Bathhouse Guide
 |
Description
Book Introduction
- A word from MD
- [A book that will make you want to jump into a bathhouse right away] 24 Japanese public bathhouses and stories drawn by the author, a bathhouse manager.
This book, which makes you want to jump into a bathhouse just by looking at the cover, depicts bathhouses from all over Japan in detail and shows the charm of each one.
This is a cute book that conveys the warmth of the author's praise for bathhouses, making you want to go to the bathhouse right away.
- Essay PD Lee Na-young
"Bathhouse Guide" is a bathhouse guidebook written with illustrations by an architect who became a bathhouse manager.
We introduce 24 unique bathhouses carefully selected from around Tokyo, including Saitama, Chiba, Kyoto, Mie, Aichi, and Tokushima.
These bathhouses each have their own unique charms that you can't miss, including Saitoyu, which is certified by beer masters; Sakurakan, where cherry blossoms fall in spring; and Yakushiyu, which changes the color of its water from green to blue, purple, and white, inspired by the Tokyo Sky Tower.
In particular, the author drew the interior of the bathhouse using a perspective drawing technique that looks down from a high place at a specific angle, making use of his background as an architect.
Thanks to this, you can grasp the entire structure of the bathhouse at a glance just by looking at the picture, and it feels as if you are actually entering the bathhouse.
It's also fun to look at the details in every corner, like playing a hidden picture game.
Listening to the author's stories about bathhouses, which generously display his special affection for them, from the detailed and meticulous design to the warm and affectionate illustrations that evoke the warmth of a bathhouse, and even the honest and candid essays, you will soon find yourself wanting to go to a bathhouse.
If you love bathhouses, want to experience Japan's fading bathhouse culture, or are a traveler who wants to experience Japan up close, I recommend this book to immerse yourself in the warm and charming world of bathhouses.
We introduce 24 unique bathhouses carefully selected from around Tokyo, including Saitama, Chiba, Kyoto, Mie, Aichi, and Tokushima.
These bathhouses each have their own unique charms that you can't miss, including Saitoyu, which is certified by beer masters; Sakurakan, where cherry blossoms fall in spring; and Yakushiyu, which changes the color of its water from green to blue, purple, and white, inspired by the Tokyo Sky Tower.
In particular, the author drew the interior of the bathhouse using a perspective drawing technique that looks down from a high place at a specific angle, making use of his background as an architect.
Thanks to this, you can grasp the entire structure of the bathhouse at a glance just by looking at the picture, and it feels as if you are actually entering the bathhouse.
It's also fun to look at the details in every corner, like playing a hidden picture game.
Listening to the author's stories about bathhouses, which generously display his special affection for them, from the detailed and meticulous design to the warm and affectionate illustrations that evoke the warmth of a bathhouse, and even the honest and candid essays, you will soon find yourself wanting to go to a bathhouse.
If you love bathhouses, want to experience Japan's fading bathhouse culture, or are a traveler who wants to experience Japan up close, I recommend this book to immerse yourself in the warm and charming world of bathhouses.
- You can preview some of the book's contents.
Preview
index
Entering
Homeground Bathhouse - Kosugiyu (Koenji, Tokyo)
Public bathhouse prices and what to bring
How to use a public bathhouse
Chapter 1.
Beginner Course "First Steps to the Bathhouse"
A place that preserves the original appearance of a bathhouse - Daikokuyu (Kitasenju, Tokyo)
A Bathhouse You'd Want to Go to with Friends - Umenoyu (Tokyo Arakawa)
Pursuing the highest quality - Nippori Saitoyu (Nippoli, Tokyo)
Bathhouse Theme Park - Hidamarino Izumi Haginoyu (Tokyo Uguisudani)
A Bathhouse That Makes Food Taste Better - Togoshi Ginza Onsen (Tokyo Togoshi Ginza)
When it comes to open-air baths, this is the place! - Daikokuyu (Oshiage, Tokyo)
A Bathhouse of Innovation That Always Renews - Kirakuyu (Kawaguchi, Saitama)
Column 1.
