Ryokan Ohana

Hotel for UDS Ltd.

The project offers a rare opportunity to stay within a designated national cultural asset. Embracing the concept of conveying authenticity while stripping away ornamentation to its bare essentials, it aims to create a space that extends the building's lifespan, enhances its value, and connects its historical context to the next hundred years. By incorporating local industries and traditional crafts, and collaborating with local artisans, the project strives to contribute to the regional economy and help spread the appeal of the town far and wide.

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Ryokan Ohana by Uds Ltd

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Hotel by Uds Ltd

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Uds Ltd Ryokan Ohana

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Uds Ltd Hotel

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UDS Ltd Brand Logo

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Uds Ltd Corporate Logo

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Unique Properties

The Tachibana family, feudal lords of the Yanagawa Domain, lived at the Yanagawa Domain Lord Tachibana Residence, also known as Ohanaya. After the war, they converted their private residence into a ryokan complete with a restaurant. The renovated Ryokan Ohana is the Shotokan accommodation building constructed within the nationally designated site. The spatial design, based on the concept of conveying authenticity, aims to establish a lasting connection for the next 100 years.

Tags

Hotel, Design, Japan, History, Culture, Traditional, Fukuoka , Yanagawa, Locality, Ryokan

Production Technology

The space evokes warmth within the dignified ambience of a samurai residence, while maintaining continuity with the designated cultural assets of the grand hall and traditional restaurant. Three of the eight guest room types have been reconstructed whilst preserving original features such as the floor pillars, lintels, thresholds, and ceiling materials. These incorporate local industries and traditional crafts including Yame lanterns, Yame stone, rush-grass tatami mats, and black plaster.

Design Challenge

Our renovation aimed to create a space where guests could experience and appreciate the authentic more profoundly. This was achieved by removing decorative elements to make the authentic stand out more prominently. The logo has been redesigned using handwritten characters by Fumiko, the 16th generation of the Tachibana family. We have also redesigned the website to convey the history of Ohanaya and the atmosphere of Yanagawa, building anticipation even before visitors arrive.

Project Duration

The project began in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, in March 2023, opening on 11 January 2025. Yanagawa City is a popular tourist destination renowned for its canals and river rafting. Ohana is an accommodation facility run by the Tachibana clan, who have governed the area for over 400 years. It offers a rare opportunity to stay within the grounds of a 23,000 square metres site designated as a National Scenic Beauty.

Operation Flow

By collaborating with local artisans and businesses, we have established a system whereby the property is updated in partnership with the community whenever repairs are required. We aim to preserve traditional techniques and skills to ensure that the rich heritage and culture of Yanagawa and its surrounding areas endure for the next century. We minimise environmental impact by using natural materials and organic amenities.

Research

The project team researched Yanagawa's history and culture, aiming to incorporate these elements into the design to convey the region's appeal more widely.The spatial composition within the grounds was studied, with guest rooms laid out to frame views of the gardens and residences beyond the windows, creating an environment where guests can fully appreciate the value of staying within the cultural heritage site. We aim to contribute to the community and create a place cherished by many.

Inspiration

The entrance has been designed to make guests feel as if they are staying in a special place, while also blending in with the neighbouring cultural site. At the front of the lobby is the restored historic Imperial Garden courtyard, which features a symbolic arrangement of stones that were used to build the cultural property. The guest rooms are arranged to provide views of the gardens and the residence beyond, further enhancing the experience of staying within a cultural heritage site.

Image Credits

IMAGE CREDITS: Image #1 to #5:Photographer Satoshi Asakawa,2024

Project Overview

Ryokan Ohana Hotel has been a Golden winner in the Interior Space and Exhibition Design award category in the year 2025 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Gold A' Design Award is granted to designs that demonstrate a high level of innovation and a significant impact on their intended audience. Recognized as a major achievement by the A' Design Awards, these designs are characterized by their visionary approach and the exceptional skill of their creators. Winners of the Gold A' Design Award are noted for their ability to push the envelope in art, science, design, and technology, delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. These designs serve as benchmarks for excellence, encouraging further innovation and inspiring future generations of designers.

Golden Recognition

Uds Ltd. was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2026, a testament to excellence of their work Ryokan Ohana Hotel.

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