Asia
Asia's bathing cultures span some of the oldest continuously practiced traditions we document — from Japan's onsen towns, where volcanic water has drawn bathers for centuries, to Korea's jjimjilbangs, where the sauna functions as much as a social institution as a place of heat. In Japan, we've followed guides like Sho Ikushima into steam chambers carved into hillsides and hot spring baths fed by mineral water that hasn't changed its source in generations. Elsewhere across the continent, bathing takes on forms shaped by climate, geography, and centuries of local practice — some built around volcanic geothermal activity, others around communal ritual and architecture. Each film follows a specific place and the people who know it best.
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Todam Cham Sut Gama
We take you on a journey to Todam Cham Sut Gama, a distinguished jjimjilbang in the heart of South Korea. Situated in Yangju-si, Todam Cham Sut Gama stands out for its authentic use of a charcoal kiln, or "Gama," which translates to "kiln-shaped sauna room."
Todam Cham Sut Gama offers a unique ... -
Bukhara: Women's Hammam
Explore a compelling ethnographic journey into a time-honored, female-centered tradition in Bukhara, a historic crossroads of the Silk Road. The journey starts with the adult women's rigorous physical treatments. Viewers witness the traditional Uzbek hammam massage, followed by the rare and inten...
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Takara Yu | 高良有
Established in 1927, Takara Yu stands as a testament to the resilience of tradition, having weathered the challenges of the Second World War. This venerable bathhouse has become an integral part of Tokyo's cultural landscape, providing a haven for relaxation and communal well-being for over nine ...
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Sumberkima Hill
Find a convergence of health, nature, and culture at Sumberkima Hill Retreat. Perched above the lush coastline of northwest Bali, Sumberkima Hill invites visitors to cycle between heat and cold: from the scent of cedar wood in the sauna to the bracing clarity of a 12°C plunge pool. This cycle of ...
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Sentos in Kyoto with César and Sanjiro
Explore the fascinating world of Japan's traditional public bathhouses, known as "sento" (literally meaning "penny bath"), through the lens of two passionate advocates working to preserve this centuries-old cultural institution in modern Japan.
We follow French illustrator and designer César De... -
Bukhara: Men's Hammam
In the heart of Bukhara, one of Central Asia’s most storied cities, bathing has always been a source of hygiene as well as tradition, therapy, and connection. The city’s hammams, or public bathhouses, have shaped daily life for over a millennium, standing as symbols of health and hospitality in t...
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Lumeira Social Wellness Complex
We journey to the heart of Bali, to the Lumeira Social Wellness Complex; a radical experiment in human renewal. In a world spiraling in the wrong direction, its founder has created a sanctuary designed to quiet the cacophony of modern life and re-establish a fundamental truth: a healthy mind is t...
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Ibusuki Hakusuikan | 指宿白水館
Transport yourself in volcanic heated sand at the Sunamushi Onsen - Ibusuki Hakusuikan, in Kagoshima, Japan.
Picture yourself reclining on the warm sand, a gentle breeze brushing against your skin as the distant symphony of the sea serenades your senses. Nestled within the embrace of this encha... -
Hyang Nam Healing Spa
Hyangnam Healing Spa, located in Hwaseong City, South Korea, is known for its unique use of sulfur hot spring water sourced from 800 meters underground. As the first spa in the area to feature this natural resource, Hyangnam Healing Spa provides a range of wellness services, including jjimjilbang...
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Sana Mane | サナ・マネ
"Listen to the sound of the waves rolling in and out, feel the soft breeze on your skin, and take in the starry night sky. Please experience the fantastic time and space unique to SANA MANE" ~ Sana Mane
Experience the architectural wonder of Sana Mane's unique sauna, "Sauzae" on Naoshima Island....
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Kannawa Mushiyu | 鉄輪虫湯
Experience Kannawa Mushiyu where guests enjoy a steam bath by laying on top of ""Sekisho"" (a medicinal herb that only grows along the banks of clear streams) that is heated by the Beppu Onsen (hot spring).
""The city of Beppu in Kyushu is famous for its hot springs. There are eight different ...
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Otakinoyu
Indulge in a serene retreat to Otakinoyu, nestled in the heart of Kusatsu, and embark on a journey of relaxation in one of the town's natural hot spring baths, known as onsen. Guided by Sho Ikushima, discover the allure of Otakinoyu, where traditional Japanese awase-yu bathing culture takes cente...
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Kairyou Yu Sento
"Tokyo, Japan Explore Kairoyou Yu Sento, a simple yet stylish sento within walking distance from Shibuya Station, with Sho Ikushima. About Kairyou Yu Sento | 海龍遊仙人 Journey to discover the harmonious blend of simplicity and style at Kairyou Yu Sento, a charming sento located within walking distan...
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Mikoku Yu | 三國由宇
Mikoku Yu is a renowned and historically significant bathhouse located in the vicinity of two major attractions in Tokyo: the Tokyo Skytree and the Asakusa area. This public bath has a rich history that dates back to its establishment in 1947, making it a part of Tokyo's cultural heritage.
Here... -
Inazumi Limestone Cave
Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of Inazumi Limestone Cave, in Kyushu, Japan, where visitors can enjoy a tent sauna then soak in the limestone cave water bath where the therapeutic aura of negative ions permeates, offering solace and rejuvenation for both body and mind.
The Inazumi Under... -
Bali's Sanctuary Sauna
Bali's Sanctuary Sauna: the Sacred Banya Ritual at Teplo Concept Ubud
Join us as we explore "Bali's Sanctuary Sauna," an intimate look at the weekly women's retreat at Teplo Concept in Ubud. A community of women of different ages and body types gather to reset in this serene, sacred space on th... -
Byun San Hae Soo Jjim
Explore the Tranquility of Byun San Hae Soo Jjim
In the southwestern region of South Korea, take a 2.5 hour train ride fro Seoul to Buan County, in the Province of Jeollabuk-Do, &to enjoy a unique experience at the Byun San Hae Soo Jjim (변산해수찜) public bath.
This Korean spa offers a rejuvenati... -
Hottarakashi Onsen
Yamanashi, Japan About Hottarakashi Onsen | ほったらかし温泉 Follow us on a soul-soothing journey with Sho Ikushima and his brother, Yuki, as they invite you to revel in the awe-inspiring vistas of Mt. Fuji at Hottarakashi Onsen, a captivating hot springs located just 90 minutes outside of Tokyo. This sc...