How to draw a bathhouse guide
Chapter 2.
Advanced Course “Enjoying the Bathhouse”
A Masterpiece of Modern Bathhouse Architecture - Okura-yu (Machida, Tokyo)
A New Wave in Bathhouse Architecture - Natural Hot Springs Hisamatsuyu (Nerima, Tokyo)
Cherry Blossom Viewing Bathhouse - Sakurakan (Tokyo Kamata)
A truly luxurious bathhouse - Sakaeyu, a natural hot spring bathhouse (Tokyo Nihonzutsumi)
An oasis in the city - Yuga Wagokoro Yoshinoyu (Narita-Higashi, Tokyo)
Immerse yourself in Kyoto - Sauna Umeyu (Kyoto)
Hot springs loved by enthusiasts - Showa Retro Hot Springs Ichinoyu (Mie Iga)
Column 2.
Try a hot and cold bath
Chapter 3.
Master Course “The Ultimate Bathhouse”
A Bathhouse Overflowing with Fun - Yakushiyu (Sumida, Tokyo)
Time Travel to the Past - Kamata Onsen (Tokyo Kamata)
The Bathhouse to Visit When You Want to Cry - Kyonan Bathhouse (Tokyo Musashisakai)
There's a whole new world out there - Daikokuyu (Yoyogi-Uehara, Tokyo)
The Bathhouse Paradise - Guapales (Narashino, Chiba)
Column 3.
Public bathhouse community
Chapter 4.
Humanity Course "Bathhouse People"
A Bath Filled with Love - Heiden Onsen (Nagoya, Aichi)
Showa-yu (Tokushima) - A Bathhouse Where Raccoon Battles Take Place
A bathhouse that feels like home - Konparuyu (Osaki, Tokyo)
In conclusion
My First Bathhouse Guide - Kotobukiyu (Higashi-Ueno, Tokyo)
List of bathhouses
Homeground Bathhouse - Kosugiyu (Koenji, Tokyo)
Public bathhouse prices and what to bring
How to use a public bathhouse
Chapter 1.
Beginner Course "First Steps to the Bathhouse"
A place that preserves the original appearance of a bathhouse - Daikokuyu (Kitasenju, Tokyo)
A Bathhouse You'd Want to Go to with Friends - Umenoyu (Tokyo Arakawa)
Pursuing the highest quality - Nippori Saitoyu (Nippoli, Tokyo)
Bathhouse Theme Park - Hidamarino Izumi Haginoyu (Tokyo Uguisudani)
A Bathhouse That Makes Food Taste Better - Togoshi Ginza Onsen (Tokyo Togoshi Ginza)
When it comes to open-air baths, this is the place! - Daikokuyu (Oshiage, Tokyo)
A Bathhouse of Innovation That Always Renews - Kirakuyu (Kawaguchi, Saitama)
Column 1.
How to draw a bathhouse guide
Chapter 2.
Advanced Course “Enjoying the Bathhouse”
A Masterpiece of Modern Bathhouse Architecture - Okura-yu (Machida, Tokyo)
A New Wave in Bathhouse Architecture - Natural Hot Springs Hisamatsuyu (Nerima, Tokyo)
Cherry Blossom Viewing Bathhouse - Sakurakan (Tokyo Kamata)
A truly luxurious bathhouse - Sakaeyu, a natural hot spring bathhouse (Tokyo Nihonzutsumi)
An oasis in the city - Yuga Wagokoro Yoshinoyu (Narita-Higashi, Tokyo)
Immerse yourself in Kyoto - Sauna Umeyu (Kyoto)
Hot springs loved by enthusiasts - Showa Retro Hot Springs Ichinoyu (Mie Iga)
Column 2.
Try a hot and cold bath
Chapter 3.
Master Course “The Ultimate Bathhouse”
A Bathhouse Overflowing with Fun - Yakushiyu (Sumida, Tokyo)
Time Travel to the Past - Kamata Onsen (Tokyo Kamata)
The Bathhouse to Visit When You Want to Cry - Kyonan Bathhouse (Tokyo Musashisakai)
There's a whole new world out there - Daikokuyu (Yoyogi-Uehara, Tokyo)
The Bathhouse Paradise - Guapales (Narashino, Chiba)
Column 3.
