Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto offers Zen stays and exclusive access to rare cultural experiences

In Japan, where Zen principles rooted in ancient Shinto rituals and Buddhist meditations deeply influence daily life, interior design reflects these philosophies through an emphasis on balance, minimalism, and harmony. This approach often manifests in Japanese homes designed to evoke equanimity, calmness, and freedom from excess. The aesthetic is characterized by a timeless beauty, frequently incorporating a basic color palette of light and soft earth tones. Furniture typically features clean lines and sharp angles, often finished with unvarnished cedar wood. This article highlights seven modern Japanese hotels that embody these Zen-inspired design principles, offering travelers an opportunity to experience peace and serenity. The first featured hotel, Amanemu, is located in Iseshima's tranquil Ise-Shima National Park on Honshu Island. It provides suites and villas equipped with spacious outdoor decks and traditional onsen baths, aligning with the concept of integrating nature and relaxation. Next, Zaborin in Hokkaido is nestled within forests and meadows, close to premier ski slopes. Its 15 villas each boast indoor and outdoor traditional Japanese baths, fed by natural volcanic spring water, emphasizing a deep connection to the natural environment. The House of Finn Juhl, situated in the ski town of Hakuba in Nagano, presents a unique fusion of Danish and Japanese design sensibilities. This hotel is entirely furnished with pieces by Danish master Finn Juhl, demonstrating how distinct design traditions can converge harmoniously. Shimaya Stays in Kyoto offers a contemporary take on traditional Japanese living. Two historic townhouses, over a century old, have been meticulously restored and transformed into modern, clean-lined serviced apartments, preserving their heritage while providing modern comforts. Sotoyama Jujo, located in Minami-Uonuma, a mere two-hour train ride from Tokyo, is a countryside hotel that blends natural elements with sophisticated design. It features cypress and cedar wood floors, an outdoor bathtub, stunning mountain views, and furniture by renowned designers such as Arne Jacobsen, Hans Wegner, and Isamu Noguchi. Hoshinoya Tokyo, opened in 2016, offers a contemporary interpretation of traditional Japanese ryokans within a 17-floor structure. Its rooms and public areas are designed with tatami mats, creating an authentic Japanese ambiance. Finally, Hotel Kanra in Kyoto provides modern rooms inspired by "machiyas," which are traditional wooden townhouse homes characteristic of Kyoto. These rooms include tatami beds and aromatic cypress bathtubs, offering guests a sensory experience that reflects local traditions. Each of these hotels showcases how modern Japanese hospitality integrates Zen principles and traditional aesthetics to create environments of profound tranquility and beauty, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a peaceful retreat. #JapaneseHotels #ZenDesign #MinimalistInteriors #JapaneseArchitecture #LuxuryTravel #OnsenBaths #RyokanExperience #KyotoHotels #HokkaidoHotels

MESM Tokyo, a new addition to Marriott's Autograph Collection, offers a unique blend of traditional Japanese hospitality and modern, fashion-forward design. Located in the WATERS Takeshiba building in Hamamatsucho, the hotel occupies floors 16 through 26, providing guests with panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and the historic Hamarikyu Gardens. The hotel's design, orchestrated by Wilson Associates, draws inspiration from the dynamic flow of water and people along the Takeshiba waterfront, influencing its decor, color scheme, and art installations. Each room at MESM Tokyo is a fusion of contemporary and traditional Japanese aesthetics, designed to maximize the impressive views. Entryways feature bespoke consoles, and rooms are equipped with standalone powder rooms and collapsible closet cubicles for a sleek and efficient living space. For guests with a musical inclination, a Casio Privia digital piano is thoughtfully included in each room, adding a unique touch to the guest experience. Dining at MESM Tokyo is an experience in itself. The Chef’s Theatre restaurant offers French bistro cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced Japanese ingredients, all within a dining room that pays homage to kabuki theater. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Whisk provides cocktails, coffee, and light bites, centered around an elegant cantilevered marble bar. The hotel also caters to corporate and social events with a multi-function room capable of accommodating up to 90 people. Adhering to the Autograph Collection's philosophy of providing distinct experiences tailored to each destination, MESM Tokyo emphasizes showcasing the city's latest trends in fashion, art, technology, and lifestyle. This commitment is evident through the inclusion of locally sourced products throughout the hotel, such as men's skincare from Bulk Homme and coffee from the trendy Sarutahiko Coffee. These curated selections allow guests to immerse themselves in Tokyo's contemporary culture and stay current with local trends. In essence, MESM Tokyo represents a sophisticated retreat that marries luxurious accommodations with cultural authenticity. The strategic location, coupled with thoughtful design and bespoke amenities, positions it as a significant hospitality offering in the Japanese capital. The hotel aims to not only mesmerize its guests through its design and services but also to connect them with the vibrant pulse of Tokyo's innovative and traditional landscapes. #MESMTokyo #AutographCollection #LuxuryHotel #TokyoHospitality #JapaneseDesign #WaterfrontViews #HotelInterior #TravelJapan #TokyoHotels

