projects fresh start A Japanese ryokan embraces a new design direction By MURRYE BERNARD Photography by RYOTA ATARASHI hanarenoyado yomogino hot spa 1 Although Hanarenoyado Yomogino Hot Spa—located in a mountainous area of Fukushima Prefecture on the island of Honshu—was spared from the worst of Japan’s devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the ryokan su ered partial roof collapses and ruptured pipes. Built in 1990, the inn encompasses 13 authentic Japanese-style guestrooms, as well as a postmodern spa anchored by the country’s pervasive hot springs known as onsen. The spa’s dated interiors were due for an update, but the earthquake forced the owners to tackle the project sooner than anticipated and seek the guidance of Ryuichi Sasaki + Sasaki Architecture. For the intimate spa, the Tokyo rm created spaces that are at once soothing and social while leveraging mountain views. It contains only three zones: a bathing and showering area with marble-lined pools, changing rooms featuring Japanese lime millwork, and a “party lounge.” While the lounge is a multi-purpose space where 1. A large expanse of heated glass provides stellar mountain views to guests enjoying a soak at Hanarenoyado Yomogino Hot Spa. 2. Origami-like folds beneath the pitch of the roof are clad with bronze-colored panels. 1 114 December 2012 hospitalitydesign.comhttp://www.hospitalitydesign.com