Public bathhouse community
Chapter 4.
Humanity Course "Bathhouse People"
A Bath Filled with Love - Heiden Onsen (Nagoya, Aichi)
Showa-yu (Tokushima) - A Bathhouse Where Raccoon Battles Take Place
A bathhouse that feels like home - Konparuyu (Osaki, Tokyo)
In conclusion
My First Bathhouse Guide - Kotobukiyu (Higashi-Ueno, Tokyo)
List of bathhouses
Detailed image
Into the book
Kitasenju, located in Adachi Ward, Tokyo.
This area is not only attractive for its lively streets, but also for the many bathhouses that still retain their old-world charm, earning it the nickname "bathhouse mecca" for bathhouse enthusiasts.
Right here in Kitasenju is Daikokuyu, known as the “King of Bathhouses.”
As you walk down the shopping street lined with cozy shops like croquette shops, vegetable shops, and fish cake shops, a building with a dignified exterior appears.
Two triangular roofs extend behind the entrance roof, which is in the traditional Japanese architectural style with a leisurely curve.
Occasionally you come across a bathhouse that looks like a shrine or temple, but rarely is one as magnificent as this.
---From "A place that preserves the original appearance of a bathhouse"
Step into the largest bathtub.
I let out an exclamation of “Wow!” without realizing it.
I look around the bathroom with a relaxed feeling, feeling the tension in my shoulders slowly melt away.
Warm light streaming in through the high ceiling, the faded tiles in the bathtub and shower, and the woman washing herself while chatting with her neighbor.
The bathroom scenery beyond the warm steam is so beautiful, like a scene from a movie, that I find myself quietly muttering, “The bathroom is the best after all.”
---From "A place that preserves the original appearance of a bathhouse"
The bathroom with its pure white tiles gives a clean and bright impression.
My friend looks surprised and asks, “Is this a bathhouse?”
My friend's eyes lit up as he saw people of all ages having a good time in the various baths, including the sauna, hydrogen bath, medicinal bath, and open-air bath.
We sat side by side in the open-air bath.
As I leisurely gaze out the window in the ceiling, I hear the chirping of cicadas.
The wind blowing from outside gently caresses my sweaty forehead.
“It feels like I’ve traveled to a faraway place.” One of the great joys of the bathroom is experiencing the feeling of travel that you can never experience in the bathroom at home.
---From "A Bathhouse I Want to Go to with a Friend"
I headed to the counter, enjoying the feeling of cool water flowing through my entire body.
Drink a cold beer straight from the beer server.
I took a sip of the frozen beer mug in my hand.
The beer foam flows into the hot body.
Thick foam and incredibly refreshing! Before I knew it, the glass was empty.
If I had known this would happen, I would have ordered a bigger glass!
---From "Pursuing the Best Quality"
This place has a simple layout without any facilities such as jet baths or electric baths, creating a quiet and relaxing space.
If you use a soft water filter and scoop up the water with your hand, you will feel a soft texture.
As you soak in the warm water of a large bathtub and gaze at the sparkling, swaying surface of the water, your body and mind will gradually relax.
I stare blankly at the tile painting at the edge of the bathroom.
I was immersed in a dangerous sense of happiness that made me feel like my entire body was melting into the bathtub.
Perhaps thanks to the countless discussions and research between the architect and owner, you can experience exceptional comfort and a high-quality space here.
---From "Masterpieces of Modern Bathhouse Architecture"
Two jars of soup, commonly known as 'donburi-tang'.
When you enter here, the hot water inside the bath pours out with a 'splash' sound.
It is said that this sound was created because it was liked.
The temperature is lukewarm, and when you go in, you can really hear the 'splash' sound.
---From "A Bathhouse Where You Can Enjoy a Good Time"
The second floor of Kamata Onsen is a banquet hall.