The Ace Hotel in Kyoto, Japan, set to open in spring, is drawing attention for its unique design and thoughtful amenities. This project is a collaboration between Ace Hotel's longtime partner Commune Design and local architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic stadium. The hotel aims to blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern luxury, offering a fresh perspective on hotel room design. The guest rooms in the Ace Hotel Kyoto feature standard luxury elements such as minibars, lounges, and spacious vanities, but elevate them with distinct Japanese-inspired touches. These include tatami mattresses, Tivoli radios, and original artworks from local artists. A particular focus has been placed on optimizing storage solutions, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal within the rooms. One of the standout design elements is the enhanced medicine cabinets in the bathrooms. Unlike typical apartment fixtures, these cabinets are crafted from tamo wood, a local wood similar to western American ash. They feature a sliding door at the bottom, which allows for discreet storage of everyday items while also providing an opportunity to display more visually appealing bottles or decorative elements. For rooms with double vanities, a column of integrated niches offers convenient storage for shared toiletries, addressing a common organizational challenge for couples. Another innovative feature is the multipurpose sofa bed, a simplified version inspired by traditional Japanese futon seating. This design addresses the common issue of cumbersome sofa beds in hotel rooms. The bolster cushion of this sofa doubles as a blanket, making it easy for guests to convert it for a quick nap or additional sleeping space without a complex unfolding process. This thoughtful detail emphasizes ease of use and comfort. Furthermore, the hotel reinterprets the room divider in its Historic guest rooms. Instead of conventional solid walls or partitions, perforated black shades are used. These shades can be rolled down to a desk partition, effectively dividing a large, open room into distinct, more private zones. This design choice offers flexibility in space usage and creates a sense of seclusion within the larger room, providing guests with a 'haven within a haven.' The overall design philosophy focuses on creating an experience that encourages guests to fully enjoy their hotel stay, making the room an integral part of their travel experience. #AceHotelKyoto #HotelDesign #JapaneseAesthetics #KengoKuma #CommuneDesign #LuxuryTravel #InteriorDesign #BathroomDesign #Kyoto

This article highlights six exceptional hotels and resorts across Japan that feature stunning infinity pools, offering panoramic views and unique experiences for a relaxing holiday. Japan is renowned for its diverse landscapes, including snowy mountains, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cityscapes, all of which can be enjoyed from the comfort of these luxurious pools, many of which are accessible year-round, allowing guests to witness Japan's seasonal transformations. The Sorano Hotel in Tachikawa, Tokyo, is featured for its 11th-floor infinity pool that stretches the length of the hotel, providing unobstructed views of Showa Kinen Park. Guests can observe colorful flowers throughout the year, catch golden sunsets, and even spot Mt. Fuji on clear days, despite being just a 30-minute train ride from Shinjuku. The hotel's design ensures that the metropolitan environment does not hinder the natural beauty experienced from the pool. The Harbor Terrace in Kamakura offers a holiday rental experience with all rooms boasting scenic views. Its rooftop infinity pool, operational from May to October, provides a luxurious setting with a lounge that floats on the water, ideal for dining and relaxation by the coast facing Enoshima. Nearby, Thermal Spa S. Wave, also in Kamakura, presents another infinity pool on its fourth floor, designed to create the illusion of floating directly on the Pacific Ocean. This pool adjusts its temperature seasonally, ensuring comfort for guests regardless of the time of year. Moving south, the ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa in Oita prefecture, a region famous for its natural hot springs, offers an infinity pool with expansive views of the cityscape. This pool is a prime spot for cooling off and enjoying the evening lights, complemented by lounging sofas and a jacuzzi. Bettei Amafuru Oka in Ibusuki city, Kagoshima, located on a hill, is equipped with extensive wellness facilities, including bedrock baths, sand baths, a high-tech relaxation capsule, and a year-round infinity pool with a poolside bar serving tropical cocktails and natural wine. Finally, Hoshinoya Okinawa in Yomitan's coastal village is characterized by its ocean-connected outdoor pool, which operates 24/7. The pool's design makes it appear as though it merges with the sea, offering ample lounging space and a shallow area for children. These diverse locations and their unique infinity pools collectively showcase Japan's ability to blend natural beauty with high-end hospitality, providing memorable and picturesque retreats. #JapanTravel #InfinityPools #LuxuryHotels #HotelResorts #TokyoHotels #KamakuraHotels #OkinawaHotels #TravelGuide

