From a young age, bathhouses were a sanctuary of joy and wonder for me. Born in Japan but raised in the UK and Australia, I treasured my annual visits to my grandparents in Osaka. I still fondly remember the modest bathhouse near their place - a hidden retreat nestled along a narrow, twisting back street. I vividly remember the soft creak of the old wooden sliding door, the warm smile of the lady in her little booth who knew each patron by name, and the quiet ritual of shedding my shoes before entering the broad tatami room. The earthy scent of tatami mingled with the gentle whir of the room fans, creating a sensory embrace that made every bath feel like a magical escape. Emerging from the massive baths, sweaty yet revitalised, I would step back onto that narrow street, sip a cold drink from a vending machine, and ride home with the cool wind brushing against my skin - each moment etched in my heart as pure rejuvenation.
That deep love for the bathing culture of my childhood continued to resonate with me as I grew older. Every trip back to Japan was incomplete without a return to that cherished bathhouse, a pilgrimage that reconnected me with a sense of belonging and tradition. As I matured, this passion evolved into a fascination with saunas, steam rooms, and invigorating cold plunges. I remember the thrill of sneaking essential oils into my local public pool sauna - long before these holistic practices became mainstream in Australia - experiencing the transformative rush of heat and cool that still lingers in my memory.
In the midst of challenging times brought on by the forced closure of our business during COVID, I met Lee - a skilled carpenter whose early life had revolved around the lively energy of local pubs. Determined to redefine his future, Lee embraced wellness practices like breathwork, meditation, and clean eating, eventually discovering a profound love for the restorative power of saunas. His journey of transformation inspired him to start building barrel saunas as a side project. As we worked together, our shared passion sparked a dream: to create a bathhouse that fused the soulful traditions of Eastern bathing culture with the rejuvenating spirit of holistic wellness.
Our dream took shape during a surf trip to the Northern Rivers, where visits to inspiring wellness centres such as The Banya Bathhouse and Kiva Spa deepened our commitment. Today, our bathhouse in the Blue Mountains stands as a heartfelt tribute to our past and a beacon for our future. Crafted with high‑end workmanship and infused with deep community connection, our space is designed for relaxation, recovery, and rejuvenation. We are eternally grateful to the Blue Mountains - the people, the landscapes, the trees, and the waters - that raised and shaped us. Now, we give back by creating a sanctuary that reflects our love for tradition, wellness, and the simple, profound joy of a restorative bath.
Taku and Lee
Creators of Aqua Ignis Bathhouse
Est May 2025
Blue Mountains, Australia
