TRAIN ONSEN Travel Journals to Hot Springs in Japan

Today, Nishi-san and Kita-san have been in Kamisuwa Onsen where on the shores of Lake Suwa. They've started walking to Katakurakan from JR Kamisuwa Station.

By the way, Katakurakan is often mentioned in Suwa's tourist informations, but what is the highlight?

The architecture seems to be pretty interesting. And, the Senninburo here is famous, so I wanted to go there once.

Boy, Senninburo ... Does it mean 1,000 people can get in it at a time?

Well, I'm not sure.

They have arrived at Katakurakan.

Katakurakan (Bathhouse) exterior

Wow, this is it! How can I explain it? It's a fairy tale building! Or it looks to appear in girls manga. When was it built?

Taisho era, or the beginning of Showa era, I think.

Then, when Western-style architecture was still rare. No, it may not have been rare in Tokyo, but in Suwa it was rare, you know.

Still, it seems to have been arranged in a Japanese way. And, the public bath was made inside and opened up for locals, so it was so novel at that time, I guess.

That makes sense. If you say so, this design might be unique.

Right away getting into Katakurakan. The reception is in front and the men's bath is on the right. Nishi-san and Kita-san are heading to the undressing room.

Undressing room

Oh, a little retro feeling?

It has a nice atmosphere.

The bathing room has a washing area on the right and a jacuzzi on the left. But, The first thing that jumps into your eyes is the large bathtub "Senninburo" located in front.

Senninburo
(1,000 people bathtub)

Oh! This is Senninburo! It's pretty big, you know. And really bright.

Exactly. It has a different taste from Japanese hot springs. It might be including some of the longing for the West.

They soak in the bathtub at once.

Senninburo
(1,000 people bathtub)

Oh, deep! And what is this? Stones?

It's true. Pebbles are covering the bottom. It's like the effect of stepping on bamboo.

You mean I can massage the pressure points on my feet just standing and walking?

In short, the concept is to be healthy while taking a bath.

I got it. It's a kind of exercise rather than laid-back soaking in hot water. By the way, even though it's called 1000 people bathtub, 1000 people will not be able to soak in here. Absolutely impossible.

Exactly, 1000 people can't get in.

Staircase

After the bathing, they're walking and looking around the inside of Katakurakan Bathhouse. Up the stairs, there is a break room and a dining room on the second floor, and you can go up from there to the rooftop.

Katakurakan (Hall) exterior

After taking a look at the Bathhouse, they go to visit the Hall next. For tours without a guide of Katakurakan Hall, you don't need to make a reservation. In that case, you can feel free to look around after receiving the explanation of the route.

It's Western style to the entrance, but it's Japanese style from the back of this corridor. I think also the Former Furukawa House in Komagome has Japanese-style rooms. In this era, many buildings might have been built with a mixture style of Japanese and Western.

Oh, I see ... Ah, they explain about Senninburo on this information board. It says ... What? It says 1000 to 1200 people use it in a day ... Senninburo means a total in a day?

Information board

In short, it means a large bathtub. Actually, it says just a hundred people can get in it at a time.

Then, that should be called one hundred people bathtub, you know.

Could be. Then next, let's go up to the second floor.

OK!

Large hall

It was the Katakurakan tour which had some highlights, such as the 200-tatami hall and looking for the relief of "Guardian Bear". Nishi-san and Kita-san were satisfied with the fulfilling experience. (→ Continue to Kamisuwa Onsen Shibunoyu)

(September 2018)