Kairyoyu — a storeroom under the stairs becomes a sento's open-air rest area

Introduction

A second renovation to ease the crowds

In 2021 the owner asked whether the men's side could be enlarged using spare space such as the area under the stairs and a storeroom. It was the first time the architects had renovated the same sento twice.

The 2022 work covered only the men's side: the storeroom under the stairs became an open-air rest area, and the cold bath was moved so the sauna could grow. In exchange, the washing taps (karan) went from 16 to 11.

01 · Sauna room

Only the floor is lit

The stove is a gas model designed for löyly; it was chosen because raising the electrical capacity was difficult.

Only the floor is lit, so bathers are not aware of each other's faces.

02 · Open-air rest area

A storeroom under the stairs, now outdoors

The storeroom under the stairs next to the men's bath was turned into an open-air rest area.

A dedicated open-air rest area is still rare at a sento.

03 · Bathroom

A rest spot lined with chairs

A corner of the bathroom also has chairs lined up for resting.