Katakurakan

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A historic hot spring facility designated as a National Important Cultural Property, offering healing for mind and body with its Western-style architecture exuding Taisho Roman elegance and its expansive, 1.1-meter-deep 'Senninburo' (1,000-person bath).

Historic Sites
National Treasure
Cultural Assets
Scenic Views
Japanese Gardens
Night Views
Famous Architects

HighlightsMagnificent architectural beauty designated as a National Important Cultural Property
The 'Senninburo' (1,000-person bath), 1.1 meters deep and large enough for 100 people
Pleasantly stimulating pebbles on the bath's floor for your soles
Filming location for the movie 'Thermae Romae II'
Panoramic views of Lake Suwa from the 2nd-floor lounge

Basic Information

Address: 4-1-9 Kogandori, Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture Search for tourist attractions in Nagano

Access: By train: Approximately a 5-minute walk from JR Chuo Line Kamisuwa Station, Suwako Exit (West Exit), via National Route 20. By car: Approximately 7 km from Chuo Expressway Suwa IC, passing through Lake Suwa. Free parking is available next to the facility (approx. 80 passenger cars, several buses). Show route

Op.Hours: **Bathhouse:** 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last admission at 7:30 PM) **2nd Floor Lounge (Bathhouse Building):** 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM **Restaurant:** 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Last order at 2:30 PM) **Guided Tours (Advance reservation required):** Course A: 1:30 PM, Course B: 3:30 PM (Approx. 45-minute duration) **Self-Guided Tours (No advance reservation required):** March 1st - October 31st: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM, November 1st - End of February: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Cld.Days: The 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month (If a public holiday falls on a Tuesday, the facility will be open, and closed the following day). New Year's holidays (December 31st and January 1st). Additionally, please be aware that there may be temporary closures for inspections and maintenance, or certain areas might be inaccessible due to special events.

Fee: **Bath Admission:** Adults: 850 yen, Children: 400 yen (ages 3 through elementary school age) *Includes access to the lounge. **Guided Tour (Advance reservation required):** Individuals (5 or more people): Adults 1,000 yen, Elementary School Students 300 yen, Children under elementary school age free. Groups (12 or more people): Adults 800 yen, Elementary School Students 200 yen, Children under elementary school age free. (100 yen discount available with a valid disability certificate) **Self-Guided Tour (No advance reservation required):** Adults 500 yen, Elementary School Students 100 yen, Children under elementary school age free. **Private Room (Rest + Bath Set):** Adults: 2,000 yen per person, Children: 1,000 yen per person (for 2 to 8 people, up to 3 hours) **Rental Halls (Example pricing for 3-hour use):** 1st Floor Small Japanese-style Room (17.5 tatami mats): 6,000 yen 1st Floor Medium Hall (40 tatami mats): 14,000 yen 2nd Floor Large Hall (204 tatami mats): 40,000 yen **Rental Halls (Rest + Bath, Example pricing for 3-hour use):** Adults: 2,000 yen per person, Children: 1,000 yen per person.

INFO: - Shoe lockers and personal lockers are available free of charge (100 yen coin-operated, with the coin refundable upon return). Complimentary amenities include rinse-in shampoo and body soap. - Items available for purchase or rental: Towels (200 yen), Bath Towels (rental, 300 yen), Razors (50 yen), Toothbrushes (50 yen), Hair Brushes (70 yen), Shower Caps (50 yen). - Bringing outside food and drinks into the facility is prohibited. Please note that re-entry during self-guided or guided tours is not permitted after exiting (a new admission fee will be required for re-entry). - Please refrain from touching exhibits or artifacts. - Pets are not allowed. - Children of elementary school age or younger must be accompanied by an adult guardian to enter the facility. - Casual photography is permitted for personal commemorative or viewing purposes only. - The facility is not fully barrier-free, so wheelchair users should exercise caution. - On 'Katakura-kan Day' (the third Tuesday of every month), enjoy special promotions including bath admission at half price or less!

HP: http://www.katakurakan.or.jp/

Overview

Nestled on the shores of Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Katakurakan is a historic hot spring facility, completed in 1928 (Showa 3) and designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It was built by Kentaro Katakura II, head of the Katakura Zaibatsu, once dubbed the 'Silk Emperor,' with the aim of expressing gratitude and providing welfare for the female silk mill workers and local residents. Inspired by the well-developed cultural welfare facilities he observed during his tours in Europe and America, Kentaro created Katakurakan, modeled after a facility in Czechoslovakia, as a groundbreaking cultural welfare complex for its time. The design was undertaken by Matsunosuke Moriyama, who studied at Tokyo Imperial University. While often categorized close to Gothic Revival or Romantic Revival styles, its unique design skillfully incorporates elements from various countries. Undoubtedly, the highlight of the hall is the 'Senninburo' (1,000-person bath), a magnificent marble bath boasting an impressive depth of 1.1 meters. Spacious enough to accommodate 100 people at once, its bottom is covered with smooth pebbles that provide a pleasant massage to the soles of your feet. This unique depth and sensation offer visitors an extraordinary bathing experience, perfect for rejuvenating both mind and body. The stained glass and sculptures adorning the bathhouse are also magnificent, allowing you to immerse yourself in history and art while soaking in the hot spring. On the second floor of the bathhouse building, there are retro-themed lounges and a dining hall, with a balcony offering panoramic views of the beautiful Lake Suwa. This space was also used as a filming location for the movie 'Thermae Romae II,' and its charming ambiance continues to attract many visitors. Additionally, the assembly hall building offers private rental rooms and a spacious 204-tatami-mat hall, making it suitable for various purposes. Katakurakan is more than just a hot spring facility; it is a living cultural heritage site that encapsulates the culture and architectural technology of the early Showa period, as well as the aspirations of the people of that time. It continues to be cherished by many to this day. Why not experience such a luxurious time at Katakurakan, where you can soak in the hot spring and reflect on history?

Katakurakan

Highlights

Basic Information

Overview

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