There are long, narrow tables lined up in a red-carpeted banquet hall, and a stage is set up inside.
The stage, with cherry blossom trees in the background, has light green curtains drawn on both sides and a karaoke machine.
Today, the wife was singing trot while standing upright and the husband was applauding and enjoying the entertainment.
There are people lying down wearing the yukata they received at check-in, and no matter how you look at it, it's hard to believe that this is a scene unfolding in 21st century Tokyo.
---From "Time Travel to the Past"
A sauna with no one in it.
A gentle piano piece is heard as background music.
The sauna's temperature, which gently warms the body from the inside out, comforts the weary mind.
Tears flowed quietly.
The space, sound, and temperature of this place allow me and accept me, and the feeling seeps deep into my heart.
After crying a lot, I get up and go to the cold water to find that I can't tell if the sweat running down my forehead is tears.
The cold bath is located at the very back of the bathroom, and is blocked off on both sides by walls, which makes me feel somewhat safe.
It feels like the groundwater slowly wakes up your body without being too cold.
Sunlight coming through the window reflects off the water and ripples.
My heart was moved by the beauty of the swaying light and water, and I shed a few tears again.
By the time you get out of the cold water, the heavy burden on your chest will have disappeared somewhere.
---From "The Bathhouse to Visit When You Want to Cry"
The interior is a sight to behold, with its ornate chandeliers, pastel-colored wallpaper, white nude statues, candle-shaped lights, and sunroofs with stunning stained glass.
Even the changing room is unified into a grand worldview reminiscent of the Rococo style.
It's truly out of this world.
This area is not only attractive for its lively streets, but also for the many bathhouses that still retain their old-world charm, earning it the nickname "bathhouse mecca" for bathhouse enthusiasts.
Right here in Kitasenju is Daikokuyu, known as the “King of Bathhouses.”
As you walk down the shopping street lined with cozy shops like croquette shops, vegetable shops, and fish cake shops, a building with a dignified exterior appears.
Two triangular roofs extend behind the entrance roof, which is in the traditional Japanese architectural style with a leisurely curve.
Occasionally you come across a bathhouse that looks like a shrine or temple, but rarely is one as magnificent as this.
---From "A place that preserves the original appearance of a bathhouse"
Step into the largest bathtub.
I let out an exclamation of “Wow!” without realizing it.
I look around the bathroom with a relaxed feeling, feeling the tension in my shoulders slowly melt away.
Warm light streaming in through the high ceiling, the faded tiles in the bathtub and shower, and the woman washing herself while chatting with her neighbor.
The bathroom scenery beyond the warm steam is so beautiful, like a scene from a movie, that I find myself quietly muttering, “The bathroom is the best after all.”
---From "A place that preserves the original appearance of a bathhouse"
The bathroom with its pure white tiles gives a clean and bright impression.
My friend looks surprised and asks, “Is this a bathhouse?”
My friend's eyes lit up as he saw people of all ages having a good time in the various baths, including the sauna, hydrogen bath, medicinal bath, and open-air bath.
We sat side by side in the open-air bath.
As I leisurely gaze out the window in the ceiling, I hear the chirping of cicadas.
The wind blowing from outside gently caresses my sweaty forehead.
“It feels like I’ve traveled to a faraway place.” One of the great joys of the bathroom is experiencing the feeling of travel that you can never experience in the bathroom at home.
---From "A Bathhouse I Want to Go to with a Friend"
I headed to the counter, enjoying the feeling of cool water flowing through my entire body.
Drink a cold beer straight from the beer server.
I took a sip of the frozen beer mug in my hand.
The beer foam flows into the hot body.
Thick foam and incredibly refreshing! Before I knew it, the glass was empty.
If I had known this would happen, I would have ordered a bigger glass!
---From "Pursuing the Best Quality"
This place has a simple layout without any facilities such as jet baths or electric baths, creating a quiet and relaxing space.
If you use a soft water filter and scoop up the water with your hand, you will feel a soft texture.
