Absorbing tradition, building modernity

At the Mitsui Hotel in Kyoto, traditional Japanese culture and the Mitsui family legacy translate into modern design that surpasses mere architecture

Developed by an award-winning team of architects – André Fu for the interior, Shunsaku Miyagi for the landscape, and Yohei Akao for the restaurant and spa – the Mitsui Hotel in Kyoto is set in a stately residence once belonging to the Mitsue family and located a few steps from Nijō-jo Castle. Three adjectives guided and inspired Fu’s design: authentic, mystical, and artisanal. While carefully preserving a sense of heritage, he interpreted the history of the old Japanese capital in a contemporary way. Not only does the structure combine modern and historical elements, but the spirit of the city is also conveyed by close collaboration with local artists and artisans. Upon arrival, guests are greeted by

Owner: Mitsui Fudosan Group Hotel operator: The Luxury Collection by Marriott International Landscape design: Shunsaku Miyag Interior design: André Fu Studio, Yohei Akao Furnishings: on design by André Fu Studio; Ilya corporation; custom-made carpet by Tai Ping Carpets Limited Lighting: custom-made lights by Ricardo Lighting Master design advisor: Akira Kuryu

Author: Antonella Mazzola Photo credits: André Fu Studio

the restored monumental door recovered from the old residence that leads to the lobby and partially hides the inner courtyard with its cherry trees and miniature bamboo forest. Once inside, guests are guided through a sequence of separate spaces, each leading to the next, starting from a glass facade that frames the natural landscape. Inside the lobby, a huge shoji lantern covers the ceiling emitting a sensuous light, while the walls are faced with sycamore to accentuate the intimate atmosphere. Here one’s gaze inevitably falls on the large ceramic sculpture in the center by Japanese artist Yukiya Izumita set in finely raked sand and evoking antiquity and modernity, fragility and strength, vulnerability and resilience. From here, a scenic corridor clad with angular wooden slats runs the length of the grand two-story lounge. Its roof is both an abstract, vibrant tribute to the nearby bamboo forest and a modern interpretation of the traditional Japanese Kekkai or bamboo hedge, forming a barrier that is spiritual and functional. The lounge is more dramatic. Here Fu played with size and height by inserting a ceil-

ing installation inspired by the kimono’s flowing fabric and an open fireplace made from a massive block of stone. The palette of materials reflects the spirit of wabi-sabi by using the ‘imperfect’ textures of the moss, rocks, and wood found in Japanese temples as well as woven-fabric panels by kimono designer Jotaro Saito, whose innovative style has the same classical-contemporary sensibility of the Mitsui. The property has a total of 161 rooms, including 22 suites. Each space is a contemporary take on the Japanese tearoom, furnished with traditional local materials like natural solid walnut wood, tatamis, and kimono fabrics and arranged using well-established techniques. Two exclusive Onsen Suites are clad entirely in local cherry wood and come with an outdoor thermal hot tub. The Shiki-No-ma room is a faithful but modern reconstruction of part of the former home of the Kitake, a branch of the Mitsui family, which guests can use as a private dining room for traditional tea-ceremonies or Maiko performances.