This article highlights seven distinctive Airbnb properties across Japan, offering travelers unique accommodation experiences beyond conventional hotels. The selection ranges from tranquil Zen temple retreats to tropical treehouses and modern, themed apartments, each providing a memorable stay with a blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary comforts. The first featured property is Temple Stay Zenso in Gunma, a renovated extension of the 700-year-old Horinji Temple. This retreat offers an immersive Zen experience with activities like Zazen meditation and Sutra scripture writing, while also providing modern amenities such as an outdoor dining area for barbecues and a lounge with a TV, balancing spiritual practice with relaxation. Next, in Kyoto, a Zen-inspired Machiya offers a blend of traditional and modern Japanese design within a refurbished 100-year-old townhouse. It features tatami flooring, sliding washi doors, a private garden, and a luxurious bathtub overlooking the garden, all while being conveniently located near a train station and popular tourist spots like Gion district and Heian Shrine. Moving south to Okinawa, Bansho no Ie is a bungalow surrounded by banana fields and lush jungle, offering easy access to the beach. This two-bedroom abode is also near various pottery studios, providing guests with opportunities to engage in local crafts. In Hokkaido, Tida House presents a quaint country cottage experience, designed with straw and concrete walls to ensure warmth during snowy winters. This humble two-bedroom home, reminiscent of a Ghibli film, offers a projector with Netflix for cozy indoor entertainment amidst a peaceful setting of neighboring homes and potato fields. Another Okinawan gem, Mori no Subako, is a dream treehouse getaway complete with a hammock, stunning ocean views, and a barbecue-equipped balcony. Despite its natural setting, a nearby café ensures creature comforts, and its location is a short drive from the historic Nakijin Castle ruins, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Yanaka Sow in Tokyo offers a hip guesthouse experience in Nippori, blending old and new with shared spaces like a kitchen, laundry room, and library. This property aims to foster a sense of community among travelers, offering guest rooms for four and six people with unmanned check-in and check-out, providing a local living experience. Finally, the Moshi Moshi Rooms in Tokyo’s Harajuku district provide three distinctively themed apartments. The third floor, Dosokoi, is inspired by traditional sento (public bathhouses) with a hinoki wood tub and a mural by a public bath painter. The floor above draws inspiration from origami, while the fifth-floor Sakura Room offers a modern, all-pink aesthetic, showcasing Harajuku's kawaii culture. These Airbnbs collectively provide a diverse range of accommodations, catering to different preferences and ensuring a unique and memorable stay in Japan. #JapanTravel #Airbnb #UniqueStays #TempleStay #Machiya #Okinawa #Hokkaido #TokyoAccommodation #Harajuku

Aman Kyoto, the latest addition to the Aman group and the final project designed by the late Australian architect Kerry Hill, offers a unique luxury experience nestled within a 24,000 sqm forested estate in Kyoto. Unlike typical luxury resorts that aim to impress with opulent displays, Aman Kyoto emphasizes integration with its natural surroundings, making its architectural design almost invisible. Hill's deep appreciation for the garden, which he discovered 20 years prior and advocated for as the sole location for Aman Kyoto, guided this design philosophy. The resort's structures, including the restaurant, spa, and guest rooms, are uniformly clad in dark wood strips, enabling them to blend seamlessly with the dense foliage and shifting patterns of light and shadow. Upon entering the expansive rooms, which are approximately 60 sqm, guests find no overt decorative elements. Instead, floor-to-ceiling panels direct attention to the natural beauty outside, fostering a connection with the surrounding environment of cedar, cypress, camellia, and Japanese maple trees that change with the seasons. The understated approach extends to the amenities; while prices begin at around S$2,500 per night (excluding breakfast), the luxury is found in meticulously curated details such as marshmallow-soft chenille bathrobes by Ploh and Hinoki wood bathtubs that diffuse a calming fragrance when filled with warm water. This form of luxury is characterized by exclusivity and a deeply immersive cultural experience. The resort prides itself on bringing the essence of Kyoto to its guests, eliminating the need to venture outside. The spa features traditional onsen bathing facilities and treatments utilizing local ingredients like Kyoto green tea, tamba kuromame, local sake, and cold-pressed tsubaki oil. The signature 90-minute Aman Kyoto treatment begins with a hot spring soak, followed by a foot soak with ceremonial sake and 24k gold leaves, a sea-salt scrub blended with detoxifying matcha powder, and a breathing exercise with seasonal essential oils. A relaxing shiatsu massage concludes with freshly brewed green tea, selected by a local tea master, and Japanese-inspired sweets such as warabi mochi or fresh persimmon with vegan chocolate. The culinary experience at the Living Pavilion, led by executive chef Kentaro Torii, is a tribute to regional ingredients. Chef Torii, who meticulously sourced local produce for months, presents a wide repertoire that blends contemporary European degustation with Japanese nuances. Dishes might include jackfish carpaccio with mountain herbs, yuzu, and bottarga, or caramelised Ohmi wagyu from Shiga prefecture. The resort also offers rare heritage produce, such as hyotan pickles, intensely umami soy sauce from a local family brewer, and sansho berries harvested from the resort's own hills. Beyond the tangible, Aman Kyoto offers a profound sense of peace and a return to nature. Situated in a historic neighborhood known for its artistic community, the garden provides a Zen-like calm. Uneven stone paths invite barefoot exploration of the mossy grounds, and trails through the hills offer opportunities for quiet contemplation amidst birdsong and butterflies. The resort fosters a deep, restorative sleep, with guests falling asleep to forest views bathed in moonlight and the sounds of cicadas. In a world of increasing sensory overload, Aman Kyoto provides a sanctuary that offers what is truly needed: tranquility and an immersive connection to nature and culture, leaving guests thoroughly impressed by its subtle yet profound impact. #AmanKyoto #LuxuryResort #OnsenRyokan #KerryHillArchitects #JapaneseDesign #KyotoTravel #ZenExperience #UnderstatedLuxury #ArchitecturalIntegration

