【ホテル探訪】 建築好き必見!! 巨匠・坂倉準三が遺したモダニズム建築がホテルへ「泊船 HAKUSEN」

【ホテル探訪】 建築好き必見!! 巨匠・坂倉準三が遺したモダニズム建築がホテルへ「泊船 HAKUSEN」

Hello everyone, this is Okada, the architect on vacation. 🌞 Today, I’m visiting Iga, Mie Prefecture, known as the home of the ninja. This area, once a prosperous castle town, still thrives in a tranquil atmosphere, rich with nature, history, and the lives of its people. In the heart of Iga stands a strikingly modern building: the former Ueno City Hall, designed by the master of modernist architecture, Junzo Sakakura. Sakakura studied under Le Corbusier and helped establish the philosophy of modernist architecture in postwar Japan. His work is imbued with the philosophy of combining rationality with human warmth. Now, half a century later, this building has been reborn in a new form: the Hakusen. The renovation and design was handled by MARU. architecture. This former public building has been reborn as a unique boutique hotel , combining a hotel, cafe, and library . Light and breezes pass through, reviving the charm of the modernist building and offering a gentle anticipation of the special stay that is about to begin. Let’s take a look. Stepping through the hotel entrance on the north side of the building, guests are greeted by a tranquil reception space that retains the charm of modern architecture. The powerful concrete structure and the light white fabrics blend beautifully, welcoming guests to a space where old and new beautifully blend. The same patterned tiles originally used in the building are laid beneath the feet, subtly preserving the memory of the past. Next to the reception is the hotel’s attached shop, “Iga Department Store.” Here, you can experience the unique culture of this region, with a selection of Iga specialties, traditional crafts, and works by local artists . Since the building itself is designated a city cultural property, the spatial design is constructed using a “freestanding frame” that does not damage the existing structure. The design preserves the historic architecture while breathing new life into it. Next, let’s head to the guest rooms on the second floor. Head up the staircase next to the reception. The walls are made of beautifully grained ash wood, creating a soft, warm atmosphere as the entrance to the hotel. A lounge area beside the staircase offers a relaxing view of the greenery of Ueno Park to the north of the building. The guest rooms on the second floor are arranged in a square shape, encircling the entire building. By utilizing the original position of the preserved wall, the corridors are wider than those found in typical hotels, creating a continuous, deep space. The courtyard facing the corridor allows abundant natural light to stream in, creating an open atmosphere. This courtyard is also a symbol of Junzo Sakakura’s philosophy of actively connecting the inside and outside of the building . Looking even closer, you’ll see gargoyle-shaped gutters, often seen in Le Corbusier’s architecture , exuding the modernist spirit that Sakakura inherited from his master. Architecture lovers will love this feature. In addition, many details of the existing building have been carefully preserved and reused, and simply walking the hallways is filled with the joy of architectural discovery. Now, let’s take a look at the guest rooms. This time, we chose a special room among the 19 guest rooms. The “Tokunsen Suite” was originally the mayor’s office before being renovated into a hotel, and has been reborn as the hotel’s only suite. We’d like to savor the unique experience of this place, which has inherited its rich history. Let’s go. It measures approximately 88 square meters, and, as you’d expect from a suite, it has a spacious and luxurious layout. Passing through the entrance, you’re greeted first by the tranquil dining space. Soft light streams in through low, horizontal windows fitted with shoji screens . The shoji screens gently block out outside views while gently letting only natural light into the room. The dining room features a masterpiece chair by Daisaku Cho , who was formerly affiliated with the Sakakura Junzo Architectural Institute, and released by Tendo Mokko. The green carpet and blue fabric create a calming contrast, lending the entire space a quiet elegance. The doors, too, are originals from the old city hall, and their surfaces still bear traces of their original small scratches and long-lasting use. Entering the room, the first thing you’ll notice are the elegant ash-finished walls and the