Yasuragi Spa Hotel Hasseludden Stockholm: a Japanese oasis in the heart of Scandinavia

Did you know that less than an hour from central Stockholm – and for about €4 by boat – you can find a Japanese-inspired spa retreat hidden in the forest? Imagine arriving in the peaceful archipelago surrounded by Swedish nature, where hot springs, Japanese food, and total tranquility await. This is Yasuragi, a spa hotel located at Hasseludden just outside Stockholm. From the moment you arrive the experience is designed to slow you down. Guests are given a yukata – a traditional Japanese cotton robe – to wear throughout their stay, along with swimwear for the spa area. Because everyone is dressed the same, the atmosphere feels calm and harmonious which is helping to remove everyday distractions and making it easier to truly relax.

What is a yukata?

A yukata is a simpler version of a kimono, made from lightweight cotton suitable for both men and women. At Yasuragi you wear the yukata for activities, to the spa and for your meals. You can wear your own clothes for dinner if you would like, but personally I prefer to wear the yukata for everything.

Yasuragi Hasseludden Spa Hotel: a Japanese oasis in the heart of Scandinavia

This was actually my second time at Yasuragi. My first time was when I got it as a birthday gift. I think it was for my 16th birthday back in 2011, when I was still living in Sweden. This was before their renovations in 2018. So my memory of it was a little different from how it all looks now. But I actually enjoyed it even more this time around. And that’s saying something as it already was one of the most memorable stays I have experienced. The hotel and spa at Yasuragi is definitely something a bit different to the typical Stockholm experience with cinnamon buns and the ABBA museum.

I’m a little bit of a Japanophile so I absolutely adore exploring anything with a connection to Japanese culture or history. Although this is of course a hotel in Stockholm, I personally think they have done a great job at offering an experience that feels like a tribute to Japanese bathing rituals and relaxation.

Right away as we arrived, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful. Benjamin at the front desk helped check us in. Luckily we were able to do so right away as we arrived quite early due to limited boat times. Throughout the entire stay the staff were truly excellent and quickly swapped from Swedish to English when they realised my husband only speaks English and provided menus in the right language for the restaurant. So if you’re worried about the language barrier, you definitely don’t have to be. They even did the sound meditation completely in English as two of the guests attending were not from Sweden.

The hotel also has a shop area by the reception where you can pick up some souvenirs. There are beautiful sake sets, yukatas and knives amongst many other things. Amongst the snacks you will find the Japanese soda ramune and seaweed crisps.

Read more about my favourite hotels in Stockholm, through my extensive guide here!

What is Yasuragi?

Yasuragi is a Japanese themed spa hotel where visitors can stay overnight or just go for the day spa. Everything here is Japanese inspired. From the bathing ritual areas inside the spa. To the food and drinks and even what you wear whilst you’re visiting. As I’ve already mentioned each visitor gets a yukata and swimwear so that everyone wears the same thing.

Tip: This is an excellent rainy day activity if you find yourself in Stockholm without any inspiration of what to do. Take the boat to Yasuragi and book in for the day spa!

How to get to Yasuragi Spa and Hotel at Hasseludden – only €4 from the city centre

From the city centre in Stockholm it’s really easy to get to Yasuragi Spa Hotel by boat. You can find your journey through Waxholmsbolaget or the SL app (the Stockholm public transport app). And in the latter you can also buy single or return tickets. However you can also tap your card or phone onboard to buy your ticket as well. A single ticket to Yasuragi spa and hotel is 43 SEK so about €4 and you want to travel from Strömkajen (right in front of Grand Hotel) or Slussen (Old Town) to Hasseludden if you’re travelling from the Stockholm city centre. It’s a really scenic journey and a worth while experience on its own. Once you arrive, it’s about a 15 minute uphill walk to get to the hotel and spa. Do check the timings of the boat beforehand as there are limited sailings each day.

If you are looking for things to do and see in Stockholm around your stay at Yasuragi, do not miss my guide here. As a former Stockholm local I have an abundance of great recommendations around the city.

The best time to visit the spa and hotel at Yasuragi

During the peak weeks and weekends it can be quite busy at Yasuragi as it’s a really popular spot for visitors. If you would prefer to visit when it is a little bit calmer, my recommendation would be midweek and midday. Also do be aware that during school holidays there are some weeks where children over 13 are allowed, so if you’d prefer to visit when the hotel and spa is over 16 only, keep an eye out for this.

