Kasho Gyoen Hotel: A Blend of Modern Luxury and Rustic Charm

Hideyuki Hiramoto's Award-Winning Design Marries Urban Sophistication with the Raw Beauty of Hokkaido

Hideyuki Hiramoto's inspiration for the design of the Kasho Gyoen Hotel was drawn from the raw power of the surrounding nature. The hotel stands alone in the mountains, offering guests an unfiltered view of Hokkaido's original landscape. The initial fear Hiramoto felt upon visiting the site was transformed into a sense of delight, which he aimed to instill in the hotel's guests.

The hotel's design is a careful balance between modern sophistication and rustic charm. Hiramoto sought to create a space that would appeal to urban dwellers while also reflecting the unique character of the site. To achieve this, he researched local materials and crafts, incorporating these elements into a modern spatial design. The result is a 'Secret Villa in Unexplored Regions', where guests can experience the original nature of Hokkaido in a relaxed setting.

The use of local materials was a key aspect of the design process. Hiramoto utilized Sapporo Soft Stone from a nearby mine, as well as Oak and Ash, which are symbolic wild trees in Hokkaido. These natural and rustic textures contribute to the creation of a space that is uniquely tied to its location.

The hotel boasts a total floor area of 2,912 sqm, featuring 23 suite rooms, a lobby, restaurant, bar, shop, lounge, beauty salon, and floating terrace. The centerpiece of the lobby is an open hearth made from Sapporo Soft Stone, inspired by the traditional Japanese 'IRORI'. This space, located slightly lower than floor level, provides a welcoming environment for guests to relax and interact.

The Kasho Gyoen Hotel is not just a testament to innovative design, but also to the power of research and local knowledge. Hiramoto designed original lamps for the lobby, floating terrace, and corridor, which change color every month, inspired by the changing colors of local flowers. This attention to detail and respect for the local environment is what sets the Kasho Gyoen Hotel apart.

The project, which started in January 2014 and was completed in May 2018, was not without its challenges. Balancing the rustic feel with a sense of luxury for guests was a complex task. However, through careful research and innovative design, Hiramoto was able to create a space that is both luxurious and grounded in its surroundings. This unique approach to design has earned the Kasho Gyoen Hotel the Silver A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2019.