Resorttrust, Xiv Toba Bettei

The concept of the facility as a hole is “unity between buildings and gardens.” We designed a spatial composition in which natural light, colors, and breezes cross the building, through a garden which shows the Japanese spirit, which has always appreciated the feelings of the four seasons, and expressions from moment to moment through those beautiful seasons. We sought a traditional Japanese style of beauty, combining grace and glamor within refinement based on the Sukiya style. The building, which blends into the marine scenery of Toba, is centered on a Japanese formal garden where one can enjoy the essence of Japan. In the public areas we used the dignified beauty of that Sukiya-style architecture with natural materials such as earth walls, washi paper, stone, and lattices to create warm and richly expressive spaces. The tin foil and Japanese patterns seen in all areas present the spaces with a gorgeous look. The design intent was to assist the Japanese character of the building by presenting a light environment in guest rooms that values the deep darkness that was Japan’s original nocturnal scenery, like looking at pictures on folding screens and fusuma by the light of a single candle in the dark. Guests can enjoy abundant, high-quality spa water in the outdoor baths that look out over the beautiful sea of Iseshima, and in guest rooms with view bathrooms. There are even guest rooms where guests can stay together with their beloved dogs (smaller dogs only).