A small hotel in Tsukiji consisting of 31 rooms. The aim was to create not a extravagant hotel, but a subtle and rich environment within the small premises.
The area is close to central Tokyo, therefore modern office buildings line along the main streets. But one step inside the block leads to Tsukiji Market, small restaurants, private houses, alleys, etc. The culture of craftsmen and townspeople still has its roots here and there is a nostalgic yet relaxed atmosphere.
Therefore, in this hotel, we aimed to create a space that gives the feeling of staying in a place called Tsukiji, rather than creating a closed worldview within. As a result, it would consort to relaxation in this town.
First, on the outer wall of the building, a hand-made Japanese paper made of traditional material was folded to make a mold, and a 7mm aluminium cast panel was made. Although it is an industrial material often used in modern buildings, it inherits the wrinkles and shadows of Japanese paper, and the unevenness in the material itself, which is usually considered defective is used as an advantage.
In the 7mm façade which may seem to be easily overlooked, reflects the craftsmanship and air of the city. Furthermore, the wall surface of the first floor is glazed toward the adjacent building, and whilst keeping the inside and the outside continuous, the atmosphere of a back alley is expressed into the interior. Even on the upper floors, by actively interpreting the scenery of the gaps between the adjacent buildings and by setting up openings, the connectivity with Tsukiji is appreciated.
Since there are a lot of diners in the area, we created a compact layout with only a sake bar on the ground floor instead of a full-scale eatery. The bar adjoins with the exterior atmosphere through a small garden.
The giant table in the entrance transforms into a bar at night, whilst in the daytime it is used as a guests lounge. The big table fitted in a small shared space serves as a remembrance of a traditional Japanese fireplace.
The 2nd floor is used as a guest bathroom, complete with tatami flooring and aomori hiba wood baths. It creates a Japanese scene which can be perceived though not only sight, but the senses.
Although each space is small, there is a connection with the city, therefore maximizes the experience you can get out of staying in Tsukiji. We thought it would be the best kind of hospitality an urban hotel could offer.

• LocationTokyo, Japan
• TypeHOTEL
• Site area194m²
• Total floor area1,213m²
• Planning byRyota Torao, Alice Hsieh
• Design partnerMasafumi Harigai, Asami Kobayashi, Higashinihon Toshikaihatsu, Oura architects
• Specialist / LightingSIRIUS LIGHTING OFFICE
• Specialist / OthersPM / Joneslanglasalle, Fabric / Talking about Curtain, Signage / BXG, Garden / SatoZouenSekkei
• © Photography byMasao Nishikawa