Registered Tangible Cultural Properties · Gunma

Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse

Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse: A Small Bath Building of 1935

A 9.9 m² bath building of 1935 behind the Main House on the Kawabata estate in Fujioka, Gunma, glazed on many sides and split into a changing room and a bath.

Designation Registered Tangible Cultural Properties

Location Gunma

What Is the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse?

The Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse (川端家住宅湯殿, Kawabata-ke Jūtaku Yudono) is a small bath building attached to the west side of the Main House on the Kawabata estate in Tateishishinden, Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture, built in 1935 and registered in 2001 as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property.

It sits behind the earth-floored section of the Main House, a single-storey building with a north–south ridge, a gabled Kirizuma-zukuri roof of Sangawara-buki tiles and a building area of just 9.9 square meters.

The Well House, also from 1935, continues directly behind it. Together they form the water corner at the back of the Main House.

Why the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse Was Registered

The Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse was registered as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property under the criterion "a model of form."

The Agency for Cultural Affairs describes it as small but one of the few facilities that speak to the family’s daily living space. Gates, guest pavilions and storehouses tend to survive; the place where a household bathed every evening rarely does.

The year 1935 was also when the Middle Gate and inner walls were added. The Bathhouse shows that the family improved its private quarters at the same time as its formal approach.

Highlights of the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse

The Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse is built with exposed posts in the Shinkabe manner and has many glazed doors. Sheet glass had become widely available by the early Showa period, and households were bringing light into service rooms; this little building shows that shift.

Inside, a partition roughly halfway along divides it in two, with a changing room to the south and the bath, with its boiler, to the north. It is a compact, practical plan.

Its position behind the earth-floored work area would have made it easy to carry water and fuel from the house. Look at it together with the Well House behind.

Visiting the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse

The Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse is tucked behind the Main House and cannot be seen from outside. The residence is still a private home and not open to the public.

Because it is close to the occupants’ living quarters, whether it can be viewed even during reservation-only filming or event use is up to the owners. Ask when booking.

History and transport details are on the Kawabata Family Residence page.

Q&A

QWhen was the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse built?: AIn 1935. It was registered in 2001.

QWhere is the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse?: AOn the west side of the Main House, behind its earth-floored section, with the Well House directly behind it.

QWhat is inside the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse?: AA partition near the middle divides a changing room on the south side from the bath and boiler on the north side.

QWhy is the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse a Registered Tangible Cultural Property?: AIt was registered as "a model of form" as a small but rare survivor that shows how daily life was arranged.

QCan I see the Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse?: AIt is hidden behind the Main House and the estate is private. Ask the owners about access when making a reservation-only booking.

Basic Information

Name	Kawabata Family Residence Bathhouse
Location	391 Tateishishinden, Fujioka City, Gunma Prefecture
Designation	Registered Tangible Cultural Property (Building)
Year Designated	2001 (Heisei 13)
Quantity	1 building
Dimensions	Building area 9.9 m²
Owner	Kawabata Hozensha
Public Access	Not open to the public (private home; reservation-only use for filming and events)