As you soak in the warm water of a large bathtub and gaze at the sparkling, swaying surface of the water, your body and mind will gradually relax.
I stare blankly at the tile painting at the edge of the bathroom.
I was immersed in a dangerous sense of happiness that made me feel like my entire body was melting into the bathtub.
Perhaps thanks to the countless discussions and research between the architect and owner, you can experience exceptional comfort and a high-quality space here.
---From "Masterpieces of Modern Bathhouse Architecture"
Two jars of soup, commonly known as 'donburi-tang'.
When you enter here, the hot water inside the bath pours out with a 'splash' sound.
It is said that this sound was created because it was liked.
The temperature is lukewarm, and when you go in, you can really hear the 'splash' sound.
---From "A Bathhouse Where You Can Enjoy a Good Time"
The second floor of Kamata Onsen is a banquet hall.
There are long, narrow tables lined up in a red-carpeted banquet hall, and a stage is set up inside.
The stage, with cherry blossom trees in the background, has light green curtains drawn on both sides and a karaoke machine.
Today, the wife was singing trot while standing upright and the husband was applauding and enjoying the entertainment.
There are people lying down wearing the yukata they received at check-in, and no matter how you look at it, it's hard to believe that this is a scene unfolding in 21st century Tokyo.
---From "Time Travel to the Past"
A sauna with no one in it.
A gentle piano piece is heard as background music.
The sauna's temperature, which gently warms the body from the inside out, comforts the weary mind.
Tears flowed quietly.
The space, sound, and temperature of this place allow me and accept me, and the feeling seeps deep into my heart.
After crying a lot, I get up and go to the cold water to find that I can't tell if the sweat running down my forehead is tears.
The cold bath is located at the very back of the bathroom, and is blocked off on both sides by walls, which makes me feel somewhat safe.
It feels like the groundwater slowly wakes up your body without being too cold.
Sunlight coming through the window reflects off the water and ripples.
My heart was moved by the beauty of the swaying light and water, and I shed a few tears again.
By the time you get out of the cold water, the heavy burden on your chest will have disappeared somewhere.
---From "The Bathhouse to Visit When You Want to Cry"
The interior is a sight to behold, with its ornate chandeliers, pastel-colored wallpaper, white nude statues, candle-shaped lights, and sunroofs with stunning stained glass.
Even the changing room is unified into a grand worldview reminiscent of the Rococo style.
It's truly out of this world.
---From "The Paradise of Bathhouses"
Publisher's Review
“There is something about a bathhouse that definitely brings people to life.”
I'm in love with the bathhouse and I can't stop thinking about it.
From an ordinary architect to a bathhouse manager!
“I invite you to the world of the bathhouse that saved my life.”
Kosugiyu, a bathhouse with a history of about 100 years, is located in an alley in Tokyo's Koenji district.
There, Enya Honami, who works as an illustrator and bathhouse manager, is manning the counter.
The author previously worked as an architect at an architectural firm in Tokyo.
The intensity of the work was higher than expected.
Frequent overtime work that lasts until two or three in the morning, lack of sleep, and countless instances of filling meals with chocolate or nutritional drinks.
The author, who had been driving himself with the single desire to excel at what he loved, eventually suffered from burnout and was diagnosed with 'functional hypoglycemia' and took a leave of absence.
One day, while I was feeling depressed and guilty about failing as an architect, a friend gave me a gentle suggestion, and that was the beginning of my special relationship with bathhouses.
The weekday bathhouse was quiet, bright, warm, and comfortable.
The bathhouse became the only place I could go without feeling guilty, and it became a part of my daily routine, gradually helping me regain my health.
After that, he became completely absorbed in the world of bathhouses and moved to Kosugiyu. To spread the word about the endless charm of bathhouses, he drew an illustration called 'Sento Dokai' and posted it on social media.
This book compiles the series.
This guidebook introduces hidden gem bathhouses around Tokyo, Japan, and is a story of deep relaxation and peace found in bathhouses, as well as a record of a journey to find myself through something I love.
“Draft beer after a bath, that’s the best!”
