meals. The best part is that you will be able to meet many people from the community and from outside. Why don't you enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime encounter that can only happen at this time?

Check also!

Domingo Local Topics

Domingo Local Topics" brings the charms of the region to you through the "real voices" of local residents. The content varies from region to region, including unique local stores, student initiatives, and events created by everyone. We will bring you topics from the region that will make you feel more familiar with the local area and want to visit it.