Tetsuo Kobori Architects

“Honestly tracing the beauty of the region and nature”
Beniyaryokan boasted over 135 years of history in Awara Onsen, and its building was designated a tangible cultural property. However, in 2018, a tragic fire destroyed the structure. In rebuilding, what we valued most was not simply reconstructing the former sukiya-style inn out of nostalgia, but creating a new Beniyaryokan that connects to the future while cherishing the memories of Beniyaryokan.

I remember my first visit to “Beniya.” It was a labyrinth of light. Long, winding, dimly lit corridors; eaves stretching endlessly. Seeing that, I felt I understood the charm of a ryokan. It's something new buildings lack: the sense of architecture as a cluster, layered with time, the feeling of irrational additions made over the years. I realized that spaces where you can feel the changes of the era are the essence of a ryokan.

All 17 guest rooms feature distinct designs. By deliberately varying the layout, design, and finishes in every room, we created a fusion of old and new, a design that evokes the passage of time. The small courtyards serve as connectors and sometimes buffers, while the buildings stagger in a staggered formation, their axes slightly offset as they extend deeper and deeper into the grounds. Doesn't this evoke the former Beniyaryokan?