Traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary design co-exist at the cool Claska, a design hotel in Tokyo.
25 August 2017
Text by Belinda Aucott
Situated in low-rise Meguro, a true design district of Tokyo, Claska is a hotel that’s stylish, yet homely.
With a beautifully integrated store, gallery and photographic studio – it’s more than just a room for hire. There’s a rooftop terrace where you can see Mount Fuji on a clear day, and an interior design outlet down the road where you can buy products featured in the hotel.
The mood is glamorous, yet understated. The fact that there are only twenty rooms at Claska contributes to the sense of intimacy and warmth – indeed, it’s rare to find such small-scale chic, in the midst of the bustling city hustle.
On the ground floor you can loll about reading design magazines on the beautiful square banquet.
Interiors have a minimalist, Zen quality to them, with more than a nod to modern mid century. This is consistent throughout the establishment, and you can take home a piece of the aesthetic with you, from the shop.
Designer Shuwa Tei who originally developed the hotel as a showcase for his firm Intentionallies has ensured Claska has a classic ambience, that can be built upon year after year. Every year or two, the hotel’s owners update the rooms by asking guest designers to step in and re-invent them.
601 and 602 have just been re-done by designer Kaname Okajima.
Okajima graduated from Kyoto University of Art and Design and was the product designer in the creative team IDEE CO., LTD before going freelance in 2006. His latest rooms have pale Japanese cedar floors and walls, which make them smell like a fresh, forest. The furniture and fabrics were inspired by the colours of native Japanese flowers.
The Tatami Room 606, on the other hand, has a certain basic Japanese charm.
The Grand Suite 402, is like a gleaming ultra-luxe apartment from director Juzo Itami’s ’85 film Tampopo.
Tei Shuwa, who is obsessed by ideas and craftsmanship, has ensured that there is visual harmony everywhere you look, with a subtle visual cue to traditional Japan.
Find out more about or book a stay at Claska Hotel at claska.com/hotel.
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