JAPAN'S BEST-DESIGNED SAUNAS
LocationChuocho, Misawa, AomoriCompletedDecember 2022DesignKentaro Imai ArchitectsPainted muralMorio NakajimaWaterNatural hot spring, no water added, not reheated
Introduction
Misawa, a town of hot spring sento
Misawa's sento are known for using natural hot spring water.
At Spa House Kawamura the water has nothing added and is not reheated — you take it literally as it is.
01 · Bathroom
A hot spring bathroom with a painted mural
The bathroom has a painted mural by the sento painter Morio Nakajima.
02 · Wooden spaces
Rest areas and sauna surrounds finished in wood
As a highlight of the renovation, spaces finished in wood were created.
03 · Details
Entrance and corridors
Worn parts were repaired and lighting changed to LED so the sento can keep going.
What is gensen?
The place where a hot spring rises, or the spring water just as it comes out.
At Spa House Kawamura you bathe in spring water with no water added and no reheating.
OperatorSpa House Kawamura
DesignKentaro Imai Architects
Photos© Kentaro Imai (Kentaro Imai Architects: “Spa House Kawamura”)
SourcesKentaro Imai Architects: “Spa House Kawamura”
