Tokyo Focus: Genkiro - A Subterranean Art Experience in Utsunomiya
Every first Sunday, Tokyo in Focus brings you an in-depth look at a unique location in the city as part of Tokyo Unfolded. This month, I’m venturing beyond Greater Tokyo to explore a remarkable site in Utsunomiya City: Genkiro (元気炉).
Located about 50 minutes from Tokyo Station via the JR Tohoku Shinkansen, followed by a 20-minute bus ride, Genkiro is an immersive art installation that reimagines the relationship between contemporary art and well-being. Created by artist Kuribayashi Takashi, this underground space invites visitors to engage with their senses, blending traditional Japanese wellness concepts with modern installation art. (Underground in this case is quite literal—it is housed beneath the earth, not just part of an avant-garde movement.)
A Historic Underground Setting
The setting is an integral part of Genkiro’s impact. Situated in the vast, cavernous Oya stone quarries - shaped by centuries of mining - the installation transforms the natural rock formations and high ceilings into part of the artwork itself. The scale of the space creates an imposing yet meditative atmosphere, making the experience deeply immersive.
Credit: Kuribayashi Takashi
Kuribayashi’s work reflects on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, transforming its legacy into an introspective sensory experience. At its center stands Oya Genkiro Unit 6, a towering sculptural structure reminiscent of a tree. Its intricate network of pipes distributes steam infused with medicinal herbs, evoking themes of resilience, renewal, and the connection between energy, environment, and human well-being.
Visitors stepping inside are enveloped in dense, aromatic steam, reducing visibility to less than a meter. The warmth, scent, and texture of the air create a heightened bodily awareness, turning movement through the space into a meditative experience. Unlike traditional art exhibitions, Genkiro is not simply observed - it is felt. The installation blurs the line between comfort and disorientation, inviting participants to engage with their surroundings in a deeply personal way.
Credit: Kuribayashi Takashi
Operating Hours and Sessions
At the time of writing (please check before booking), the facility operates in three daily sessions, all of which require prior reservations:
Session 1: 9:30 - 11:30
Session 2: 12:30 - 14:30
Session 3: 15:00 - 17:00
Closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Visitor Information
Admission Fees
Space-only experience: ¥1,500
Full Genkiro experience: ¥3,500
Rental Items Available
Swimwear: ¥500
Poncho: ¥1,000
Towel set (face towel and bath towel): ¥500
Sandals: Free
Visitors are welcome to bring their own swimwear, face towels, and bath towels.
Important Notes
Due to the high-temperature steam environment, entry is not permitted for those feeling unwell or under the influence of alcohol.
Operations may be suspended depending on weather conditions or other circumstances.
While the experience involves steam, it is an interactive art installation rather than a traditional sauna.
Visitors participate at their own risk, acknowledging that they are entering an artistic environment rather than a wellness facility.
Getting There
Genkiro is located at 909-11 Oya-machi, Utsunomiya City, Tochigi Prefecture.
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya Station (approximately 50 minutes). From there, take a bus or taxi to the Oya district (about 20 minutes by taxi).
Rather than simply repurposing an industrial site, Kuribayashi has transformed the former quarry into a space for reflection, inviting visitors to engage with history, energy, and healing in a tangible way. The interplay of heat, scent, and movement fosters an intimate connection between body and space, offering an experience that lingers well beyond the moment of participation.