My only constructive feedback from the stay

The only thing I would’ve changed is that I personally would’ve preferred to have Japanese tea like a genmaicha or similar instead of English breakfast tea. Everything else feels so immersed in the Japanese theme, that this just felt a little disconnected. It would also be such a lovely way to incorporate some beautiful Japanese teapots or cups in the room. Such a small thing, but just something I noted. They do have genmaicha at breakfast and at the spa lounge, so I do recommend enjoying a cup there as it’s really lovely and has a roasted rice note to it.

Highlights of a stay at Yasuragi Hasseludden Spa Hotel in Stockholm

• You get both a yukata (cotton robe) and swimwear to wear for your duration at the spa. Everyone wears the same thing which creates such a peaceful environment without stress and distractions
• The whole experience has a lovely Japanese meets Scandinavian design
• All the food and drinks are inspired by Japanese flavours. Even the non-alcoholic beer is Japanese (and delicoius!)
• The spa has several different options for hot and cold therapy – from the Mizuboro cold spring where you enjoy the cold water in soft darkness to outdoor hot springs with a view toward the archipelago
• Love that you can take the boat to the Yasuragi spa and hotel from central Stockholm for only €4
• Incredibly relaxing and serene
• Low futon beds (only in some room types) and Japanese style washing area in the bathroom
• Unlimited Genmaicha tea and detox tea as well as fruit at the spa lounge

Staying overnight at Yasuragi Hotel and Spa in Stockholm

If you’ve read my previous hotel reviews, you might already know that I really dislike hotel rooms that just feels like a room with a bed. I want an experience and somewhere that I enjoy spending time as it’s such a big part of a trip for me. Yasuragi Hasseludden does not disappoint me here at all as the Japanese style hotel room design feels incredibly exciting as you step inside and I loved spending time here in between time at the spa.

Junior Suite

We had the pleasure of staying in one of the junior suites, located on the same floor as the reception.

We stayed at room 320 “Wa“.

• Balcony toward the water
• Low futon bed
• Japanese washing area in the bathroom
• Bathtub
• Mini fridge (for any snacks or drink you might’ve brought)
• Soap, shampoo and conditioner

For an even more exclusive experience, do check out their Ryokan room which has its very own hot spring.

The Yasuragi Hasseludden Spa

Overall my experience is that Sweden does spas really well, like at Hotel Havsbaden which I visited recently. I’m comparing it mostly to those I have visited in Scotland where I live, which just haven’t been as good. Yasuragi is one of the best spa hotels I have ever been to – if not the best. It’s a whole immersive experience, which just suits me so well. I have also spoken to some of my closest friends in research purposes to ask what their favourite spa experiences in Sweden are and they both said Yasuragi is at the top of their lists.

You begin the spa experience with a Japanese bathing ritual which takes place by the changing rooms where woman and men are separated. After this you step into the main area of the spa, where all the facilities are located and you can choose what area to visit and in whatever order you please. The spa lounge is located upstairs where you can enjoy a cup of detox tea, go for a little rest in the swinging chairs in the silent area or just enjoy the view across the water.

The Japanese bathing ritual

If you feel a little intimidated by the bathing ritual, there are several introductions to this by the staff so just look for the timings on the activity board. There is also an instructional video playing by the spa area, before you head into the changing rooms. But basically what you need to do is wash yourself with the soap and the wooden buckets that you fill up with water, over and over again. This is to make sure you are clean before heading into the spa area. There are also showers here, if that’s what you prefer.

For both men and women there is also a sauna and hot spring inside the gender-divided changing rooms and if you want to you are welcome to be naked here. Although if you prefer to wear your swimwear that is also fine. I know there can be a bit of a joke of how liberal Nordic people can be about being naked in the sauna, but I actually found it so relaxed and almost liberating that there were so many women not bothered about being naked in the changing rooms. It shouldn’t be something strange or embarrassing, as I know some people might feel, so if you dare try it then this might be a good spot for it. Just don’t do it in a weird way, please – that is NOT what I mean with this.

The spa was renovated in 2018 and has an interesting brutalist design with grey walls and clean lines throughout the area. Usually brutalist design is not really my style, but it works really well here.

