Reinterpreting the ryokan: Japanese architects embrace tradition for modern leisure designs
Several high-profile Japanese architects have told CLAD how Japan’s traditional country inns are inspiring contemporary designs for lodgings as diverse as urban hostels and five-star resorts.
In a special CLADmag feature on ryokans – the name for roadside accommodations where guests can take a relaxing break from travelling – architect Yukio Hashimoto revealed that a “modern Japanese interpretation” of traditional architectural practices is becoming prevalent in the country.
Last year Hashimoto completed a renovation of the 32-room Chikusenso hot springs resort in Miyagi Prefecture, mixing traditional ryokan features with a contemporary twist.
“Combining traditional Japanese design with modern materials creates something unique, something that can only exist here,” he said. “For sliding partitions, traditionally we use paper, but I used kimono fabric. That’s a new experiment – I think it creates a more contemporary feeling in the space and gives new relevance to something traditional.”
In other modern flourishes, Hashimoto added floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the surrounding forest and a bright red lacquered tub “art piece” to one the bathrooms. These sit alongside more traditional touches, such as a large Japanese-style iron bell in the living area, a courtyard with a bubbling stream and hot spring baths placed around existing trees outside.
Tokyo-based practice Nikken Sekkei took a similar approach to a much bigger project: the 134-room seven-storey Ritz Carlton Kyoto, which opened last year. Despite its size, lead architect Hiroaki Otani told CLAD the studio approached the project “as a private guest house.”
The hotel’s short stature – created by housing three floors underground – long, horizontal form and overhanging roof gives it a traditionally demure presence. The designers also included traditional ryokan features, such as intricate balustrades, water features and a garden incorporating the background landscape.
“Historically, it was actually Japanese architects who thought the least highly of the architectural value of Japanese culture,” said Otani. “Now there’s a new sense of pride in our unique architectural culture. They probably realised the obvious truth – that architectural culture cannot be separated from the climate and history of a place.”
Architect Masayuki Irie, who has designed a lantern-shaped hostel in eastern Tokyo using modern fire-resistant materials, agreed. “In an information society where embodiment is slipping away, traditional forms help bring people a peace of mind,” he told CLAD.
“However, it’s rational that during all eras in history buildings have been made from the materials created in that era. [These days], things like iron and glass will always be the main materials for building.”
The latest edition of CLADmag, the quarterly magazine from CLAD, can be read on both Digital Turning Pages and as a text PDF download.
Architecture design ryokans Japan Ritz Carlton CLADmag hotels hospitality TokyoBain Capital looks to Japanese onsens for growth potential
Toyo Ito and SANAA in the spotlight as MoMA celebrates Japanese design
More than an art museum, Shigeru Ban creates community space for Japanese city
Pan-Asian expansion for St Gregory wellness brand
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Aman sister brand Janu launching in Tokyo in 2024 with design by Denniston's Jean-Michel Gathy
The Peninsula London unveils Peter Marino-designed spa inspired by London’s famous parks
First glimpses revealed of Mandarin Oriental, Mayfair's subterranean spa retreat
"Architecture is alive" says Ma Yansong, as Shenzhen art museum opens exhibition showcasing work of MAD Architects
How Portugal’s biggest brewer enlisted the help of one of the country’s best known architects to turn two historic nature parks into thermal spa and nature destinations