By: Little Traveler
In recent years, urban areas have been embracing the trend of revitalizing old buildings — preserving their original design features while enhancing their practical value. Strolling through Tokyo’s Akabane shopping district, you might come across an architectural gem that blends nostalgia with modern flair. In fact, this is Hotel ICHINICHI, a five-story mixed-use homestay created by Japanese architectural studio Aida Atelier from a 45-year-old barbershop.
Marry's Beauty Salon, which first opened in the 1960s, initially focused on selling haircare products and offering traditional Japanese haircut services. By the 1970s, the business had expanded and relocated to its current address. In June 2015, after three years of preparation, the studio finally began transforming the old salon.
Floor-to-ceiling windows paired with a spiral staircase and chandeliers indoors create a uniquely blended aesthetic. The space successfully merges vintage elements with modern design, and charming details — such as sections where concrete is left exposed — allow guests to still feel the warmth of the old beauty parlor.
Currently, rooms on the 3rd and 4th floors of Hotel ICHINICHI include single, double, and triple occupancy options. Even backpackers can stay here. The sleeping area is designed capsule-style — although just 4.45 square meters, it offers enough room to stretch out and move around, and the bed is not too low, avoiding a cramped, closed-in feeling. The design also draws inspiration from Japanese tea house aesthetics, using traditional Japanese fabrics for room partitions, adding a thoughtful touch. For those who prefer more private space and an en-suite bathroom, there are also minimalist-style double and triple rooms available.
Heading down the spiral staircase to the 2nd floor, you’ll find THE 315 Bar/Café. Red-accented mirrors add a Chinese flair, while weathered, exposed concrete walls contribute to the industrial vibe, resulting in a stylish and comfortable space.
Hotel ICHINICHI
Address: 1-32-4, Akabane, Kita-ku, Tokyo JAPAN 115-0045
Phone: +81 3 3901 6661
Website: http://ichinichi.tokyo/