In the buzzing Tokyo metropolis, a new calm retreat has been designed to fit seamlessly into the vibrant spirit of the Japanese Oku-shibu district. TRUNK (Hotel) Yoyogi Park boasts a relaxed, human-centered ethos.

While aesthetic choices harmoniously reflect the laid-back, yet sophisticated, vibe of the neighbourhood, the concept of 'Urban Recharge' is at the heart of the project – a pivotal theme weaving together the city and nature, tradition and modernity, leisure and festivity, as well as the local community and valued visitors.

Norm Architects has been engaged to support the interior design of the hotel, marking the first occasion TRUNK has collaborated with an international design team and the continuation of the architects’long-standing working relationship with Keiji Ashizawa Design who has overseen the architecture and interior design throughout.

TRUNK(HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK is a calm retreat seamlessly woven into the vibrant tapestry of Tokyo. Here, amid the juxtaposition of modernity and tradition, the celebration of leisure and festivity, and the embrace of both the local community and cherished visitors, guests will discover the perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.

The project encapsulates the interplay of contrasting yet harmonious elements. It mirrors the vibrant Yoyogi Park, the surrounding city blocks, and the famed Shibuya Crossing. It's the epitome of modern and traditional lifestyles converging. From the raw and refined to the melding of Japanese and European craft traditions, the design embodies this delicate balance. The verdant embrace not only enriches the exterior aesthetics but also symbolises the commitment to offering a sanctuary amidst the city's bustling energy. So, as you wander through this retreat, you'll discover a place to find both solace and stimulation, forging a path to enduring vitality.

The design of the building plays upon this balance and contrast with a simple, almost brutalist structure, featuring exposed raw concrete that is a result of unique Japanese architectural construction techniques, juxtaposed with elegant wooden louvres across the balconies.

As you gaze upon the concrete facade, lush greenery weaves its way into the design, underscoring the deep connection to the nearby park. ⁠The lush foliage not only enhances the exterior but also symbolizes a commitment to providing a peaceful escape amidst the bustling city, where guests can immerse themselves in the soothing embrace of nature while enjoying the comforts of this urban retreat.⁠

With a vision to create a vibrant and energetic hotel that serves as a place for kindred spirits to meet and collaborate, the boutique hotel offers social environments and entertainment areas as well as a beautiful restaurant, located on the ground floor of the hotel. ⁠

Boasting seating for up to 67 guests, the stunning PIZZERIA e TRATTORIA L’OMBELICO extends a warm embrace to both locals and visiting hotel guests, forging meaningful connections with all who step through its doors.⁠

The tactile firmness of the wooden flooring harmoniously converges with the gentle embrace of plush carpets that delineate distinctive arrangements of furniture, serving as anchoring entities. These delineated zones beckon guests to congregate or seek sanctuary for contemplative reflection. Conceived in collaboration with Hotta Carpet, the bespoke carpets draw inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture, echoing the rhythm intrinsic to both the hotel's façade and the cultural heritage it embodies.

Through synergistic collaborations with indigenous craftsmen and manufacturers, employing native materials, the hotel intricately imbues facets of regional lore into each space and object, intertwining them with thoughtful introductions of Japanese domestic brands. Bespoke furniture, a result of collaborations with Karimoku and Ariake Collection, graces the twenty individual rooms and five suites presented across the hotel's five floors, including an expansive 95 sqm Owner’s Suite and Terrace.

Owner’s Suite

We need shadows to give form to that which is illuminated in our surroundings. We need, in our spaces, the intimacy and atmosphere created by shade; that which isn’t fully lit, and therefore remain a mystery to us somehow. ⁠When stepping into shadows, you automatically pay more attention to sounds, smells, tastes, and touch, while your intuition and instinct are strengthened, too.⁠⁠Therefore, we should always be directed by the light in the choice of materials and use it to draw out the contrasts between different textures and qualities.⁠

Aside from the natural light, the interior is bathed in gentle, residential-style lighting, featuring custom washi-paper pendant lights from Kyoto-based Kojima Shoten illuminating the living areas.

On the top floor, the expansive Owner’s Suite and Terrace is offering an exclusive view of the lush greenery of the nearby Yoyogi Park as well as the Tokyo cityscape.⁠

⁠Here, it’s evident how tactile spaces filled with biophilic, and biomorphic design elements has been prioritised to encourage serenity of mind and wellbeing within the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. The design exhibits a soft minimal approach and conveys richness in simplicity through a natural material palette and selected serene colours fitting for long-term use within the hotel. ⁠

TRUNK (POOL CLUB)

The rooftop pool club nestled on the sixth floor and exclusively available to hotel guests, offers an environment unique to the area, complete with a heated infinity pool and jacuzzi to elevate your experience.

⁠Open from early morning to midnight, it serves as the ideal setting for daytime relaxation, with views across the nearby park and refreshments served from the 28-seat lounge and oyster bar. In this tranquil setting, guets will notice contemporary artworks and sculptural artifacts thoughtfully placed around, adding a modern touch to the soothing minimalist ambiance. ⁠