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As Japan’s oldest resort hotel, its tradition, prestige, and memories offer a one-of-a-kind experience. The hotel’s history, tradition, and regional characteristics are expressed through a unique geometric pattern reminiscent of traditional Western wallpaper.
To elevate its appeal, the wallpaper features a custom graphic designed especially for the annex. Based on the Kanaya family’s crest, the sasa-rindo flower, it combines elements such as the andon lantern, which has illuminated the annex entrance since its completion, and the local landmark Shinkyo of Nikko Toshogu Shrine .
The large 2,000 mm wide wooden doors frame the changing seasons like grand art pieces. The interior’s minimal color scheme and material choices capture and harmonize these views.
Completed nearly 100 years ago, this annex blends traditional Japanese architecture with Western hotel culture. Performance and functionality were adapted to modern hotel standards with thermal-efficient heaters and low-impact equipment. More than a functional upgrade, it preserves elements like the traditional wooden framework, shinkabe (a Japanese method for wooden structures with skeleton). LED cove lighting was added to existing nageshi (non-penetrating tie beams) to softly illuminate the ceiling. Original glass shoji and pendant lights were retained, with kumiko joinery repaired and repainted, and the lighting fixtures converted to LED, preserving their aged character. These features evoke memories for returning guests and allow new guests to experience the hotel’s rich history.
This hotel project aims to restore the wooden structure of a registered Tangible Cultural Property, promoting not only reuse but, more importantly, preserving the history and memories cherished by renowned figures with a goal of adapting to contemporary hotel standards.
Nikko is a place that welcomes guests from all over the world. With its abundant natural surroundings and many historical heritages, it stands as one of Japan’s most significant centers of religion and culture. This project inherits the spirit of hospitality embodied by Japan’s oldest resort hotel, which has long served as a leading example of omotenashi, the essence of Japanese cultural hospitality.
The ongoing use of this 100-year-old wooden architecture as a “hotel of the modern era” to welcome guests is significant in Japan, where demolition and rebuilding are the norms. As time passes, we hope that our vision matures into memories that are passed down to future generations.
Marking time, tying happiness. The origin of Japanese hospitality can be found here. Founded in 1873, Nikko Kanaya Hotel is Japan’s oldest existing resort hotel, blending Japanese architecture with Western furnishings. Its historical significance led to its registration as a Tangible Cultural Property. This annex renovation respects tradition while adapting to modern hotel standards. The “ROYAL CLASSICS” concept integrates local character and history, elevating the space with refined elegance.
At Nikken Sekkei, we take an integrated approach, combining architecture, urban design, research, planning, and consulting. Our teams collaborate to deliver better solutions.
We’ve led Japanese interior design for over 60 years—since the word “interior” was barely known in Japan. Today, it’s essential for shaping lifestyles and workspaces.
Our interior design values both aesthetics and functionality. While we reference global trends, we cherish the refined sensitivity unique to Japan.
Our proposals are grounded in technology and experience. We promise to deliver expressive, high-quality interior solutions that exceed expectations.
https://www.kanayahotel.co.jp/...
