Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan

Courtyard

Kajiimiya Gate

Lobby

Guestroom

Spa

Restaurant

Hotels + Hostels + Guest Houses

Lighting Designers: WORKTECHT & Co.

Location: Kyoto, Japan
Year: 2020

A hotel that blends with the beauty of Japan was born in a place with a long history that has evolved over time. WORKTECHT & Co. is responsible for the lighting design of the entire hotel, from the interior to the landscape and building facade.

At the entrance, which is a symbol of the hotel, stands the “Kajiimiya Gate” with a history of more than 300 years. This gate is also registered as a “Tangible Cultural Property(Structures)” . It is a gate used by the Mitsui family for a long time and has been restored to its original appearance with professional restoration techniques. We used a simple lighting method of linear lighting placed under the Kajiimiya Gate structure. From a distance, it seemed that there was only the floating roof. When you got close to it, the dynamic structure of the door became clear, and the lights were used to show surprising and dramatic effects.

The most difficult challenge is the lighting layout in the courtyard. We lit up the weeping Cherry blossoms and buildings around the pool and reflected them on the water to light up the water basin. In addition, custom-made lanterns to reflect the lighting on the water surface. The lantern was installed with The low color temperature LED to mimic the candle light from distant.