large, horizontal shoji screen windows. Enveloped in the soft light filtering in through them, you can sense the quiet presence of this space, once the mayor’s office, where it was used lavishly . The bedroom is fitted with two spacious king-size beds, and a work desk integrated into the headboard creates a comfortable sense of spaciousness. The layout, which emphasizes white space, subtly adds a touch of quiet luxury to your time here. There ‘s also a sofa space in the corner where you can relax. The low-profile sofa design and the Tendo Mokko furniture, designed by the Sakakura Junzo Architectural Institute, along with the restrained line of sight, create a space gently distanced from the hustle and bustle outside, creating a comfortable, private atmosphere. Originally designed stationery is provided on the table for guests to leisurely write letters , along with a pamphlet carefully detailing the history of the ship and the building’s story. This warm consideration, designed to encourage guests to fully savor their time here, is evident. And here, too, is a bookshelf. Each room seems to have its own selection of books and photo collections, including works by Le Corbusier and Sakakura Junzo. Spending time immersed in a book on architecture in a space that breathes architecture— this luxurious experience may be one of the attractions of staying at this hotel. Next, let’s take a look at the bathroom. The bathroom is spacious, with two sinks side by side. And here’s what’s most striking about it. The original sign remains on the door , a testament to the room’s former use as the mayor’s office . The history, handed down through time, quietly lives on. Gently opening the large shoji window, one is greeted by a sweeping view of the city, befitting a former city hall. Spending time relaxing and gazing at the cityscape while enjoying the natural light is a uniquely comfortable experience. And so, the room tour comes to an end. Taking a breather, I open a NINJA BEER I picked up at the Iga Department Store on the first floor and slowly immerse myself in this space. While I’m here, I’ll explore the building a little more. The public library, scheduled to open in spring 2026, is located on the south side of the first floor, and I was able to get a brief glimpse inside. Apparently, the project to revitalize the former Ueno City Hall envisioned a complex that would combine the library with the hotel from the start. Through repeated discussions about how to make the most of the large space of the old city hall, a completely new idea was born: to combine two seemingly contrasting functions – a library and a hotel . The new library will be a base open to the public, and at the same time, it will also serve as a spacious study-like space for guests staying at Tomarisen . Pick up a book in the library and enjoy a leisurely read in your room, surrounded by the architectural white space and silence… This is one of the charms of this hotel – the ability to enjoy such a rich stay. In the evening, I spent a relaxing time quietly reading in my room. For breakfast, we had a morning plate made with plenty of fresh Iga vegetables and ingredients, supervised by the popular local restaurant Shokudo Omori . As there is no restaurant within the hotel, staff will bring the food to your room, It’s nice to be able to enjoy our meal at our own pace without worrying about others. The breakfast tray also features a soft, curved design reminiscent of a ship. The story and attention to detail that characterize “Hakusen” were embodied in every detail, further enriching our morning. So, what did you think of “Hakusen Hakusen”? Reborn as a boutique hotel with a quiet, refined atmosphere and an intellectual presence, this was not just a place to stay; it was a special experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the “memory” of the architecture itself. The architectural beauty left by Junzo Sakakura’s philosophy and the quiet space between old and new gently embrace visitors. With the upcoming opening of the library, we are excited to see this building once again expand into a place that connects the people of the city. If you have the opportunity, please visit. In this channel, architect Osamu Okada visits hotels and buildings both in Japan and abroad, searching for inspiration for creating a richer life while sharing the charm of design. If you love travel, architecture, and interior design, please subscribe and rate this channel. See you in the next video. Thank you.

