Soaking up nature and more in Hokkaido

During downtime, we visit The Geek (thegeek.jp/en/), a guest house run by Ms Tatsukawa's brother Keisuke Tatsukawa, 32.

- Toh Ee Ming

FROM C2

HOKKAIDO'S SAUNA CULTURE

In July 2020, amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, he left his corporate sales career to start his own business. He named his guest house "The Geek" to reflect his admiration for the tech enthusiasts he met during his time in the United States, while studying at the University of California, Davis.

"Back then, (geeks) were often misunderstood or even ridiculed, but their passion for innovation and resilience transformed the world. Today, we rely on the digital infrastructure they built. For me, The Geek is a statement of courage, passion and perseverance... a place where people can connect, feel inspired and experience joy," he says.

The guest house's centrepiece is the Finnish-style sauna, inspired by steam locomotives that define the Kushiro region. Its black exterior and chimney smoke evoke a running train.

Inside, a large window frames the views of the Kushiro wetlands, mirroring the scenic Senmo Main Line railway. After sweating it out on handcrafted Hinoki-wood benches, guests can plunge into a cold bath filled with water from Lake Mashu, said to be one of the world's clearest lakes.

Saunas are a growing trend in Japan, and Hokkaido has become a major hub for enthusiasts. Among the region's 925 saunas, The Geek ranks 15th in a list published by Japan's biggest sauna rating website (sauna-ikitai.com), and holds the top spot in Kushiro.

Rooms start at 7,700 yen (S$70) a night and range from dormitory-style spaces to Japanese-style private rooms to ones with views overlooking the Kushiro Marsh.

On why a young person would choose to be based in Toro, the younger Mr Tatsukawa, who spent much of his growing-up years in Yokohama, says: "I chose this place not just because of its beauty, but also because I saw its potential. Starting in a rural area allowed me to strategically position myself as a leader in the region and build a brand that is now recognised nationwide.