Reviving Tradition in Modernity: The Japanese Restaurant by Yohei Akao - Strickland

Award-winning design blends traditional Japanese architecture with modern luxury at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko

The design inspiration for the Japanese Restaurant is rooted in three core elements. The first is the traditional Japanese residence composition, which incorporates elements such as the corridor, tea room, Shoin-zukuri, and garden. The second is the nature of Nikko, with the flora and fauna around Lake Chuzenji serving as inspiration for patterns used in the design. The final element is Nikko craftsmanship, a legacy left by the master craftsmen from all over Japan who gathered during the construction of Nikko Toshogu, a World Heritage Site.

What sets the Japanese Restaurant apart is its unique location in Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture, about two and a half hours from Tokyo. The restaurant is situated in The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, a luxury resort overlooking Mt. Nantai on the shores of Lake Chuzenji. The restaurant offers a variety of dining experiences, including Edomae sushi, Teppanyaki, Kaiseki cuisine, and a la carte, while also functioning as an all-day dining restaurant. The restaurant features various seating options, including a main dining room with a view of Mt. Nantai, a tatami room, and a counter.

The design realization technology used in the restaurant includes an aluminum die-cast lattice inspired by the traditional craft, Kanuma Kumiko, a yellow Juraku wall inspired by the Shoin-zukuri, and a red carving panel with the motif of seasonal plants that live around Lake Chuzenji. These elements were created in collaboration with a master of Nikko carving. The restaurant, with a total area of 401 square meters, includes a main dining area, Teppanyaki room, Sushi room, private dining room, and terrace seating area.

The design process involved extensive research on the location and history of Nikko City. The designers carefully considered the unique characteristics of the land and its history to create a space that tells a unique story. One of the main challenges in the design process was modernizing traditional Japanese crafts to suit a luxury hotel setting. This involved replacing materials from wood to metal, giving patterns a more modern look, and collaborating with the son of a master craftsman of Nikko Toshogu.

The Japanese Restaurant by Yohei Akao - Strickland has been recognized for its innovative design, winning the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2021. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise and innovation, strong technical characteristics, and splendid artistic skill. The design of the Japanese Restaurant is a testament to the remarkable level of excellence that the award represents.