Kubo Tsushima Architects has designed two distinct hotel rooms within a boutique hotel in Kyoto, Japan, focusing on creating unique and memorable guest experiences through integrated design elements. The first room, Room 103, nicknamed 'Moon Phases,' addresses the challenge of a narrow window by featuring a circular light fixture carved into the wall. This fixture is designed to mimic the phases of the moon, transitioning from a full moon to a crescent as the room's lights are dimmed. This interactive lighting aims to connect guests with the natural rhythm of lunar cycles, drawing a parallel between the moon's influence on tides and its perceived impact on human emotions and the body, a concept highlighted by the architects given the body's high water content. The design of Room 103 further enhances a sense of seclusion and comfort by incorporating rounded junctions between the walls and ceiling, creating a soft, enveloping environment. The second room, Room 401, is themed 'Morning Dawn' and is situated on the fourth floor, offering expansive views of the city through a large window. For this space, the architects sought to evoke the serene atmosphere of an early morning dawn shrouded in mist. This is achieved through a deliberate use of color and form: a green carpet covers the floor, symbolizing a grassy plain, and extends upwards onto the walls with a gradient paint scheme that shifts from green to white. This artistic transition blurs the lines between floor and wall, immersing guests in the sensation of being surrounded by a field. The room's architecture emphasizes soft, continuous surfaces, with rounded walls concealing structural elements like columns and beams. Indirect lighting is strategically placed in a slit between the ceiling and walls, designed to replicate the gentle, sharp light of the rising sun. This combination of diffused lighting, gradient colors, and rounded forms creates a hazy, undefined space, offering a quiet and contemplative experience reminiscent of a deeply foggy, pure morning. Both rooms, totaling 51.81 sqm for Room 103 and 50.39 sqm for Room 401, were completed in December 2019 and showcase Kubo Tsushima Architects' innovative approach to interior design, using natural phenomena as inspiration to craft immersive and experiential hotel environments at The Screen Hotel in Kyoto. #HotelDesign #InteriorArchitecture #ExperientialDesign #LightingDesign #JapaneseArchitecture #KuboTsushimaArchitects #TheScreenHotel #Kyoto

Ryo Kan MX, a boutique hotel in Mexico City, offers a tranquil escape designed to emulate traditional Japanese countryside inns, known as ryokans. Situated near one of Mexico City’s prominent avenues, this establishment distinguishes itself with its serene atmosphere and unique architectural and interior design. The hotel features an origami-inspired sculptural facade and houses only 10 rooms, each embodying a blend of Japanese aesthetics and Mexican craftsmanship. The design of Ryo Kan MX was spearheaded by architect Regina Galvanduque of GLVDK Studio, who oversaw not only the architectural framework but also the interior decor, art selection, branding, and even the tableware. The overarching design philosophy emphasizes the integration of Japanese hospitality principles with local Mexican materials and contemporary technology. Throughout the hotel, a commitment to locally sourced materials and textures is evident, coupled with styling that draws heavily from Japanese design traditions. Collaborations with local designers and artisans were crucial in developing and selecting furnishings that reflect this fusion. The hotel’s design is rich in sensory details, incorporating handmade crafts such as ceramics and textiles throughout the property. The light-filled welcome area provides an inviting space with an open library, comfortable seating, and a zen garden, establishing a calm ambiance upon arrival. This zen garden, located at the core of the ryokan, is specifically designed to create a dialogue between Eastern and Western influences, and traditional versus contemporary styles. Each of the ten guest rooms is named after a Japanese number and is conceived to mirror traditional ryokan spaces while incorporating modern automated conveniences. Features like automated lighting, controllable via the hotel’s in-house app, enhance guest comfort. Some of the more spacious tatami bedrooms offer views of the interior garden, a mini-bar, and an independent lounge area within their 225 square feet. The rooms are further customized with locally sourced materials like bejuco, a vine used in Mayan architecture, alongside terrazzo and oak, adding a distinct local flavor to the Japanese-inspired decor. Sliding modular doors, reminiscent of traditional Japanese shoji screens, are also a prominent feature. Ryo Kan MX aims to introduce the concept of 'mindful hospitality' to Mexico City, aligning with Japanese cultural values such as simplicity, reverence for nature, appreciation for local natural materials, and community. The hotel staff articulate that this approach combines these values with a meticulous service style, fostering a new perspective on responsible tourism through a blend of Japanese and Mexican cultures. The intention is to redefine the standards for small lodges within a large metropolitan area. A highlight of the hotel is its rooftop deck, which offers four private onsen baths providing panoramic city views, further enhancing the tranquil and luxurious experience. #JapaneseDesign #MexicanCraftsmanship #BoutiqueHotel #MindfulHospitality #ZenGarden #TatamiRooms #OnsenBaths #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign

French design firm Le Berre Vevaud, comprising Raphaël Le Berre and Thomas Vevaud, undertook the transformation of a three-floor hôtel particulier in Paris’s 16th arrondissement into a functional and luxurious family home. The project aimed to integrate the art of living with comfort for an art-collecting couple and their two children. The initial impression of the property revealed grand volumes and abundant natural light, necessitating extensive redesign. The designers focused on the first-floor living area, dining room, and kitchen, creating an open-plan layout to maximize natural light. To address the six-meter-high ceilings, a mezzanine level was constructed. This elevated platform now serves as an office overlooking the dining room and offers a view of an olive tree. This intervention cleverly utilized vertical space while maintaining the flow and original decadent character of the property. Adjacent walls were opened to create a larger lateral room, framing views between the living and dining areas. The dining room features a cloudy gold leaf canvas by Anne Féat Gaiss, a black round-legged Olbia cabinet from Le Berre Vevaud’s own furniture collection, minimal Sophie S’Assoit chairs from Maison Dada, and a custom marble table beneath a vintage 1950s eight-arm chandelier. The living room showcases mural artwork by Martin Berger, black wood sculptures by Charles Kalpakian, Ignazio Gardella armchairs, and a cantilevered bronze coffee table by Yann Dessauvage. A carved screen in cut-out brushed oak veneer was added to partition the sitting area from the entranceway elevator, which connects to street level. The design draws inspiration from a combination of materials and textures, spanning the Art Deco period to the bold colors and forms of the Memphis movement. Le Berre Vevaud's expertise extended beyond architectural ingenuity to interpreting the couple's extensive art collection within a domestic context. In the entranceway, a 17th-century portrait by Hans Hansen Rasch is casually displayed above a custom Belize bronze console. A bedroom features a Sophie Calle photograph and a pink and gold patterned de Gournay screen by David/Nicolas, alongside a custom-designed bed, presented in an unassuming manner. The home not only provides a backdrop for a diverse art collection—including modern and contemporary sculptures, photographs, paintings, and classical pieces—but also incorporates a 1,000-square-foot spa. Le Berre and Vevaud repurposed part of the ground floor courtyard for this zen-like space. The staircase leading to the spa features dark materials and waxed concrete to create a subdued atmosphere and mimic natural stone textures. Under a gridded skylight, a raised platform houses a circular Jacuzzi. Opposite, a shower room and hammam sauna are adorned with minuscule mosaic tiles designed in collaboration with Beton Blanché, aiming to transport the owners into a tranquil environment within their home. #ParisianHome #HôtelParticulier #LeBerreVevaud #LuxuryDesign #ArtCollectorsHome #SpaDesign #InteriorArchitecture #FrenchDesign #Mezzanine #ArtIntegration

The Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, the eighth addition to the global Bulgari Hotels & Resorts collection, is situated atop the new 45-story Tokyo Midtown Yaesu tower. This establishment is designed to meld contemporary Italian aesthetics with meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, infused with the opulent heritage of Bulgari. The design ethos, executed by Milan’s ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel, maintains a consistent brand identity across Bulgari's diverse international locations. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by Roman-inspired sanpietrini paving stones and green-veined Italian marble at the ground-floor entrance, leading to black granite expanses and abstract floral arrangements. High-speed lifts transport visitors to the 40th floor, where a corridor adorned with a traditional Japanese textile pattern, reminiscent of Bulgari’s iconic Diva collection, sets the tone. This motif is intricately realized in bespoke glass mosaic tiles by Venetian artisans Bisazza. The reception area features sliding doors covered in a textile interpretation of the same pattern, revealing spaces partitioned by crafted elm-wood portals that evoke traditional Japanese architecture, with glass walls offering panoramic Tokyo views. Two large Carrara marble tables, designed by Naoto Fukasawa, are decorated with gold-flecked vases holding seasonal blooms, creating an atmosphere of refined luxury. The hotel offers 98 guest rooms, an Italian restaurant, a sushi establishment, a lounge, an Italian sweet shop, and a rooftop Bulgari Bar, alongside a spa. The interior design of the rooms features warm elm wood floors and panels, woven bamboo basket vases, and hand-brushed matte gold ceilings with curved edges. Saffron fabric bed headboards and vintage Bulgari advertisements contribute to the luxurious ambiance. Notably, gold-flecked throws are crafted by Kyoto kimono textile makers Hosoo, and furniture includes Flexform armchairs and Maxalto desks. Black granite bathrooms are concealed behind modern sliding screens. The rooms provide expansive views of Tokyo, with some overlooking the Imperial Palace and, on clear days, Mount Fuji. The Bulgari Suite, one of Tokyo’s largest at 416 square meters, boasts multiple living areas, a private gym, and a Roman travertine-wrapped bathroom, all continuing the blend of Italian and Japanese influences through design elements like a Murano glass chandelier and a silk headboard designed by Japanese artist Shoko Okumura. Culinary offerings are spearheaded by Il Ristorante–Niko Romito, located on the 40th floor. This Michelin-starred restaurant serves minimalist Italian cuisine, emphasizing taste and authenticity, with flavors adapted to local Japanese ingredients. An adjacent lounge offers organic teas and crafted sweets, while Bulgari Dolci, a jewel-box-like space, presents chocolates and pastries. Hoseki, a hidden sushi counter run by Kenji Gyoten, provides an intimate dining experience with handcrafted sushi served on a hinoki cypress wood counter, overlooking a Zen-inspired garden. The Bulgari Bar on the 45th floor features Venetian terrazzo flooring, an oval bar, and a Bisazza wall mosaic, complemented by large rooftop terraces with contemporary seating and Mediterranean plants. The Bulgari Spa, featuring Italian Vicenza stone and teak wood, includes a 25-meter swimming pool and a jacuzzi with gold and emerald green glass mosaic tiles. White cabanas are available both indoors and on a rooftop terrace. The spa also offers a Japanese-style bath, sauna, and steam room, along with nine treatment rooms providing city views. The Workshop Gymnasium offers fitness programs curated by Lee Mullins. The hotel's staff provides a service blend of Japanese intuitive formality and Italian warmth, maintaining a smooth and knowledgeable approach. The hotel prioritizes sustainability by transitioning from single-use plastics to larger, non-disposable amenities and providing water in glass bottles and paper cartons. An energy-saving sensor system in guest rooms helps control temperature and reduce energy consumption. The hotel is family-friendly, offering amenities for children, and provides disability access in two rooms. #LuxuryHotel #Tokyo #Bulgari #ItalianDesign #JapaneseCraftsmanship #HotelReview #FineDining #SpaExperience #ArchitecturalBlend

The new Club Med Tomamu, a ski-in ski-out resort located on Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island, features a visually striking design that harmonizes modern elements with traditional aesthetics and alpine-inspired interiors. World-class designer Jean-Philippe Nuel drew inspiration from the surrounding natural environment, incorporating genuine winter-white birch and spring bloom garlands into the resort's foyer. The 341-room property is characterized by a vibrant color palette, including reds, blues, calming greens, rich brown timbers, and splashes of yellow, all coexisting to create a restful and relaxing atmosphere for guests. Jean-Philippe Nuel emphasizes the uniqueness of the resort's natural setting, which heavily influenced its interior design. The design philosophy behind Club Med Tomamu aimed to create an edgy interior that aligns with the brand's reputation for upbeat, friendly, all-inclusive premium holiday experiences. The result is a collection of funky furnishings and traditional Japanese design elements that are both eye-catching and comfortable, prompting guests to consider incorporating similar styles into their own homes. The main bar and lounge areas offer plush armchairs and luxurious upholstered daybeds, positioned to provide panoramic views of Tomamu's main slopes through expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. A notable design feature is a floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall Japanese-style bookshelf at one end of the bar, further enhancing the blend of culture and nature within the resort. Nuel highlights the successful fusion of Club Med's energetic culture with the surrounding natural beauty and local traditions, achieving an elegant and purposeful design. The resort's main dining areas are adorned with rich colors and patterns that evoke the four seasons, while the buffet room is designed to mimic the lively ambiance of an Asian night market, complete with rich red countertops and wicker lightshades illuminating dessert displays. The guest rooms and suites are styled to resemble those found in a boutique city hotel or apartment, featuring royal blue bedspreads, luxe gold throws, and floral rugs with red and orange accents. These vibrant colors are balanced by muted forest green couches and dark timber joinery, which thoughtfully frame the snowy winter landscape outside. Since its opening on December 17 last year, Club Med Tomamu has consistently operated at near-full capacity, largely attracting Australian holiday-makers. #Contemporary #Family #InternationalTravel #LuxuryResort #JapaneseDesign #AlpineInteriors #Hokkaido #SkiResort #InteriorDesign