The king of open-air baths, a 5-horsepower jet bath, a cherry blossom viewing bath, a masterpiece of modern bathhouse architecture, etc.
Japan's Major Bathhouses: A Must-Visit for Bathhouse Lovers
"Bathhouse Guide" carefully selects and introduces 24 unique bathhouses from regions including Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kyoto, Mie, Aichi, and Tokushima.
Here are some bathhouses with a variety of charms that you can't miss: Nippori Saitoyu, where you can enjoy exceptionally delicious draft beer certified by Asahi Beer Meister; Sakurakan, where cherry blossoms fall gently from cherry blossom trees that stretch into the bathroom in spring; Yudonburi Sakaeyu, a natural hot spring with a jar bath that makes a lively "splash" sound and aroma massage; Yakushiyu, where the water color changes from green to blue, purple, and white in sequence, inspired by the Tokyo Sky Tower; Guapales, full of a fantastical worldview reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles; Heiden Onsen, where a tropical plant garden is directly connected to the bathroom; and Konparuyu, where the warmth and comfort of home somehow feels like coming home.
Bathhouse recommendations are made in four steps.
From a beginner's course that even first-time bathhouse visitors can enjoy with confidence, to an advanced course that will satisfy bathhouse enthusiasts with its high-quality architecture and beautiful scenery, to a master's course for those who want to put an end to bathhouses, and finally, a human touch course where visitors can feel the warmth and passion of the bathhouse owner, we introduce bathhouses that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, step by step.
In addition, it is packed with useful information about how to use public bathhouses, prices, what to bring, hot and cold bathing methods that help blood circulation, and the community culture of public bathhouses.
Capturing the scenery of a long-loved Japanese bathhouse
We meticulously measure the width of the tiles and dissect every nook and cranny of the bathroom to reveal its charm!
It's so much fun exploring all the different areas, like playing a hidden picture game!
『Bathhouse Guide』 was drawn using the perspective drawing technique (isometric technique) that looks down on the interior of a bathhouse from a specific angle.
From the entrance, you can see the entire structure of the bathhouse at a glance, including the bathroom, sauna, murals, and open-air space.
Painted murals, a unique culture of Japanese bathhouses, also reflect the individuality of each bathhouse.
This is also one of the pleasures of looking at the Pokedex.
The most important things I kept in mind while drawing the guide were to accurately convey the actual appearance of the bathroom, to make sure that the atmosphere of the bathroom could be felt through the drawing, and to ensure the completeness of the illustration itself.
To achieve this, it is drawn based on thorough research and experience.
About an hour and a half before the bathroom opens, I visit and use a laser measuring device and a 3-meter tape measure to meticulously measure the bathroom size, the size and depth of the bathtub, the faucets and various shower fixtures, and even the width of the tiles.
After taking the measurements, go into the bath and take a bath.
In order to express the bathroom scenery as realistically as possible, the bathhouse is recreated in three dimensions on paper by observing the way water bubbles and ripples spread, the facial expressions of people in the bath, and even the texture of sunlight streaming in from the ceiling.
From detailed and meticulous designs to warm and affectionate illustrations, witty notes detailing every nook and cranny of the bathhouse, introductions to the basic information and history of each bathhouse, and even candid essays, the author generously displays his special affection for bathhouses.
The bathhouse guide takes about 20 hours to draw one place.
The drawings, drawn with such extraordinary affection, received great attention in Japan and were introduced in many media such as TBS's Passion Continent and NHK's Documentary, and the drama "After Bath Sketch" (2022) was produced based on "Bathhouse Encyclopedia".
A place that soothes your tired body and mind with its unwavering warmth.
A place that boldly merges with lively modern culture,
Bathhouses that have survived the changing times and continue their history and traditions.
Step into the largest bathtub.
Without realizing it, I let out an exclamation of “Wow!”
I look around the bathroom with a relaxed feeling, feeling the tension in my shoulders slowly melt away.
Warm light streaming in through the high ceiling, the faded tiles in the bathtub and shower, and the woman washing herself while chatting with her neighbor.