☟探訪先： 泊船 / HAKUSEN
https://hakusen-iga.com/

——————————————————————————

みなさんこんにちは、建築家のバカンス、岡田です🌞
今回は、三重県・伊賀上野に佇むブティックホテル「泊船 HAKUSEN」を訪れました。
建築は、巨匠・坂倉準三 が手がけた旧上野市庁舎（1964）。その名建築を MARU. architecture が丁寧にリノベーションし、ホテル・ショップ・図書館がつながる新しい文化拠点として生まれ変わりました。
今回は、かつて市長室だった唯一のスイートルーム「泊船スイート」や、ロの字型の客室階、美しく保存されたモダニズムのディテールなど、“泊まれる名建築”ならではの体験を紹介します。

「建築家のバカンス」では、建築家・岡田宰が国内外のホテルや建築をめぐり、
豊かな暮らしのヒントを探しながら、
美しい建築やインテリアを紹介する “デザインの旅” をお届けします。

チャンネル登録・高評価もぜひお願いします🌞

【おすすめ動画】
ACEHOTEL編はこちら↓

K5 HOTEL編はこちら↓

沖縄編第1弾:YAWN YARD KOURI ISLAND編はこちら↓

沖縄編第弾:青と碧と白と沖縄編はこちら↓

ししいわハウス編(軽井沢)はこちら↓

沼津倶楽部編ははこちら↓

HACIENDA VISON編はこちら↓

バンヤンツリー東山京都はこちら↓

ホテル虎ノ門ヒルズ編はこちら↓

チャンネル登録・高評価、ぜひよろしくお願いします🏖
コメントもお待ちしています🖋
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwW2xPKd_epsuAx1gWLIoEg

【タイムスタンプ/Time Table】
00:00 ハイライト/ Highlights
00:51 オープニング/ introduction
01:21 外観 / Facade
02:30 エントランス / Entrance
03:31 ショップ / Shop
04:34 ラウンジ / Lounge
05:04 廊下レ / Corridor
07:05 ルームツアー / Room Tour
14:47 図書館 / Library
16:54 朝食 / Moring

【SNS】
■X / Twitter
→ https://twitter.com/tsukasaokada

■note
→ https://note.com/tsukasaokada/
建築家の豊かな暮らしと働き方

■Instagram
→ https://www.instagram.com/tsucasa_okada/
建築家の暮らしとデザインの日々

→ https://www.instagram.com/weknowenough/
建築家・岡田宰による環境配慮型アウトドアブランド

【プロフィール/ Profile】
岡田宰 / Tsukasa Okada

一級建築士, 1984年浜松生まれ。
建築設計事務所 2id Architects (ツーアイディーアーキテクツ)代表取締役。
グッドデザイン賞など国内外の権威あるデザイン賞を多数受賞。
住宅・別荘・店舗・幼稚園など多数のプロジェクトが進行中。
主な作品にJINS西条、白岩の家、双葉保育園などがある。
東京-浜松の2拠点生活中。良い建築家の前に” 良き生活者 “を目指し 、
豊かな暮らしと働き方を探求中。
2021年 環境配慮型アウトドアブランド「we know enough＜」を設立。

First-Class Architect, born in Hamamatsu in 1984.
CEO of the architectural design firm 2id Architects.
Recipient of numerous prestigious design awards, including the Good Design Award.
Currently involved in various projects, including houses, vacation homes, commercial spaces, and kindergartens.
Notable works include JINS Saijo, Shiraiwa House, and Futaba Nursery School.
Based in both Tokyo and Hamamatsu, he strives to be not only a “good architect” but also a “good dweller,”
pursuing a fulfilling way of living and working.
In 2021, he founded the environmentally conscious outdoor brand we know enough＜

■Works
2id Architects : https://www.2id-arch.com/

we know enough＜ : https://www.weknowenough.com/

■受賞歴 / Award
2023 キッズデザイン賞 [we know enough＜ / mikke ]
2022 グッドデザイン賞 [we know enough＜ / 焚火台 ]
2021 ABB LEAF Awards “入選” [ 白岩の家 / Dan Dan Dan House ]
2020 DFA Design for Asia Awards “入選” [ Dan Dan Dan House ]
2020 DFA Design for Asia Awards “銅賞” [ 白岩の家 ]
2020 日本空間デザイン賞 “Best 100” [ 白岩の家 ]
2020 Asia Design Prize “大賞” [ 白岩の家 ]
2020 A’Design Award & Competition “銀賞”　 [ 白岩の家 ]
2018 Dezeen Awards 受賞 – Workspace Interior of the Year [ 中庭のあるオフィス ]