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Akari Brings Authenticity to New York’s Washed Sauna Scene

ByMyProperty Life

There are strong links between Japan and the Nordic region (a grouping of countries that includes much more than just Scandinavia). That’s especially true when it comes to sauna culture. Though the word is Finnish, translating as bathouse, the concept of pumping steam through enclosures firmly roots in Neolithic Greenland and Newfoundland. It’s been an integral part of daily life across these, especially frigid, Northern reaches for eons.

Modern waiting area with wooden chairs, cushioned benches, a large abstract painting, and a glass garage-style door letting in natural light.

Akari Greenpoint

Minimalist lounge with wooden slat chairs, a long bench, stacked towels on shelves, large abstract wall art, and floor-to-ceiling windows showing a parked car outside.

Akari Greenpoint

Read another article:Design Trends for Creating a Vacation Vibe at Home

In Japan, sentō and onsen facilities have been around since the 1200s. While the former is generally defined as a communal bathhouse, the latter is specified as geothermal hot springs that are encircled by traditional inns.

Two wooden slat chairs face a small hexagonal table with a cup on it, beneath a large green abstract painting in a minimalist room.

Akari Greenpoint

Gaining popularity as an alternative, far less harmful, type of third place, saunas and other types of bathhouses have cropped up across bustling metropolises like London and New York. While many tout unique amenities—some more gimmicky than others—few of these highly publicized venues hold true to the Japanese traditions mentioned before.

Close-up of a wall made of clear, wavy glass blocks arranged in a grid pattern, distorting light and images behind them.

Akari Greenpoint

Cue Akari, two immersive saunas in Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn that are as comprehensive as they are unassuming. There’s no need for flashy light shows or poolside DJ-sets at these quaint, smartly outfitted wellness spaces. Comprising dry saunas, cold plunges, and quiet relaxation areas, both membership—non reservation—based venues champion the idea that New Yorkers should slow down more often and go to the bathhouse in order to reset rather than party. While the entirely renovated Williamsburg location features an incredibly rare outdoor cold plunge pool, the Greenpoint one was imagined in partnership with celebrated thermal consultant Kiel Moe.

Empty wooden sauna interior with tiered bench seating and dark floor tiles, lit by natural light.

Akari Greenpoint

International architecture firm Stroop Design staged the latter with intentional detailing. The aim was not to overpower the restorative act of saunaing with bold finishes or sculptural elements but to succinctly facilitate the experience with a consistent design vocabulary. Many of these accents—2 by 2 inch light green tiles—harken back to traditional sentōs. Tabletops laminated in washi paper by master craftsperson Hanato Watar were repurposed as wall art throughout.

A modern wall sconce with four rectangular lights emits a warm glow against a dark wooden panel wall.

Akari Greenpoint

A small bonsai tree in a round black pot sits on a wooden surface against a wooden paneled background.

Akari Greenpoint

Sparingly placed furnishings and fixtures are modestly modern, solidly made but light, reflecting the brand’s name Akari, which translates as light in Japanese. The idea here is to make saunaing a daily ritual—one that has both physical and mental benefits—and remove any of the social expectation or architectural fanfare that might make it feel like a chore.

Street view of the Akari restaurant entrance with glass garage-style door, black planters with greenery, and an open side door at 149, on a city sidewalk.

Akari Greenpoint

A wooden kitchenette with a countertop, sink, electric kettle, cups, water dispenser, and a shelf holding mugs, glasses, bottles, and two black caps.

Akari Williamsburg

A row of wooden lockers with black locks is arranged against a wall in a well-lit interior space.

Akari Williamsburg

Wooden bench with a patterned cushion on top and four pairs of black slippers neatly arranged on a lower shelf, set on a stone tile floor.

Akari Williamsburg

A small outdoor patio with potted plants, a large tree, gravel ground, a lounge chair, and a pale curved wall in the background.

Akari Williamsburg

Outdoor spa area with a hot tub, gravel garden, potted plants, and a glass door leading to an indoor space. A tree and hanging branches are visible in the enclosed courtyard.

Akari Williamsburg

Two empty lounge chairs and stools sit beside a small pool with clear water, set against a white wall with sparse vines and some greenery.

Akari Williamsburg

Outdoor patio with two beige chairs, a small wooden stool, and a round paper lantern next to large glass doors revealing an indoor seating area with stools and warm lighting.

Akari Williamsburg

Three wicker lounge chairs with small wooden tables are arranged on a tiled patio, beside a large glass window and a glowing floor lamp.

Akari Williamsburg

A dimly lit interior space with a curved ceiling, metal sink, counter, and seating area, viewed through a glass door.

Akari Williamsburg

A dimly lit room with a wooden bench, round wooden stools, and a kitchenette with a sink and bottles on the counter.

Akari Williamsburg

Empty wooden sauna with built-in benches and sunlight casting shadows on the tiled floor and walls.

Akari Williamsburg

Yellow-tiled shower with a square ceiling-mounted showerhead, a round control knob on the right wall, and a speckled stone floor.

Akari Williamsburg

A round beige vase with yellow flowers sits on a small wooden stool in front of a mirrored blue-tiled wall.

Akari Williamsburg

To learn more about the creative synergy between Akari Sauna and Stroop Design, visit akarisauna.com and stroop.design.

Photography by Crooked Letter, Yannis Malevitis, Slope Agency, Shayna Olsan, Jess Tran.

Adrian Madlener is a Brussels-born, New York-based writer specializing in collectible and sustainable design. With a particular focus on topics that exemplify the best in craft-led experimentation, he’s committed to supporting talents that push the envelope in various disciplines.

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