Part 4: A Cold Plunge into the Lake!? Rejuvenate in an Authentic Sauna For Finns, the sauna isn’t just a tourist attraction—it’s a way of life. Even in the capital, Helsinki, there are numerous facilities and hotels where you can enjoy an authentic sauna experience, and diving straight into the Baltic Sea from a seaside public sauna is a local tradition. Additionally, at the brand-new “Skila Retreat” hotel on the shores of Lake Norvalvi on the outskirts of Rovaniemi, you can experience a wood-fired sauna with panoramic views and “ice hole swimming,” where you plunge into the frozen lake. Skila Retreat has a total of 15 guest rooms. It consists of the main building—a renovated former village schoolhouse built in the 1950s—and 15 log villas scattered throughout the grounds. Whether you’re stoking the fire in the fireplace yourself, relaxing in your room’s private sauna while gazing at the forest, admiring the starry sky or the Northern Lights, or savoring local cuisine at the restaurant, even a single night’s stay offers an authentic taste of Nordic life.
Part 5: Marimekko, Iittala, and Moomin Are the Perfect Souvenirs! Shopping for Nordic Brands When it comes to Finnish brands, “Marimekko,” “Iittala,” and “Moomin” are the most famous. Of course, you can enjoy shopping for Nordic brands in downtown Helsinki and at Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport, but at the official shops in Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi, you can find Moomin mugs and charms, as well as merchandise exclusive to the Arctic region. Also, ceramics and textiles from “Pentik,” a traditional lifestyle brand originating in Lapland, are highly recommended as souvenirs.
Travel Basics for Finland: Time Difference from Japan: 7 hours (6 hours during Daylight Saving Time). Japan is ahead. Example: When it is 12:00 p.m. in Japan, it is 5:00 a.m. in Finland.
Visa: Not required for Japanese nationals staying for tourism purposes for 90 days or less. *The EU’s pre-travel authorization system, “ETIAS,” is scheduled to be introduced in 2027 or later (exact date to be determined).
Language: Directions and menus are almost always in both Finnish and English.
Currency: Euro (EUR/€). As of September 2026, 1 euro is approximately 180 yen.
Currency Exchange: You can exchange currency at ATMs in airports and around town, but since Finland is a cashless society, credit card payments (such as Visa and Mastercard) are the norm. There are very few opportunities to use cash.
Tipping: There is no custom of tipping. In most restaurants and hotels, the service charge is already included, so tipping is generally not necessary.
Water: Like Japan, it is one of the few countries in the world where tap water is safe to drink. It’s convenient to bring a reusable water bottle or a plastic bottle with you.
Power Supply and Outlet Types: 230V/50Hz; Type C is the standard (If using electrical appliances not designed for international use, you will need an adapter plug and a voltage converter).
Safety: It is relatively safe, but be careful of pickpockets and bag snatchers around Helsinki Central Station and in tourist areas.
Temperature and Clothing: In Helsinki, spring and summer (May–August) see temperatures around 10–20°C, while fall and winter (September–April) see temperatures around -10–10°C. In Rovaniemi, located within the Arctic Circle, temperatures drop to -20–30°C in the depths of winter, so heavy-duty winter clothing, gloves, a hat, and waterproof boots are essential. Be careful to manage the temperature of your smartphone and camera, as their batteries will drain quickly when exposed to the cold outdoors.
Religious Considerations: The population is primarily Christian (Evangelical Lutheran). When visiting religious sites such as cathedrals, please dress appropriately—for example, by avoiding revealing clothing.
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