Kenzo House, the former residence of renowned Japanese fashion designer Kenzo Takada, is a luxurious, Zen-inspired property nestled within an 18th-century apartment building in Paris’s 11th arrondissement. Originally built by Kenzo in 1993, the house underwent a significant redesign in 2018 by award-winning architect Kengo Kuma, known for his work on the National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the V&A Dundee. This 13,778-square-foot, four-story residence, now offered through Christie’s International Real Estate, masterfully blends Eastern and Western influences, much like Takada's own designs. The current owners, a French businessman and his family, acquired the property in 2016 after spending 15 years in Asia, where they admired Kuma's work and his philosophy of connecting architecture with nature. They commissioned Kuma to renovate Kenzo House, maintaining fidelity to Kenzo's original vision of an authentic Japanese house and garden. Kuma, in collaboration with architect Loïk Corre, who worked on Kenzo’s initial plans, reconfigured the layout to enhance harmony and fluidity, integrating the house more closely with its natural surroundings. He achieved this by adding natural Japanese building materials like cedar shingles, teak, clay, ceramic, stone, and bamboo to the exterior, enriching its texture and warmth. Internally, partition walls were replaced with timber slats, and an indoor lap pool was transformed into an _engawa_, a traditional Japanese exterior corridor crafted from wooden latticing. Large interior windows, a floating staircase, and sliding doors were installed, and all bedrooms were oriented to face the courtyard garden, bringing nature into the interior spaces. Kuma's design philosophy, centered on transparency and a deeper connection to nature, is evident throughout the renovation. He emphasizes the use of light and natural materials to create a new kind of transparency, a characteristic of Japanese architecture. The interiors feature sleek and soothing aesthetics, with French oak louvres, beams, and floors complementing the original wood finishes. Key furniture pieces, including Hans Wegner ‘Wishbone’ chairs in the dining room and Walter Knoll pieces in the living room, were selected to maintain a calm atmosphere. The landscaped Japanese garden is a highlight of the property, perfected by Kuma. It features a stone-studded pond with nishiki carp, a traditional Japanese pavilion with a tea ceremony room, a waterfall, and several outdoor terraces. The careful selection of bamboo, junipers, lichens, mosses, and cherry trees evokes the tranquility of a Japanese landscape. The property now includes four bedrooms, six bathrooms, a Japanese suite opening onto the garden, two large reception rooms, two dining rooms, two kitchens, and three self-contained studio apartments for staff. Additional amenities encompass a music room, fitness room, wine cellar, lift, and private parking. Kenzo Takada himself remarked upon returning to his former home that it was “much more Japanese than before, and much more modern,” highlighting its evolution into a living work of art that inspires a Zen lifestyle. #LuxuryLiving #KenzoHouse #ParisRealEstate #JapaneseArchitecture #KengoKuma #InteriorDesign #ZenInspired #ChristiesRealEstate #ArchitecturalRenovation

The Nobu brand, co-founded by Robert DeNiro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa, has expanded from its initial restaurant in Tribeca into a global empire encompassing 40 restaurants and 20 luxury hotels by the end of 2020. This expansion includes two significant new properties in North America: Nobu Hotel Los Cabos and Nobu Hotel Palo Alto. Nobu Hotel Los Cabos, which opened in March, features 200 guest rooms, infinity pools, and a spa, situated on the Baja Peninsula's southern tip. The architectural design integrates Japanese aesthetics with Mexican influences. Guests are welcomed through a Zen-inspired courtyard that leads to a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, framed by a stone portal. The hotel's layout prioritizes ocean views, particularly the Pacific sunsets. Interior design reflects Japanese minimalism, incorporating elements such as teak soaking tubs and shoji screen-inspired closet doors in guest rooms. Local Mexican materials, geometric artwork, and vibrant color accents add indigenous character to the minimalist design. Nobu Hotel Palo Alto, designed by Montalba Architects, is undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation and rebranding, with its opening slated for 2020. This boutique property will offer 73 rooms and a two-story signature restaurant. Despite its urban setting in Silicon Valley, the hotel will feature an outdoor plant and sculptural landscape. Interior lighting will include John Wigmore light fixtures crafted from Japanese paper. Catering to its tech-centric location, the hotel will provide advanced technological amenities such as 82-inch televisions and in-room Alexa devices. The high-end Ryokan rooms will further enhance the luxury experience with freestanding wood soaking tubs and slatted teak wall paneling. The design philosophy across Nobu Hotels emphasizes "unpretentious luxury." Robert DeNiro describes his preference for designs that are simple, elegant, functional, practical, and devoid of excessive ornamentation, stating that rooms should be rooted in a sense of reality. This approach is evident in the understated yet chic minibars at the Palo Alto location and the lush, streamlined pools at Los Cabos. Beyond design, the culinary experience remains a cornerstone of the Nobu brand. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa ensures that local ingredients, techniques, and staff are integrated into each hotel's dining offerings. This commitment extends to supporting local communities, as seen with the employment of Mexican staff at the Los Cabos property. The partners, including Robert DeNiro and Meir Teper, acknowledge occasional disagreements over their 25 years of collaboration but emphasize their strong, family-like bond, driven by a shared commitment to developing properties in optimal locations with the right teams. This collaborative approach underpins their successful expansion into the luxury hotel market. #NobuHotels #LuxuryHospitality #HotelDesign #JapaneseMinimalism #ArchitecturalDesign #RobertDeNiro #NobuMatsuhisa #InteriorDecor #SiliconValley