Quiet zones

Further down I was listed all the features of the spa area but there are also certain areas that are quiet zones. Some spaces like the outdoor hot springs have two dedicated half hours that are quiet each day and you can see exactly when on the signs next to the area. During the quiet sessions there is also a member of staff there who will use a little tool that creates a lovely chime sound.

Spa features

Here below I have listed all the Yasuragi features inside the spa areas of the hotel.

• Japanese bathing ritual area with wooden buckets and stools
• The big bath – Daiyokujo 大浴場
• Outdoor Hot Springs – Rotenburo 露天風呂
• Foot bath – Ashiyu 足湯
• Carbonated Bath – Tansanburo 炭酸風呂
• Cold Bath – Mizoburo 水風呂
• Cavern Bath – Dokutsuburo 洞窟風呂
• Cold Bath and Outdoor Sauna 露天風呂
• Sleep Sauna
• Steam Salt Sauna
• Dry Sauna
• Spa lounge with tea and fruit

My personal favourite in the spa is the cold spring which is 13C as I just love being in cold water. It’s so relaxing and peaceful in this little dark space as well. For contrast the hot springs are 41C and it’s particularly nice to sit in the outdoor ones when it’s raining or snowing as it feels extra cosy. I love how many options there are so depending on the time of day you might prefer different ways of relaxing.

Yasuragi Spa Treatments

There are plenty of treatments available at Yasuragi. From facials to bamboo stick massages or a traditional Swedish style massage, you’re bound to find something that is perfect for your recovery and relaxation. There is also a seasonal treatment, depending on when you are visiting, which is designed to bring you into harmony with nature.

Food & Drink at Yasuragi Spa Hotel

There are a few different options for food and drink at Yasuragi Hasseludden. Some of the restaurants are only open during the weekends so do check opening hours in advance. The summer terrace is also only open during the warmer months of the year.

Cocktail Bar

Next to the main restaurant Minamo there is a bar where you can enjoy a cocktail, Japanese whisky or sake. Or of course something else. The flavours of the cocktails are mainly based on Japanese influence and we really enjoyed both the ones we tried. As a whisky writer by trade I of course had to check in the Japanse whisky assortment which was really decent. They also had some different options for sake and I even tried a umeboshi liqueur with dinner which was really lovely as a substitution to a dessert wine like a sauternes or a port.

Minamo Restaurant

Yasuragi’s Minamo is the main restaurant inside the spa hotel. This is where both breakfast, lunch and dinner is mostly served. When you check in to the hotel you get allocated meal times which can be adjusted if you’d like. For us it was 09.00 for breakfast, 12.00 for lunch and 18.00 for dinner which worked well for us.

Breakfast at Minamo

The breakfast is buffet style and there is a good variety of things available. If you’d like to stay true to theme then there is warming miso soup or rice with toppings like spring onion and spice mixes as well as seaweed. The miso soup is so lovely, I could enjoy it every day for breakfast. There is also a more Swedish style breakfast available with pancakes, crisp bread, cardamom buns, granola or hot items like meatballs, sausages and eggs. I would highly recommend the pancakes, that are crepe style, with blueberry jam as they’re quite delicious. There is of course also tea and coffee. At the tea station you can pick teabags or put together your own tea bag with genmaicha.

Lunch at Minamo

For lunch at Minamo there is a bento box menu. This means that you only basically pick your “protein” options. The menu is ranging from salmon, breaded pork and chicken to mushrooms and tofu for vegetarian options. There is also a special of the day. The rest of the food is already set and includes kimchi, rice, ramen egg and vegetables. You will also be served a miso soup to start and there is a little dessert as well which was a yuzu tart during our visit.

My top recommendations would be the salmon which was the special for the day for our first day and the breaded pork which was a regular listed on the menu for the second day.

Dinner at Minamo

The dinner at the Minamo restaurant is available a la carte. If you have the food package you most likely have 2 courses included, a started and a main.

The first day we tried the crab maki and mushroom gyoza for starters and the gochujang udon noodles with seasonal mushrooms and wagyu burger for mains. The noodles were quite hot in spice from the sauce but incredibly tasty so if you can handle it, this is a strong recommendation from me. I never had the chance to try the burger, as my husband ate it too quickly but I was told it was good as well. Both the starters were really lovely as well and felt fresh and nicely balanced. I also thought the portion sizes were good as they were bigger than I anticipated. The maki and gyoza were both served in portions of 5 each, whereas I had anticipated perhaps 3 pieces each.

