Field training in Phuket, Thailand, November 2024Photograph: Kenichi Murase
Japan Root Herb AssociationJRHA
RootHerb® isan Eastern-born wellness concept that focuses on the “root” of herbs and spices grown underground and brings their components into daily life.
Founded May 2024・Tokyo・Corporate number 5011105011042
01 — Herbal Sauna Guide
Herbal saunas in Japan, found by their scent.
FACILITIES
103venues
PREFECTURES
33prefectures
A nationwide index of the facilities whose permanent use of herbs in the sauna could be confirmed in primary sources such as their official site. Yakuso (medicinal herb) steam, Thai-style herbal steam, herbal löyly and vihta are distinguished as styles. Search by prefecture and by scent.
Listed facilities by region (as of 24 August 2026). Only facilities whose permanent use of herbs in the sauna could be confirmed on their official site or an equally citable source are listed; the date of verification is given on each facility page. Prices, opening hours and the herbs used are subject to change.
20 herbs in three groups — roots, green herbs, and the herbs of Japan. Each entry carries its species, family, part used, aroma and Thai name, and how it has been handed down in Thai traditional medicine.
GingerZingiber officinale
Plate: drawn after the rhizome figure in Köhler’s Medizinal-Pflanzen (1887)
Workshops, the Root Herbalist certification, and on-site training in Thai traditional medicine — the three paths of study offered by JRHA.
OPEN
04 Field Training・Third programme · now open
2026 Thai Herbal Sauna Tour
DATES
31 Oct 2026— 5 Nov
WHERE
Phuket Bangkok
PLACES
8 placesfirst come
FEE
approx. ¥168,000
The programme starts and ends in Thailand; flights and overseas travel insurance are arranged by each participant. The fee covers local transport, accommodation, facility visits, sauna sessions and the course and certificate. Meals, flights and travel within Bangkok are not included.
Hands-on cooking and tasting classes where we learn to use herbs by actually working with them. Sauna events also include bathing in the steam of simmered herbs.
In person / one-day
02 Certification
Certified Root Herbalist
Study Thai traditional medicine and gain professional knowledge of root herbs. Learn history, theory, herbal sauna, oils, and drinks.
In person / Root Herbalist certification
03 On-site training
Thai Traditional Medicine Training
An on-site herb school and facility study programme. In Phuket we visit island sauna houses; in Bangkok we see herbal markets and historic sauna sites.
In Thailand / Thai Root Herbalist certification
Photograph: Kenichi Murase
05 — Membership
Membership
The Japan Root Herb Association welcomes everyone who wishes to support the development of RootHerb® in Japan. Membership applications are accepted year-round. The membership year runs from April 1 to March 31 of the following year.
General memberIndividual¥5,000/ year
Supporting memberIndividual¥30,000/ year
Joining takes two steps: submit the registration form and transfer the annual dues. Once we confirm receipt, we notify you of your membership number by email.
01You receive the members’ newsletter.
02You may attend the association’s events at member rates.
03Further member services will be planned from time to time.
A Thai-style herbal sauna is coming to Hachijojima.
Hachijo Terrace sauna & retreat on Hachijojima (Tokyo) — a retreat with a Finnish sauna, open-air bath and lodging. A Thai-style herbal sauna, supervised by the Japan Root Herb Association, is planned for 2027.
Use the contact form for questions about courses, certification and on-site training, for press and publication enquiries, and to submit information for the sauna guide. Questions about how facilities are selected for the guide are welcome there too.
Instagram @jrha_official — you can also reach us by direct message.