The Ayana boutique hotel, situated in the historic town of Kochi, Kerala, offers a tranquil escape within a 200-year-old building. Located on Bazaar Road, India's oldest international trading market, the 16-room hotel has recently completed an extensive restoration and renovation, transforming it into a modern luxury property. Historically, the building served various purposes, including a courthouse, a banking office, and a tea and spice warehouse over its two-century existence. The current design integrates an art-deco aesthetic with one of the largest collections of contemporary Indian art, paying tribute to the city's annual Kochi-Muziris Biennale Art Fair. The hotel's interior design is characterized by striking colors and checkerboard tiled floors, which form the foundational aesthetic for each room. The finishes are chosen to exude classic elegance, subtly incorporating high-tech comforts. This blend of historical architecture and modern design elements creates a unique ambiance. The rooftop of the hotel offers panoramic views of the harbor and passing steamships, reflecting Fort Kochi's rich Arab, Chinese, and European merchant history. This space is utilized for morning yoga sessions and provides a picturesque setting for sunset relaxation by the pool. Dining experiences at the Ayana Fort Kochi are a significant part of the guest experience. The Old Court, an all-day eatery, overlooks a charming courtyard garden. Its menu emphasizes fresh local produce, with a particular focus on the coastal location's abundant seafood and authentic spiced flavors. For those seeking lighter fare, the Tea House, which occupies the original courtroom, offers a diverse selection of specialty teas and coffees, complemented by freshly baked goods. This provides a perfect setting for a casual break after a day of exploring the local sights. The hotel's commitment to preserving its historical integrity while infusing it with contemporary luxury and art creates a destination that is both culturally rich and supremely comfortable. The thoughtful restoration process has ensured that the building's heritage is respected, while its new identity as a boutique hotel caters to modern travelers seeking an immersive and refined experience in Kochi. The presence of significant art installations throughout the property further enhances its appeal, making it a cultural hub in addition to a luxury accommodation. Overall, the Ayana Fort Kochi Boutique Hotel stands as a testament to successful heritage preservation combined with modern hospitality. It offers guests a unique opportunity to connect with the history and vibrant culture of Fort Kochi, all within the elegant and serene environment of a meticulously restored architectural gem. #BoutiqueHotel #Kochi #IndiaTravel #HeritageHotel #ArtDecoDesign #IndianArt #LuxuryAccommodation #HotelRestoration #KeralaTourism

The Xchange Apartment in Kyoto, designed by architecture studio TANK, reimagines traditional Japanese craft techniques to transform a previously "drab" flat into a guesthouse for artists. Principal Naritake Fukumoto drew inspiration from kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, to create a unique flooring aesthetic. For the living room, Fukumoto intentionally selected a type of cement flooring prone to cracking. Once the cracks naturally formed, a gold-colored epoxy resin was used to fill these imperfections, mirroring the kintsugi philosophy of celebrating the beauty in imperfection rather than concealing it. This innovative application transforms what might typically be seen as a flaw into a deliberate and artistic design element. Beyond the living area, the bathroom and kitchen floors, which are slightly elevated, feature another adaptation of a traditional Japanese craft: lacquerware. Instead of directly applying lacquer, the architect used a layer of fiber-reinforced plastic netting covered with transparent resin. This method creates a translucent yet visually complex texture, revealing the underlying glass-fiber layers over the wooden base. This technique not only achieves a distinctive aesthetic but also provides material strength and waterproofing, essential for these utility areas. The choice of materials and methods in these spaces reflects a conscious effort to integrate local traditions into contemporary interior design. The apartment's overall decor maintains a minimalist approach, featuring white walls and simple furnishings. Exposed concrete beams, subtly marked with paint stains, contribute to the raw, artistic ambiance. Practical design elements are also incorporated, such as a pair of mirrored doors that can be opened to form a private dressing area. Glass doors lead to a narrow balcony, offering residents picturesque views of the nearby Kiyomizu Temple and the surrounding five mountains, connecting the interior space with Kyoto's natural and cultural landscape. The design aims to create an intuitive and creative atmosphere, encouraging residents to explore both the apartment's unique features and the city outside. TANK, a Tokyo-based studio established in 2010, is known for its inventive architectural projects that often play with conventional elements and perceptions of space. Previous works include an apartment where carpet sections double as flip-flops and a home featuring floorboards on the ceiling, demonstrating a consistent innovative and unconventional design philosophy. The Xchange Apartment continues this tradition by integrating traditional Japanese repair and craft techniques into its modern design, highlighting the potential for contemporary spaces to draw depth and character from historical methods. The photography for the project was provided by Kenta Hasegawa, effectively capturing the apartment's distinctive details and overall aesthetic. The project team included Naritake Fukumoto as the architect, with construction handled by LOÖWE and TANK, emphasizing a collaborative approach to realizing this distinctive residential space. #KyotoApartment #KintsugiInspired #JapaneseCraft #ResinFlooring #MinimalistInterior #FiberReinforcedPlastic #GuesthouseDesign #TANKArchitects #TraditionalModernBlend