Japanese architecture has always been quirky and fascinating. This time, Fever Travel introduces you to “La Collina,” a creation by Japan’s legendary architectural prankster Terunobu Fujimori. “La Collina” means “little hill” in Italian, and this building designed by Fujimori is located in Omihachiman, Shiga Prefecture, Japan, hence also known as “La Collina Omihachiman.”
“La Collina Omihachiman” is a flagship store of the Japanese dessert brand “TANEYA,” primarily selling wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and Western-style desserts. The second floor houses a restaurant, with its signature dish being a fresh Baumkuchen baked on-site daily by skilled patissiers. More importantly, guests can lounge lazily on the grassy roof, savoring delicious desserts while admiring the exquisite architecture — truly an experience beyond compare!
Terunobu Fujimori, a renowned historian of modern architecture, is also widely celebrated. He rose to fame with his design of the “Shimogamo Shrine Museum,” where his works are characterized by a strong connection to nature and playful elements reminiscent of childhood toys. In addition to the museum and La Collina, he also designed the Sonrin Teahouse and Bokuboku Teahouse in Taipei’s Huashan 1914 Creative Park.
For the design of “La Collina Omihachiman,” Fujimoto employed a vast grass-roof that harmonizes beautifully with the mountainous surroundings. The structure highlights the picturesque landscape nestled between Lake Biwa, Lake Nishi-no-ko, and Mount Hachiman, encouraging visitors to learn from nature about coexistence — making it a thought-provoking piece of architecture.
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