The bathroom scenery beyond the warm steam is so beautiful, like a scene from a movie, that I find myself quietly muttering, “The bathroom is the best after all.”
_From the text
In Japan as well as in Korea, bathhouses are gradually disappearing.
In Japan, one bathhouse closes every day.
On the other hand, there are ongoing attempts to revive the disappearing bathhouse culture, with regrets about it.
The author also takes on unique challenges, such as holding lectures, exhibitions, and concerts at bathhouses.
The author hopes that through this book, more people will visit bathhouses and that bathhouse culture will continue.
Public bathhouses are gradually disappearing, but they survive in various forms, offering comfort and a sense of warmth that will wash away the day's weariness.
As you listen to the author's bathhouse stories told with special affection and passion, you will soon find yourself wanting to go to the bathhouse.
If you love bathhouses, want to experience Japan's fading bathhouse culture, or are a traveler who wants to experience Japan up close, I recommend this book to immerse yourself in the warm and charming world of bathhouses.
♨ A list of bathhouses including addresses, opening hours, and admission fees.
♨ When you open the book cover, a poster of the bathhouse Gosugiyu appears!
I'm in love with the bathhouse and I can't stop thinking about it.
From an ordinary architect to a bathhouse manager!
“I invite you to the world of the bathhouse that saved my life.”
Kosugiyu, a bathhouse with a history of about 100 years, is located in an alley in Tokyo's Koenji district.
There, Enya Honami, who works as an illustrator and bathhouse manager, is manning the counter.
The author previously worked as an architect at an architectural firm in Tokyo.
The intensity of the work was higher than expected.
Frequent overtime work that lasts until two or three in the morning, lack of sleep, and countless instances of filling meals with chocolate or nutritional drinks.
The author, who had been driving himself with the single desire to excel at what he loved, eventually suffered from burnout and was diagnosed with 'functional hypoglycemia' and took a leave of absence.
One day, while I was feeling depressed and guilty about failing as an architect, a friend gave me a gentle suggestion, and that was the beginning of my special relationship with bathhouses.
The weekday bathhouse was quiet, bright, warm, and comfortable.
The bathhouse became the only place I could go without feeling guilty, and it became a part of my daily routine, gradually helping me regain my health.
After that, he became completely absorbed in the world of bathhouses and moved to Kosugiyu. To spread the word about the endless charm of bathhouses, he drew an illustration called 'Sento Dokai' and posted it on social media.
This book compiles the series.
This guidebook introduces hidden gem bathhouses around Tokyo, Japan, and is a story of deep relaxation and peace found in bathhouses, as well as a record of a journey to find myself through something I love.
“Draft beer after a bath, that’s the best!”
The king of open-air baths, a 5-horsepower jet bath, a cherry blossom viewing bath, a masterpiece of modern bathhouse architecture, etc.
Japan's Major Bathhouses: A Must-Visit for Bathhouse Lovers
"Bathhouse Guide" carefully selects and introduces 24 unique bathhouses from regions including Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kyoto, Mie, Aichi, and Tokushima.
Here are some bathhouses with a variety of charms that you can't miss: Nippori Saitoyu, where you can enjoy exceptionally delicious draft beer certified by Asahi Beer Meister; Sakurakan, where cherry blossoms fall gently from cherry blossom trees that stretch into the bathroom in spring; Yudonburi Sakaeyu, a natural hot spring with a jar bath that makes a lively "splash" sound and aroma massage; Yakushiyu, where the water color changes from green to blue, purple, and white in sequence, inspired by the Tokyo Sky Tower; Guapales, full of a fantastical worldview reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles; Heiden Onsen, where a tropical plant garden is directly connected to the bathroom; and Konparuyu, where the warmth and comfort of home somehow feels like coming home.
Bathhouse recommendations are made in four steps.
From a beginner's course that even first-time bathhouse visitors can enjoy with confidence, to an advanced course that will satisfy bathhouse enthusiasts with its high-quality architecture and beautiful scenery, to a master's course for those who want to put an end to bathhouses, and finally, a human touch course where visitors can feel the warmth and passion of the bathhouse owner, we introduce bathhouses that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, step by step.