The second day we went for kaarage cauliflower and fish carpaccio for starters and then I had the fish of the day and my husband went for the braised pork. The fish was fantastic, especially the rich seafood sauce which I enjoyed thoroughly together with the rice which was hiding underneath the fish. The braised pork was also really lovely, although personally I preferred the pork I had for one of my bento box lunches.

My top recommendations are the crab maki to start and the gochujang udon noodles with seasonal mushrooms as a main (if you can handle hotter food).

Teppanyaki Kiri

Teppanyaki is a set menu option where the chef prepares your food in front of you on a hot iron griddle right by your table. You shared the space with up to 8 people in total and the menu consists of a mix of Japanese and Swedish ingredients. Dietary requirements like gluten, lactose and nuts can be considered but due to the nature of the good being prepared on the same griddle it is difficult to cater for other allergies or preferences as no cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed. This restaurant is primarily open during the weekends, with extended opening hours during high season.

Unfortunately this restaurant was not open during my visit as we were here Monday to Wednesday. But I actually have been once before, many years ago now, and have great memories from it. It was one of my first proper dining experiences and if you have the chance to book a table here, I would definitely recommend it. Hopefully I will have the chance to visit the next time I return to Yasuragi, as I will definitely be back someday.

It is also possible to add a drinks package of wine or sake to the set menu. Prices from 1095 SEK/pp for the food and 696 SEK for the wine menu or 455 SEK for the sake pairings.

Sushi Bar Namiyama 波山

As a fond sushi eater, I’m sorry to have missed out on the Namiyama restaurant, however it’s a good reason to come back someday (and I’m definitely not complaining about the delicious food in Minamo!).

In the sushi restaurant you will find dishes where Japanese traditions meet modern twists. Choose from utems such as sashimi and uromaki to spicy tuna sushi or karaage chicken. I’m getting hungry again just writing about this, perhaps I will have to order some sushi this evening…

Activities at Yasuragi

Each day there are different activities available at Yasuragi Hasseludden, which are lovely options to just going to the spa or staying inside the hotel room. During the busier peak weeks it is a good idea to pre-book if there is a particular activity you want to attend. To pre-book costs 50 SEK (approximately €5) but you can also just show up before the activity starts and drop-in. During our stay I did the sound healing where you lay down under a blanket and listen to various sounds as you relax and try to break your mind loop. I would highly recommend trying at least one activity during your stay as they are a lovely experience. The instructor did the whole session in English as two of the guests were not Swedish speakers.

• Yin yoga
• Sound healing
• Sauna meditation

Outdoor gym

Next to the Japanese Garden, there is an area with various outdoor gym equipment that you can go to whenever you wish.

Japanese Garden

The Japanese garden really looks it’s best during the greener months of the year as it was a little bare when we visited in March. However it’s still a nice little section to walk through. Our balcony overlooked this area and one morning when we had a cup of tea outside, we suddenly spotted two deer basking in the morning sun.

Family weeks

Children are allowed during certain weeks of the year, usually during the school holidays. These weeks features specific activities, such as sushi school, origami and karaoke suitable for families and children.

Additional Information

• Address: Hamndalsvägen 6, 132 81 Saltsjö-Boo, Sweden
• Boat stop: Hasseludden
• Website: https://yasuragi.se/en
• Price Range: Room prices starting at 3680 SEK / €350 for two adults sharing a room
• Check-In/Check-Out: From 15.00 and before 11.00
• Amenities: Outdoor terrace, Japanese restaurant, Teppanyaki restaurant, sushi restaurant, cocktail bar, WiFi, Japanese spa, Japanese garden, shop
• Dog-Friendly: Yasuragi is dog friendly and you can book specific dog rooms which includes dog cushions, water and food bowls and a welcome treat for your four-legged friend. These are standard rooms and cost a supplement of 250 SEK per night. Dogs are only allowed in the designated areas and not in other areas of the facility.
• Perfect For: Couples, friends groups, solo travellers, conferences, families (during the holiday weeks when children are allowed)

FAQ – Yasuragi Spa Hotel

Need more inspiration for your Sweden trip?

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• Things to See and Do in Stockholm: An Insider’s Guide to the City
• The best hotels in Stockholm Sweden: Five-Star, Boutique & Iconic Luxury Hotels
• Grisslehamn Hotel Havsbaden Spa & Resort: Luxury relaxation near Stockholm
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