Soki Atami Hotel

Press Kit

Unique Properties

Soki Atami is a hot spring luxury hotel located in Atami, a coastal resort town in Shizuoka, which is known as one of the oldest hot spring retreats in Japan. This project aims to revise the traditional Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) experience to be more suitable for modern lifestyles. Moreover, it aims to rediscover the charm of the region by creating connections between guests and the locality's rich nature, culture, and people.

Tags

Hotel, Design, Japan, Hot Spring, Onsen, Retreat, Self Care, Izu Peninsula, Locality, Ryokan

Production Technology

The project mostly makes use of locally-sourced materials. The interior finishes feature natural materials such as wood, charred cedar, Japanese plastering, and traditional Washi paper dyed with natural pigments. Locally-sourced cypress and cedar from the Tenryu region of Shizuoka prefecture, as well as Hon-Komatsu stone from the town of Manazuru in Kanagawa prefecture, offer a special touch to the design. Finally, Japanese antique "Brocante" decorations are incorporated into the building's simple but modern design.

Design Challenge

Soki Atami emphasized collaboration with local industries to create the space and services. The logs and stones used in Soki are locally sourced and carefully handcrafted by local craftsmen. The produce used in the restaurant comes from local farmers and fishermen. Through the selection of local materials and ingredients, the project showcases this hidden gem to the guests and many people around the world.

Research

In order to design the hot spring hotel, the project team researched the history of the region and experienced traditional Japanese hot spring culture, not only in Atami but also at other hot spring locations. The restaurant counter design is inspired by Robatayaki, a style of Japanese barbeque, in which guests can converse with the chef while enjoying the view of the hot charcoal over an open fire.

Inspiration

In Japan, natural hot springs are thought to possess healing properties and offer health benefits. This concept, referred to as Toji, serves as the inspiration for Soki Atami. This project aims to design an innovative, all-encompassing healing experience by showcasing the local culture and history, as well as allowing guests to enjoy the healing effects of hot spring bathing and cuisine made from natural, locally-sourced ingredients.

Project Duration

The project started in July 2017 in Atami, Shizuoka, Japan, and began operation on November 1, 2020. The hot spring in Atami was discovered about 1,260 years ago. After Ieyasu Tokugawa (a general from the Edo period) visited Atami several times; due to the effectiveness of the hot springs, the city became well-known as a place to recover from illness and injury.

Operation Flow

Soki Atami fosters a strong connection with the local community. Much of the materials used in building are sourced from the region, and guests can experience the region's local specialties by enjoying seasonal delicacies sourced from local fishers, farmers, and other producers. Many of the herbs harvested in the garden are used in the Public Onsen, a Dining Room, and Tea Salon & Bar.

Image Credits

Image #1:Daiki Morita, Image #2:Satoshi Asakawa, Image #3:Daiki Morita, Image #4:Satoshi Asakawa, Image #5:Satoshi Asakawa,