Towards a Nude Architecture

‘...a visual meditation on onsen culture in Japan and its deep-rooted connections to landscape and the body.’

'...a visually striking, beautifully written and highly informative book.'

‘Yuval Zohar charts the thermal pulse of a culture, and ... reveals how architecture can rescue our most elemental ways of being together.’

‘...deep dive into onsen history and design takes us on a journey through mineral springs and hinoki tubs..’

‘Nightclubs are becoming a thing of the past, Generation Z is choosing a new way out.’

Rotenburo Open-Air Hot Spring in the Japanese Wilderness

Towards a Nude Architecture
A Visual Compendium of Japanese Hot Springs

As one of the most volcanically active geographies in the world, the islands of Japan gush with nearly 30,000 naturally occurring hot springs, or onsen, of varying temperatures, colors, and mineral compositions. When superimposed over the country’s history, their timeline winds its way through ancient religions, warring empires, medical marvels, and modern day pop-culture, forming a vital part of the national identity.

Combining photos, drawings, collages, and diagrams from over a decade of travel across the country, Towards a Nude Architecture explores this narrative through an architectural lens, presenting a visual journey of water and steam spanning centuries and geographies. In three chapters examining past, present, and future, the book looks at the spiritual roots of bathing, the diverse structures built around the tradition, and the lasting influence of this poetic mingling between architecture, nature, and the naked body. Facing declining visitors and increased privatization, compounded by recent global crises, the need to promote and preserve these bastions of public space is more crucial than ever.

Snowy Onsen Ryokan

wooden Hinoki Onsen bath warmly lit interior

Wild Seaside Onsen Ocean Hot Spring

Ancient Onsen Healing Waters

Outdoor Onsen Hot Spring Valley River

Art Bath Hot Spring Nature View

Sento Bathhouse Art Collage Woodblock ukiyo e

All photographs, drawings, diagrams, and collages ©Yuval Zohar

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Towards a Nude Architecture