In addition, it is packed with useful information about how to use public bathhouses, prices, what to bring, hot and cold bathing methods that help blood circulation, and the community culture of public bathhouses.
Capturing the scenery of a long-loved Japanese bathhouse
We meticulously measure the width of the tiles and dissect every nook and cranny of the bathroom to reveal its charm!
It's so much fun exploring all the different areas, like playing a hidden picture game!
『Bathhouse Guide』 was drawn using the perspective drawing technique (isometric technique) that looks down on the interior of a bathhouse from a specific angle.
From the entrance, you can see the entire structure of the bathhouse at a glance, including the bathroom, sauna, murals, and open-air space.
Painted murals, a unique culture of Japanese bathhouses, also reflect the individuality of each bathhouse.
This is also one of the pleasures of looking at the Pokedex.
The most important things I kept in mind while drawing the guide were to accurately convey the actual appearance of the bathroom, to make sure that the atmosphere of the bathroom could be felt through the drawing, and to ensure the completeness of the illustration itself.
To achieve this, it is drawn based on thorough research and experience.
About an hour and a half before the bathroom opens, I visit and use a laser measuring device and a 3-meter tape measure to meticulously measure the bathroom size, the size and depth of the bathtub, the faucets and various shower fixtures, and even the width of the tiles.
After taking the measurements, go into the bath and take a bath.
In order to express the bathroom scenery as realistically as possible, the bathhouse is recreated in three dimensions on paper by observing the way water bubbles and ripples spread, the facial expressions of people in the bath, and even the texture of sunlight streaming in from the ceiling.
From detailed and meticulous designs to warm and affectionate illustrations, witty notes detailing every nook and cranny of the bathhouse, introductions to the basic information and history of each bathhouse, and even candid essays, the author generously displays his special affection for bathhouses.
The bathhouse guide takes about 20 hours to draw one place.
The drawings, drawn with such extraordinary affection, received great attention in Japan and were introduced in many media such as TBS's Passion Continent and NHK's Documentary, and the drama "After Bath Sketch" (2022) was produced based on "Bathhouse Encyclopedia".
A place that soothes your tired body and mind with its unwavering warmth.
A place that boldly merges with lively modern culture,
Bathhouses that have survived the changing times and continue their history and traditions.
Step into the largest bathtub.
Without realizing it, I let out an exclamation of “Wow!”
I look around the bathroom with a relaxed feeling, feeling the tension in my shoulders slowly melt away.
Warm light streaming in through the high ceiling, the faded tiles in the bathtub and shower, and the woman washing herself while chatting with her neighbor.
The bathroom scenery beyond the warm steam is so beautiful, like a scene from a movie, that I find myself quietly muttering, “The bathroom is the best after all.”
_From the text
In Japan as well as in Korea, bathhouses are gradually disappearing.
In Japan, one bathhouse closes every day.
On the other hand, there are ongoing attempts to revive the disappearing bathhouse culture, with regrets about it.
The author also takes on unique challenges, such as holding lectures, exhibitions, and concerts at bathhouses.
The author hopes that through this book, more people will visit bathhouses and that bathhouse culture will continue.
Public bathhouses are gradually disappearing, but they survive in various forms, offering comfort and a sense of warmth that will wash away the day's weariness.
As you listen to the author's bathhouse stories told with special affection and passion, you will soon find yourself wanting to go to the bathhouse.
If you love bathhouses, want to experience Japan's fading bathhouse culture, or are a traveler who wants to experience Japan up close, I recommend this book to immerse yourself in the warm and charming world of bathhouses.
♨ A list of bathhouses including addresses, opening hours, and admission fees.
♨ When you open the book cover, a poster of the bathhouse Gosugiyu appears!
GOODS SPECIFICS
- Date of issue: August 6, 2023
- Page count, weight, size: 136 pages | 304g | 150*210*20mm
- ISBN13: 9791193238028
- ISBN10: 1193238021
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