Hinoki enzyme bath ZEN

“Kousoburo ZEN” in Fujisawa City is a facility that offers an enzyme bath service using the fermentation heat of enzymes with cypress powder. The design concept for this project, “zen,” expresses a worldview that integrates the images embodied in the kanji characters for ‘ (Natural), (Zen), (Whole), (Repair), (Good).’ To realize this concept, the overall color scheme is unified in two contrasting tones (black and white) that represent the concept of yin and yang. By minimizing the visual stimulus of ‘color,’ the design aims to create a space where visitors can more easily embrace a sense of inner tranquility—evoking a Zen-like worldview. The interior uses natural materials and pursues a simple beauty without waste. Floor lighting is extensively used, placing light sources close to the ground so that they are not visible during the bath, enhancing the visual relaxation effect.

The cypress used in the enzyme bath is combined with natural enzymes, which decompose and generate heat naturally. This heat generation is a highly natural process that requires no external energy. Bathers are enveloped in cypress sawdust, and by being wrapped in the warmth (60~70°C) generated through fermentation, their bodies warm from the core. The bathing time is around 15 minutes. Due to significant sweating, the overall use time, including rest and showers, is about 60 to 90 minutes. This bathing method is said to have various health benefits, such as promoting blood circulation, boosting metabolism, improving immunity, and enhancing skin beauty and anti-aging effects. The unique fragrance of cypress further enhances relaxation, easing both physical and mental tension.

There is also a notable point regarding energy consumption in enzyme baths. Japan’s bathing culture includes various styles such as saunas and hot springs, but compared to these, enzyme baths require significantly less energy to operate. This is because they use the natural energy of fermentation, minimizing the environmental impact. For those who find the high heat of saunas uncomfortable, enzyme baths offer a relaxing experience in a pleasant warmth, making them an attractive option.

Enzyme baths are not water baths. In a sense, they continue the flow of Japan’s traditional bathing culture, including sand baths and stone baths, while adapting to modern lifestyles as a relatively new category of bathing. Japan’s bathing culture has seen various developments throughout history, with different categories coexisting and evolving into the present day. Looking toward the future, it is expected that enzyme baths will play a role in this cultural continuum, spreading to more people in the years to come.