UDS completes traditional japanese hot spring resort in the busiest area of central tokyo

in yuen, UDS recreates the relaxing atmosphere of a traditional japanese hot spring resort (onsen ryokan) in one of tokyo‘s busiest, most popular wards, shinjuku. the newly built accommodation facility incorporates elements typically found in small-town ryokan, including an actual open-air hot spring with water transported from the popular hakone resort, where guests can enjoy their bath along with sweeping views of the bustling surroundings.

all images courtesy of UDS and yuen

while maintaining some traditional ryokan characteristics, UDS has reconsidered some others, such as futon bedding in guest rooms, and accommodation plans that do not include meals, offering a tailored stay to the modern urban traveler. 193 rooms of seven different types ranging from 12m2 to 51m2 can be found in the 18-story hotel tower, along with a restaurant and the outdoor onsen at the building’s roof. the minimal, relaxing atmosphere is reinforced by a traditional japanese garden with cypress and cedar trees, and a pebbled walkway decorated with lanterns and various plants. yuen‘s graphic identity, first encountered in the blue noren curtain by the hotel’s entrance, has been developed by artless inc..

project info:

architect: UDS co., ltd.

name: onsen ryokan yuen shinjuku

location: 160-0022 shinjuku, shinjuku-ku, shinjuku 5chome no. 3 18

structure: steel construction

scale: 18 floors

area: 1,034.26 m2

built area: 495.95 m2

total floor area: 5, 511.54 m2

facilities: 193 guest rooms / beverage facilities / large public bath with hot spring open-air bath

developer: sumikyo co., ltd.

project management: columbia works co., ltd.

graphic design: artless inc.

operation: UDS corporation