Architect Ebisawa’s First Design for Onsen Facility
“Unyu Tenzan” is characterized by its open-air bath called “Ukiyo-buro” or “Floating World Style Bath” in the Edo Period (1603～1868). The designer Mr. Hiroshi Ebisawa tried to employ the sprit of bathing culture from the Edo Period as its main concept for expansion plan. At an “Ukiyo-buro” or communal bath, everyone, no matter what their social rank, was considered to be equal, once they got undressed and entered there. The rustic existing outdoor bath was preserved as “Noten-buro” and additional facilities were built around it in his design concept. New buildings were built to surround the area of the open-air bath and walls of buildings protect bathers away from cold wind. Inner bath and the changing area were also additionally provided in the first floor of that building. The rest and relaxation area was laid out on the second floor. This formula was quite similar to “Ukiyo-buro” or communal bathhouses of the Edo Period. People mingled together and enjoy the scenery overlooking from above.
"Noten" Open air Onsen Space
He intended showing the intermingling of people bathing and of people resting, the flow of communication among the crowed, is an atmosphere, recreated from the “Edo Floating World.”
Image from the old book "KENGUIRIKOMISENTAUSHINWA"
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