Azumi Setoda in Japan embodies the serene fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design principles. Nestled amidst lush greenery, the architecture seamlessly integrates with the surrounding landscape, employing natural materials like wood and stone to create a harmonious ambiance. Delicate shoji screens filter soft sunlight, casting gentle patterns across minimalist interiors adorned with subtle Japanese motifs.
Benesse House is a part museum, part hotel, set on the tiny island of Naoshima, Kagawa prefecture. Known as the Japanese ‘art island’ of Naoshima, visitors often refer to it as ‘Ando Island’, since most of the structures were designed by Pulitzer prize-winning architect Tadao Ando. This unique art project by multimillionaire art collector Soichiro Fukutake, began in 1987. Over the next two decades Ando, enlisted by Fukutake, designed an arty hotel complex and museums on the island.
Naoshima Ryokan ROKA is a blend of contemporary elegance and traditional Japanese aesthetics, located on the art island of Naoshima. The ryokan’s architecture harmonises with the island’s artistic atmosphere, featuring clean lines, natural materials, and open spaces that invite light and nature inside. The building seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, offering stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea. The design reflects a minimalist philosophy, emphasising simplicity and the beauty of natural elements.
Nishimuraya Honkan, located in the historic hot spring town of Kinosaki Onsen, is a traditional Japanese ryokan renowned for its timeless elegance and serene atmosphere. The architecture of the ryokan showcases classic Japanese design, with wooden structures, sloping tiled roofs, and intricate latticework. The ryokan is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, featuring koi ponds, stone lanterns, and meticulously maintained flora, creating a tranquil environment that invites guests to unwind and connect with nature.
