By MOOK Scenic Spots compiled and reported
Located in Karuizawa, Japan, the boutique hotel "Shishi – Iwa House" is designed by the renowned Japanese architectural genius Shigeru Ban, winner of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. It emphasizes nature and harmony, aiming to strengthen connections between people through architecture and the environment.
The boutique hotel Shishi – Iwa House blends seamlessly into the local environment. (Photo / Hiroyuki Hirai, same applies below)
Unlike conventional hotels, Shishi – Iwa House aims to offer guests ample rest and a chance to escape from the world, enjoying a moment of tranquility in this serene urban oasis.
The interior of the hotel features a primarily Japanese-style design, using wood and glass to create a Zen-like ambiance.
In the exterior design, architect Shigeru Ban integrated the building into the forest, resulting in a streamlined and dynamic form that echoes the undulating surroundings.
The hotel is surrounded by beautiful woodland.
The lodge has only 10 guest rooms, and every corner—from the exterior to the interior—is infused with the architect’s thoughtful details. The unified Japanese-style aesthetic, paired with the lush greenery outside, merges indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the environment.
Stepping into the guest rooms feels like entering nature itself.
The open-plan guest rooms and common areas are seamlessly connected with the outdoors, making you feel as though you’ve stepped into nature. Yet when you exit the room, you still feel within the architectural space, with unobstructed views of the surrounding greenery.
The boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces is minimized, making guests feel as if they are truly in nature.
- 1
- 2