It is both a hotel and the city's living room. A landmark in Maebashi
Maebashi in Gunma Prefecture, once said to be ``nothing'', is now undergoing a transformation. Shiraiya Hotel, which opened in December 2020, is at the center of a huge wave that is attracting attention as the "Maebashi model" - creating a city using a private-sector-led approach to urban design, which is rare in the country. is.
The Hitoshi Tanaka Foundation, which leads the ``Maebashi Model,'' took over the building, which was on the verge of demolition, and began a revitalization project. The interior, which took six years to renovate by world-renowned architect Sou Fujimoto, has a four-story atrium structure that will leave visitors stunned. The building is dotted with museum-quality artwork by Hiroshi Sugimoto, and there are also guest rooms designed by Jasper Morrison, and you can enjoy Joshu cuisine at the restaurant supervised by a two-star Michelin chef.
Bold renovation of the site of a historic inn
Hiroshi Sugimoto's seascape series ``Sea of Galilee, Golan'' is displayed at the reception desk where guests are welcomed.©Katsumasa Tanaka
About an hour and a half by Shinkansen from Tokyo, the Heritage Tower of Shiraiya Hotel suddenly appears on the main street of Maebashi, which once prospered as an export center for the silk industry and is now lined with office buildings. here,This is a rebuilt building of the former Shiraiya Ryokan, which boasts a history of over 300 years in this area. Furthermore, the building consists of two newly built green towers modeled after the banks of the old Tone River, and various artworks are displayed throughout the building.
On the main street side façade is a typographic work by Laurence Weiner, whose primary medium is language. ©Shinya Kigure
Newly built Green Tower. The hut built on the bank is a Finnish sauna that can be reserved for private use. ©Shinya Kigure
An oasis-like space where a sense of openness and tranquility coexist.
Inside, I was greeted by works by Liam Gillick and Hiroshi Sugimoto. Then, architect Sou Fujimoto devised the renovation.
The ``lighting pipes'' running all the way through the atrium were created by Leandro Erlich, who happened to visit the Shiraiya Hotel under construction and was inspired by the empty space. In addition, bridges and stairs have been built, making it a unique experience that will give you the feeling of traveling around the city. The scenery is so spectacular that even Sou Fujimoto, who has worked on numerous projects, says, ``I was surprised by how much more interesting and wonderful it was than I expected.''
"Writing Pipe" by Leandro Erlich. Its color changes depending on the time of day, creating a different atmosphere than during the day. ©Katsumasa Tanaka
Looking down on the first floor from the top of the stairs. It is also very interesting to see how the space changes depending on the perspective from which you look at it.©Katsumasa Tanaka
Also functions as a living room open to the outside.
The newly constructed Green Tower, modeled after a green mountain-like embankment, has eight guest rooms with balconies, giving it a different feel from the Heritage Tower. There is also a popular patisserie on the Green Tower side, and a Blue Bottle Coffee cafe and bakery will be added to that line in the future. It functions as an open living room where not only guests but also people from around town can gather, making it a landmark in Maebashi.
The Jasper Morrison Room is designed to resemble a large wooden box. You can also enjoy the atmosphere of the atrium and common space from the windows.©Shinya Kigure
An extraordinary experience like staying in a museum
The Heritage Tower has 4 guest rooms, including four special rooms designed by famous British designer Jasper Morrison, Italian architectural masters Michele De Lucchi, Leandro Erlich, and Sou Fujimoto. Each room has a different piece of art, and the fact that no two spaces are the same is perhaps the best part of repeat stays.
The Michele De Lucchi room incorporates the technique of "board roofing." The room itself is like an art installation, surrounded by calm and tranquility.©Shinya Kigure
A junior suite decorated with Hiraku Suzuki's works. ©Shinya Kigure
The sense shines through in the selection of equipment and amenities. ©Shinya Kigure
The bed mattresses are from the Serta brand, which is used in luxury hotels in Japan and abroad, and the curtains are designed by Yoko Ando, who is active as a textile designer and coordinator, so you can feel the attention to detail. They also keep the environment in mind by minimizing the use of plastic products and vinyl packaging for amenities.
After warming yourself to the core in the sauna, refresh yourself with an outside bath. In the hut in the back, an art installation by Tatsuo Miyajima is on display that can only be seen by hotel guests.
©Shinya Kigure
We also have a sauna available for private use, limited to two groups per day. There is an authentic Finnish sauna where you can do your own louryu, and a mist sauna that even sauna beginners can easily enjoy, allowing you to enjoy the ``Toto'' experience in a private space.
Focusing on ingredients from Gunma and Maebashi. French dinner to brighten up your perfect night
Dinner served at the main dining room, ``the RESTAURANT,'' is also full of surprises. Supervised by Hiroyasu Kawate, the owner and chef of the French restaurant Florilege, which has received two Michelin stars, Hiro Katayama, a local native who has trained at famous restaurants in Japan and abroad, including Florilege, uses local ingredients. “Joshu Cuisine” has uniquely reconstructed food culture.
Main dining "the RESTAURANT". You can watch the chefs working from the counter seats surrounding the open kitchen, and the live feeling is one of the highlights.©Shinya Kigure
stimulate the five senses"The RESTAURANT"One dish, cold soup.©Shinya Kigure
The main dish is Akagi beef. The dinner menu only lists the names of the ingredients and traditional dishes, so you can't help but wonder, "What's next?"©Shinya Kigure
Gunma is a treasure trove of ingredients, not only for vegetables and fruits, but also for river fish and livestock. Although it is a prefecture without a sea, its potential is immeasurable, as flounder farming has begun in recent years. Chef Katayama personally visits farms and ranches to examine these sparkling ingredients. While making the most of the flavors of seasonal ingredients, we aim to create an unprecedented dining experience, creating dishes that are deeply nourishing and satisfying for both body and soul.
What you want to enjoy with your food is the drink pairing suggested by sommelier Yukiko Kojima. Non-alcoholic pairings are also available, which bring out the charm of the dishes and sometimes even let you enjoy the difference in temperature, making dinner even more flavorful, so even people who can't drink can enjoy these pairings.
Shiraiya Hotel inspires travelers and locals alike through art, architecture, design, and food. We can't seem to take our eyes off its presence, which easily transcends the boundaries of a hotel.
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Shiraiya Hotel
2-2-15 Honmachi, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
027-231-4618
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