Towards a Nude Architecture: A Visual Compendium of Japanese Hot Springs

A deep dive into the hidden world of Japanese hot springs, from fabled origins to modern manifestations

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.
Yuval Zohar is an architect and designer working internationally, he has spent the majority of his career in Asia and resides in the countryside onsen town of Yugawara, Japan.