Savanna Takahashi's YouTube Channel Features totanoü's Barrel Sauna Health Check

Savanna Takahashi Introduces totanoü's Barrel Sauna on YouTube

Savanna Takahashi, known for his passion for saunas, recently featured totanoü's barrel sauna on his YouTube channel "Savanna Takahashi/Shigeo Channel." This segment marks a significant milestone as it showcases a "health check" of the sauna, which has been in use since he installed it at his vacation home in 2021. The startup, totonoü Japan Inc., based in Shibuya, Tokyo, is dedicated to importing and selling Nordic saunas.

In the latest video, members from totanoü, accompanied by RUSH, a certified contractor, visited Takahashi's vacation home to assess the sauna's condition after four years of use. The evaluation highlighted the integrity of the wood, chimney, and interior of the sauna, offering an insightful look into the long-term upkeep of outdoor barrel saunas.

The Journey of the Barrel Sauna’s Health Check

Takahashi expressed his excitement about showcasing the sauna's reality after several years of ownership. During the health inspection, he was accompanied by Alex Saito Gohta, one of the co-founders of totanoü, and Reito Nakayama, representative of RUSH. They began the evaluation with a thorough check of the sauna's outer structure.

Despite being placed outdoors, the barrel sauna showed minimal wear, leading to Takahashi's enthusiasm. He remarked, "The condition is incredibly good; you would never guess it’s already four years old!"

Next, they inspected the 'bands' that bind the wooden structure, crucial for the barrel sauna’s design. Given Japan's humid summers and dry winters, wood tends to expand and contract, which can loosen or warp these bands. However, Takahashi's sauna received a clean bill of health, with no such issues reported.

To ease owner concerns, totanoü emphasized that maintenance services are available upon request, which garnered appreciation from Takahashi.

Ensuring Optimal Maintenance: A Focus on the Chimney

Following the exterior assessment, the team climbed onto the roof to inspect the chimney, regarded as the most critical component for saunas with wood stoves. Utilizing a camera for an in-depth look inside, they could identify any soot or tar build-up, which could be prevalent depending on the quality of firewood and usage.

Fortunately for Takahashi, the chimney was almost entirely free of soot. This prompted the inspector to remark that the cleanliness could be attributed to Takahashi’s expertise in efficiently managing the firewood.

The Surprising Evolution of the Barrel Sauna

Entering the sauna room after the external evaluation, Takahashi mentioned his effort to maintain the cleanliness of the benches by using mats to avoid sweat residue. His attentiveness reflected positively, as the sauna room was rated exceptionally clean, and the state of the wood stove was also deemed favorable.

Nevertheless, they discussed potential issues with bench surfaces darkening over frequent use. To address this, they explained that sanding and applying special sauna paint could preserve the benches long-term, enabling up to 15-20 years of use without degrading quality. A particularly surprising revelation for Takahashi was learning that the bench height could be adjusted. He expressed amazement at the customization options, recognizing the sauna’s evolving nature.

A Collective Experience in the Barrel Sauna

The culmination of the health assessment saw Takahashi and the team enjoying a sauna session together. With his skilled touch, he effortlessly prepared the wood stove for use. After 20 minutes of warming, the ambiance was filled with the refreshing sounds of steam and pleasure.

Takahashi expressed satisfaction with the experience, noting, "It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed this barrel sauna, and it feels fantastic!" The group shared discussions about the advantages of having a sauna at home or at a vacation property, benefits that often enhance the sauna experience, including the ability to play music and converse comfortably.

Following the sauna session, the team relaxed in recliners amid a cooling phase, with Takahashi concluding that purchasing the barrel sauna was a worthwhile investment.

The final evaluations and insights into the health of this barrel sauna can be viewed in full in the YouTube video linked below:
Watch the Health Check Video Here

As featured in the video, here’s more information on the barrel sauna: