Experience Innovative Japanese Restaurant Design at Akari in Hilton Hotel, GuiyangExperience Innovative Japanese Restaurant Design at Akari in Hilton Hotel, Guiyang

Experience Innovative Japanese Restaurant Design at Akari in Hilton Hotel, Guiyang

Siddharth CyriacSiddharth Cyriac
Siddharth Cyriac published Review under Interior Design, Commercial Buildings on Apr 5, 2023

Welcome to our feature on Akari, a Japanese restaurant that boasts a one-of-a-kind design located in the Hilton Hotel in Guiyang, China. Akari's restaurant design is a beautiful example of how traditional Japanese design principles can be seamlessly combined with contemporary architectural techniques. We are excited to take you on a journey through this unique and innovative restaurant, from its awe-inspiring exterior facade to its exquisite interior decor.

The Japanese culture of expressing gratitude for all life, which becomes our food, is embodied in the traditional phrase "Itadakimasu" that one says before having a meal. At Akari, this culture is deeply ingrained in the restaurant design, with the greatest luxury being the use of ingredients in season, which are gifts from the earth. To achieve the perfect taste, the restaurant focuses on finding and gathering seasonal ingredients and presenting them in their natural state, without excessive seasoning.

Overview of the facade © Ruijing Photo
Overview of the facade © Ruijing Photo

The restaurant design at Akari is heavily influenced by the lunar phase, which determines the timing of harvesting, fishing, and hunting in the oriental world, especially in Japan. The moon plays a significant role in the oriental lifestyle, and the restaurant pays homage to it with its unique design elements.

Opening-closing change of the entrance facade © Ruijing Photo
Opening-closing change of the entrance facade © Ruijing Photo
Landscape detail © Ruijing Photo
Landscape detail © Ruijing Photo

The PDRs (private dining rooms) are the main dining areas of the restaurant, and each is designed as an independent architecture with a unique facade. The rough rocks used in the exterior facade are applied without excessive processing, expressing reverence for the force and aesthetic shape created by nature. The interior decor is designed with diagonally-arranged planning in the rectangular space of PDRs, sushi counter, and Teppanyaki counter, creating small interior gardens that maintain PDR privacy.

The landscape created in the gap © Ruijing Photo
The landscape created in the gap © Ruijing Photo

The use of water-rippled glass bricks as a separation between PDRs provides privacy while allowing for openness at the same time. Each PDR is themed according to the five elements of water, fire, earth, wood, and metal, with unique warm colors and materials used to represent each element. The Kumiko-like wood screen in front of the odd-shaped polar brick creates a sense of depth and privacy for customers, while the slits between the cloak, display, and walls reduce the feeling of pressure.

Inside the teppanyaki room © Ruijing Photo
Inside the teppanyaki room © Ruijing Photo
Entrance of the teppanyaki room © Ruijing Photo
Entrance of the teppanyaki room © Ruijing Photo
Entrance of the sushi bar area © Ruijing Photo
Entrance of the sushi bar area © Ruijing Photo

The restaurant design of Akari is a masterpiece that expresses reverence to the force and aesthetic shape created by nature while embodying traditional Japanese culture. The unique design elements, combined with the focus on seasonal ingredients and the five elements, make Akari a must-visit restaurant for anyone who appreciates great design and exceptional dining experiences.

Sushi bar © Ruijing Photo
Sushi bar © Ruijing Photo
Sushi bar area viewing from the outer corridor © Ruijing Photo
Sushi bar area viewing from the outer corridor © Ruijing Photo
Tatami private room © Ruijing Photo
Tatami private room © Ruijing Photo
Overview of the courtyard © Ruijing Photo
Overview of the courtyard © Ruijing Photo
Reception desk, © Ruijing Photo
Reception desk, © Ruijing Photo
cut wood grid © Ruijing Photo
cut wood grid © Ruijing Photo
The side window of the sushi bar area © Ruijing Photo
The side window of the sushi bar area © Ruijing Photo
Floor plan, plan © odd design firm
Floor plan, plan © odd design firm

Project name: Akari by HILTON

Project type: interior

Design: okamoto deguchi design(odd)

Contact e-mail: odd_pr@126.com

Completion Year: 2022

Leader designer & Team: Keizo Okamoto, Tsutomu Deguchi, Wang Langxu

Project location: Guiyang

Gross built area: 286 ㎡

Photo credit: Ruijing PhotoPartner: HDA / MAKIKO ISHIOKA

Materials: Rock, Granite stone, Glass brick, Veneer wood, Artistic paint  

Siddharth CyriacSiddharth Cyriac
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