Co-creating Tourism Experience April 26, 2025 10:00

The Baltics invite you to a unique dialog and exploration of holistic well-being through their cherished sauna traditions. Lithuania, Latvia and Japan will come together to present their distinct approaches to sauna culture, offering a shared perspective on how these ancient practices foster harmony with nature and balance in modern life.

Lithuania will showcase Pirtis, the traditional sauna experience rooted in natural well-being and spiritual rejuvenation. Guided by a Sauna Master, Pirtis integrates the rhythms of the four seasons and the use of vantas (bundles of twigs) in a deeply immersive ritual. Latvia will contribute insights into its own sauna traditions, highlighting the shared heritage and unique interpretations that define the Baltic approach to wellness.

The program will begin with an informative session, where participants will explore the cultural and historical significance of Baltic sauna practices. A comparative discussion will then develop into the differences and commonalities between Lithuanian, Latvian, and Japanese sauna traditions, fostering a dialogue on how diverse cultures address well-being, balance, and resilience in a fast-paced world.

The highlight of the event will be a live demonstration by Sauna Master from Lithuania, showcasing traditional techniques and rituals. While the full sauna experience cannot be replicated outside its authentic setting, these demonstrations will offer an intimate glimpse into the craftsmanship and cultural philosophies that make Baltic sauna practices a cornerstone of natural wellness.

Through this collaborative presentation, Lithuania and Latvia aim to share the Baltic perspective on holistic well-being, contributing to the Expo’s mission of solving global challenges through cross-cultural dialogue. Together, they invite the world to discover how ancient traditions can guide modern societies toward a brighter, healthier future.

Location: Osaka, Japan, EXPO Theme Weeks Studio