Katakurakan, Communal bathhouse in Kami-Suwa Onsen, Japan.
Katakurakan is a bathhouse in the Kami-Suwa hot spring area, featuring a large marble bath fed by natural hot spring water. The building showcases Gothic Revival architecture, blending European design elements with Japanese bathing traditions.
The building was constructed in 1928 by the Katakura financial group as a modern leisure facility for the town's residents. It earned status as an Important Cultural Property because it demonstrates the blend of Western architectural design with local bathing traditions.
The name reflects a local family's connection to the town, and this place shows how bathhouses once served as gathering spaces for everyday social life. People came here not only to bathe but also to meet neighbors and experience a shared community ritual.
The site is within easy walking distance from Kami-Suwa Station and offers good parking access for those arriving by car. Check opening days before your visit, as the facility has periodic closures on specific weekdays.
The bath floor is covered with small round stones that gently massage your feet as you stand in the warm water. This massage function is a practical feature that many visitors overlook at first glance.
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