When I first visited the site, I was struck by the feeling of being completely immersed in the forest: the sound of cascading water, moss-covered stones, and the moisture in the air. Rather than imposing too much architecture, I felt the space should simply become a vessel for experiencing nature as it is.

Across the three-tiered slope, three overlapping roofs follow the existing levels and connect the spaces continuously. As you move from the living areas to the bedrooms and out into the garden, your perspective shifts, revealing a different expression of the same valley from each room.

Slate tiles reminiscent of water and hand-textured timber bring a tactile connection to the landscape. By engaging all the senses, we hope guests can slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the simple act of soaking in hot water as purely and deeply as possible.

"I felt that this site offered a rare opportunity to become fully immersed in the nature of Okuyugawara. The changing colors of the trees, the gentle sound of the Fujiki River, and the rich scent of damp earth and greenery all give the land a distinctive presence. Our aim was to translate that sense of place into an architectural experience.

For those who spend their everyday lives in the city, we wanted to create a place where they could let go, return to a more natural state, and connect directly with the landscape. In many ways, this simple act of immersing oneself in nature and hot water has been part of life here for generations.

We hope YUAMI offers a place to reset both body and mind, to slow down, refresh, and eventually return to everyday life with a renewed sense of balance.