303 Shirahama Italian: Where Light Meets the Sea

Immersive restaurant design inspired by Shirarahama Beach’s natural beauty

Located in the heart of Shirahama, one of the Kansai region’s most celebrated beach towns, 303 Shirahama Italian stands as a testament to the enduring relationship between community and the sea. The design takes direct cues from the town’s unique geography, where memories and daily life are intertwined with the ocean’s presence. By integrating panoramic views and natural light, the restaurant offers guests a sense of belonging and nostalgia, echoing the collective memory of Shirahama’s residents and visitors.

Central to the restaurant’s design are custom polycarbonate partitions, which serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. These partitions, enhanced with a blue gradation film, reflect and refract sunlight in a manner reminiscent of ocean waves glimmering under the sun. Pendant and bracket lights are strategically placed atop the partitions, amplifying the interplay of light and shadow throughout the dining area. As the day progresses, the space transforms, offering diners an ever-changing visual experience that mirrors the dynamic nature of the sea.

The choice of materials further underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability and harmony with the surrounding landscape. By reusing the existing building structure and selecting finishes such as mortar flooring and Marazzi tiles, the design minimizes environmental impact while maximizing aesthetic appeal. The ribbed polycarbonate surfaces not only reflect the scenery but also create a subtle, glossy effect that blurs the boundary between indoors and outdoors, fostering a seamless connection with the environment.

Extensive research into the properties of polycarbonate and the behavior of natural light informed the project’s technical execution. Multiple studies were conducted to perfect the positioning and layout of the partitions and lighting, ensuring optimal reflection and refraction. This meticulous approach allowed the design to achieve a harmonious balance between functionality and visual intrigue, enhancing both comfort and beauty for guests.

The project’s underlying philosophy draws from the universal appreciation of nature’s beauty. By channeling the comfort and connectivity found in natural environments, the design aspires to bridge diverse backgrounds and generations. Ryohei Kanda’s vision emphasizes that interior spaces can foster human connection by reflecting the world outside, making design a conduit for shared experience and environmental awareness.

303 Shirahama Italian’s innovative approach has been recognized with a Bronze A' Design Award in 2025, celebrating its creative ingenuity and contribution to quality of life. The restaurant not only elevates the local dining scene but also sets a benchmark for integrating art, architecture, and sustainability in hospitality design.