NOT A HOTEL Tokyo: A Design-Driven Vacation Residence By Nigo, Enhanced By KAWS’ Unique Art

Tokyo continues to be a perennial favourite travel destination, its new league of luxury hotels are reimagining hospitality by partnering with the world’s top architectural and design talent to create an entire living experience. Tokyo has many things: sprawling neon-lit nocturnal streets, Ramen bars, Michelin dining, cutting-edge architecture, and a dynamic art scene and this innovative approach to vacation rentals only adds to the growing list. Ahead of the curve is Tokyo-based luxury hospitality group – NOT A HOTEL, which joined hands with the Japanese fashion icon NIGO for its first residence in the city. Its innovative approach aims to create one-of-a-kind vacation residences that act as a fascinating egress to design sensibilities and unparalleled living experiences not found anywhere else. NOT A HOTEL Tokyo, a cliff-top house overlooking Tokyo Bay offers a direct view of Mt. Fuji from the living room. Shinji Hamauzu, CEO and founder of NOT A HOTEL says, “Since 2020, we’ve been moving quickly as a startup to pioneer a new business model that asks the world’s most creative talent to design one-of-a-kind homes that build upon Japan’s exceptional natural beauty.”

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What Makes This Vacation Home One-Of-A-Kind

On the coast of Futtsu, this house is built into a cliff that overlooks Tokyo Bay. What immediately catches the eye is a giant steel installation with gloved hands that cover the eyes. An iconic sculpture by KAWS,’ titled ‘Companion,’ is positioned dramatically to welcome guests who arrive at the vacation home. One enters the property through a tunnel that runs into the property’s garage.

The home’s clean lines and natural light invoke a sense of calm and a connection with the outdoors. The living room features striking transparent walls doubling as windows open into unobstructed views of Mount Fuji. The living room spills into the dining area, where a dining table seats up to 12 guests. The living room and office space are adorned with vintage pieces from Jean Prouvé and Pierre Jeanneret– two of NIGO’s favourite designers. Tucked away in a cosy nook, an immersive music room features high-quality Ojas speakers, an ultimate fusion of craftsmanship and style. The fully-equipped kitchen is a modern marvel, featuring a prep area for chefs to prepare gourmet meals. A giant inflatable duck lauded as a famed icon of Nigo’s brand Human Made graces the all-glass enclosed swimming pool as a floating objet art. 

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Japanese Design Sensibility Meets A Global Outlook

Multiple sprawling bedrooms with serene bay views make it feel like the most trusted station of privacy and repose. The sleeping pods, identical to those in Nigo’s vacation home, have been made to prioritize utmost comfort. Additionally, a dedicated traditional tea room is on hand for hosting authentic sadō tea ceremonies, a homage to Nigo’s profound engagement with the realm of Japanese pottery. There is a sauna, gym, and wooden Japanese bath – these are spaces that are crafted to offer mental and physical rejuvenation. 

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Not a Hotel is a concept based on shared ownership, where each owner is entitled to stay on the property for an allotted number of days, as agreed upon. As per reports, NOT A HOTEL has also officially opened sales of its properties to individuals outside of Japan. Sales of NOT A HOTEL Tokyo are scheduled to begin this Autumn. 

NIGO adds, “With the increase of overseas visitors to Tokyo, I’m excited to support the opening of NOT A HOTEL Tokyo — truly my ultimate ideal for a living space, made with the highest levels of perfection and attention to detail, in an extremely enticing location. My worldview is contained in this house.” 

This vacation home allows global travellers to immerse themselves in true luxury. From vintage furniture to traditional Japanese hospitality and modern art, this ultra-luxurious Japanese vacation home has it all.