LOCATION REPORT
Muji Hotel GINZA Muji’s first outpost in Japan immerses guests in the world of the cult homewares brand, where simplicity and functionality reign supreme. Words: Mandi Keighran Photography: © Nacasa & Partners
apanese homewares brand Muji has
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The 79-room hotel – the third of its kind to
developed a cult following for its
open following one in Shenzhen and another in
minimalist, no-frills approach to design
Beijing – is located on levels six to ten above
– whether it’s toasters, sofas, clothing,
the brand’s flagship store, the largest Muji retail
stationary or storage systems. In the world of
space in the world, with a sprawling food court
Muji, everything has a purpose and a place. It’s
and floors dedicated to homewares, furniture,
no surprise that for many, this approach has
books and fashion.
become something of a philosophy to live by,
The sixth floor is the hotel’s entry point. Here,
sitting neatly beside Marie Kondo’s message
visitors discover not only standard amenities
to strip back the material objects in our lives.
such as a reception, restaurant and bar, but also
When the flagship store in Yūrakuchō had to
more unusual spaces, including Muji Market – a
be demolished to make way for the Tokyo
room with vending machines selling practical
Olympics, the decision was made to create an
Muji products, from underwear to ready meals
even more immersive Muji experience in the
– a library, and the Atelier Muji gallery, which
Ginza district – one that includes a hotel.
hosts rotating exhibitions that aim to provide
“The concept is anti-gorgeous, anti-cheap,”
insight into our future lifestyles.
says Eriko Kojima, PR Manager at UDS, the
In contrast to the accommodation floors,
firm responsible for both the interior design
which are sleekly minimal, public spaces feature
and hotel operations. “This is the same concept
rich layers of texture. A rammed earth wall in
behind Muji products – not so gorgeous, not
front of the restaurant, created using soil from
so cheap. Usually staying at a hotel is a special
the former Muji flagship site in Yūrakuchō, pays
experience, but we want people to feel that
homage to the brand’s history, while the surface
staying here is an extension of their daily life.”
behind reception is crafted using paving stones
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