KAMEYA HOTEL Ryuguden Sauna

Special Exhibition | August 4, 2026

The Ryuguden Sauna is composed of two spaces: the sea and the sky. The "sea" space, with its large openings, offers unobstructed views of the Sea of Japan horizon, designed to create a sense of oneness with the ocean. ©Jumpei SUZUKI
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Inspired by the hotel's historic wooden structure, a wooden truss structure was adopted. ©Jumpei SUZUKI
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The annex, "Ryuguden" was built in 1922 (Taisho 11). It is also a designated cultural property of Yamagata Prefecture. ©Jumpei SUZUKI

The building has been renovated to preserve its history and offer views of the Sea of Japan.

Yunohama Onsen, a historic hot spring resort in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, facing the Sea of Japan, is home to the long-established inn "Kameya." As part of its renovation, the inn converted a portion of its annex, "Ryuguden," built during the Taisho era, into a bathhouse and sauna. Architects Yasutaka Yoshimura and Tomoyuki Tsukagoshi did not simply repair the building that had withstood the test of time, but rather deciphered the intentions of the craftsmen of that era from its structure. Various ingenious measures had been taken during numerous repairs and renovations, such as securing ocean views and achieving spaciousness. By organizing these elements, they updated the structure into a repeating triangular truss. This improved earthquake and wind resistance while simultaneously creating a symbolic design for the space. With the sea in front and mountains behind, the two unique sauna spaces—one overlooking the Sea of Japan and the other gazing at the sky—attract sauna enthusiasts from all over Japan.

KAMEYA HOTEL(Kameya Hotel) Ryuguden Sauna
・Architects : Yasutaka Yoshimura (Yasutaka Yoshimura Architects), Tomoyuki Tsukagoshi (TSUKAGOSHI MIYASHITA SEKKEI）
・Location : 1-5-50 Yunohama, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
・Use : Accommodation (Sauna)
・Completed : 2023

Text: Yoshinao Yamada