Championing the motto ‘your home around the world’, Japanese hospitality group NOT A HOTEL has unveiled its latest project on Japan‘s breathtaking northern island of Hokkaido: NOT A HOTEL Rusutsu. The property is an opulent villa at the summit of a ski slope within the island’s largest all-season Rusutsu Resort, renowned for its abundant powder snow and world-class facilities.
Owned and operated by Kamori Kanko, the award-winning Rusutsu Resort is located about 90 minutes away from Sapporo and New Chitose Airport. The resort boasts the highest number of awards in Japan from the World Ski Awards, featuring 37 courses across three mountains with a total skiing distance of 42 kilometres, four gondolas, and 14 ski lifts.
NOT A HOTEL partnered with Norwegian founded Snøhetta for the project, with the architectural firm deriving inspiration from the zenith – the highest imaginary point above a specific location on the celestial sphere. This idea of reaching new heights is captured in Snøhetta’s creation of spaces that elevate the human experience, whilst paying homage to the surrounding landscape that includes Mount Yotei.
Affording stunning views of the majestic Mount Yotei, the 1,200 sqm sanctuary takes a clean and minimal form that is made up of two linear volumes that sit perpendicularly, each gently bending to dip at the centre. The underground portion houses a gym and sauna, whereas the ground level comprises the living room and courtyard that extends into the lounge, kitchen, dining area, and outdoor bath. The bedrooms and study take up the uppermost level, hovering above ground.
The thoughtfully designed vacation home harmoniously integrates with the contours of its natural surroundings, with the central courtyard being the heart of the design and a communal space to elicit gathering and reflection. Providing a seamless indoor-outdoor transition are the glass facade and expansive windows, inviting a connection with the nature from the outside.
The NOT A HOTEL Rusutsu project will begin in phases from July 2024, with co-ownership opportunities to be announced. When co-owners do not reserve the property, NOT A HOTEL Rusutsu will be operated as a vacation home for other guests to slow down, find respite, and embark on a journey of contemplative exploration.
Room bookings are expected to begin in the winter of 2025. For more information, access the hotel’s official website or follow NOT A HOTEL on Instagram.
