Interweaving the past, present and future of Ginza.
Cutting edge brands continue to build shops and compete with their designs, and traditional Japanese buildings like Kabukiza, kimono shops and Japanese restaurants stand still. In Tokyo, where the future and traditions of Japan coexist, this hotel was born in the spectacular heart of Ginza, dressed in elegantly glossed champagne gold “weaves”.
We wanted to represent the Edo spirit of Ginza using modern technology. This ideal is expressed through the concept of “Weave”, embodying the past, present and future of Ginza, where the constantly transforming city intersects with tradition. We hope for guests to experience the special identity that Ginza has in evoking a sense of scale and order amidst the chaos.
Exterior designer
Masahide Ishikawa
（ArchitectS Office）
Born in Shizuoka in 1956, he graduated from the Hiroshima University Engineering Department majoring in architecture. After working in Takashi Hasegawa Atelier and Shimizu Corporation, he established “ArchitectS Office” in 2005. The concept encompasses providing everything from planning and proposal to fixtures, as well as providing expert knowledge as architects to meet the clients’ needs. His works range from designing small items and furniture to contributing to city planning. Particularly, he has made great achievements in the area of hotels and ryokans.
A private space in the center of the city
Take a step inside, into the embracing tranquility and feel your tensions unravel. The hotel has a refinement and elegance that matches the fashionable city.
The calm and quiet lobby, the panorama stairs leading to the basement restaurant, the spacious elegant rooms, the unique carpet design; everything is designed with the concept of Asian minimalism that is present in the garden of Zen temples. The lights and touch, the quality, the sense of comfort. All are designed to stimulate the five senses of the guests, and promote a sense of peace in this private space in the center of the city.
William Lim
Managing director of CL3. He has a bachelor and master’s degree in architecture from Cornell University in the United States. After graduating, he debuted as an architect in Boston. In 1992, he founded CL3 in Hong Kong. His modern designs mixed with Asian elements are highly acclaimed.
Main associations: Architect Register Committee / Hong Kong Designers Association / Interior Design Association / American Architects Association / etc.
Joey Wan
Design director of CL3. A graduate of Middlesex University and Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Wan has a Master of Arts Degree in Design Leadership, and a Bachelor of Art. She has been involved in numerous hospitality and lifestyle projects.
Major achievements: Marina Bay Sands in Singapore／Nishimura Restaurant at the Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing／The Nadaman Restaurants in Kowloon／The Island Shangri-la Hotels in Hong Kong／etc.
Hotel ICON designed by CL3 Architects Ltd.
The coexistence of calmness and euphoria
Enter each floor through the elevator and be greeted with “Harmony”.
The elevator halls are covered with Danish carpets. Designed in a modern style with abstract black and white motifs, they represent the concept of “Harmony” and bring a natural sense of peace and balance to the hotel.
“Ripples” of light and shadow lead the way to the guest room.
When you make your way to the rooms, you’ll be drawn to the objects illuminated on your path. These are the shadow “Ripples” created by the GOBO lights on the carpets. It brings the natural element, water, to the hotel and entertains you on your walk through the long hallway.
Interior design: CL3 Architects Ltd.
Lobby art by an up and coming Kimono designer.
You can see modern Japan and the symbols of Ginza of now.
Ginza, where new trends and events appear in each generation. The newness is an expression of “traditions modernized”, and is in a sense what makes Japan unique. The art features two moons and the flowers of changing seasons, representing the “changes and the flow of time” as well as the mixing of various cultures and civilizations, and the resulting flourish. Go beyond convention and experience the “traditions modernized” and the “new individuality” of Ginza.
Lobby art designer
Jotaro Saito
Born in Kyoto, his grandfather is the late Saizaburou Saito, a dye artisan. His father, Sansai Saito, is a modern kimono creator. He was born in a family that built the foundation for modern dye artisans. At age 27, he debuted as the youngest kimono designer, pursuing kimono as a fashion that matches with contemporary times. He is an advocate of “Wa (Japanese harmony) lifestyle”. He has also shown talent in fields such as product and interior design. He is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers, Tokyo.
