Elevating Airport Hospitality: OMO Kansai Airport’s Playful Design Celebrates the Art of Travel

OMO Kansai Airport by Hoshino Resorts, designed by MITSUI Designtec Co., Ltd., offers a unique airport hotel experience. It is the first OMO-branded hotel within an airport, and it involved renovating an existing hotel directly connected to Kansai International Airport, Japan's most significant air gateway to the west. The hotel's location, just steps away from the airport's terminal, ensures a stress-free and convenient stay, providing you with a sense of reassurance and ease. The design combines functionality with a playful urban aesthetic, inviting guests to view their journey as more than just transit but as an integral part of their travel adventure.

The hotel's architectural concept is centred around adding "fun" to the guest experience, making it an extension of their journey and a destination. MITSUI Designtec approached the renovation with a focus on balancing practicality and aesthetic innovation. The hotel's design subtly incorporates elements of aviation and the excitement of travel. Notable features include an intricately crafted airplane object as the focal point in the lobby and lighting fixtures that resemble the dynamic form of an airplane turbine. These elements bring a sense of motion and energy to the space, capturing the spirit of flight. They are not just decorative but are intended to immerse guests in the travel experience, visually connecting them to the airport environment while maintaining an elegant, contemporary interior.

The hotel's design takes into account the needs of modern travellers. The spacious, streamlined interiors offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling airport atmosphere, ensuring that you can relax and recharge during your stay. The intentionally neutral colour palette, complemented by warm accents and natural materials, creates a welcoming and functional environment. This calm yet engaging atmosphere provides guests with a space to relax, whether they are staying for a brief stopover or a more extended layover, despite the transient nature of airports.

The OMO Kansai Airport emphasizes convenience and ease of movement. The hotel is located just steps away from the airport's terminal and offers unique services such as the 'Airporter' luggage delivery, which allows guests to streamline their travel experience from check-in to check-out. This service is a testament to our commitment to making your stay as stress-free as possible. The overall design facilitates a smooth and efficient stay, with a playful edge that reflects OMO's exciting mission to turn ordinary city experiences into memorable adventures. This promise of adventure is sure to pique the interest of any traveller.

At OMO Kansai Airport, modern travel seamlessly combines functional and whimsical design. MITSUI Designtec's approach creates a space where guests can transition between worlds - whether it's between different time zones, flights, or destinations - while enjoying carefully curated design that enhances the joy of movement, travel, and discovery. This is not just a hotel; it's the perfect bridge between the excitement of journeying and the comfort of arriving.

For more information, please visit: https://www.mitsui-designtec.co.jp/

*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design - Hotel & Resorts Division

KAI Izumo: A Sanctum of Serenity and Tradition designed by NOMURA Co.,Ltd

KAI Izumo, the latest gem in the Hoshino Resorts KAI collection, reimagines the traditional ryokan experience in the ancient city of Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. Crafted by NOMURA Co., Ltd, this hot spring inn is a living tribute to the region's rich mythology and cultural heritage, offering a sanctuary for both body and soul. Nestled near the revered Izumo Taisha Shrine, the ryokan serves a spiritual purpose: to cleanse and prepare visitors for their pilgrimage to the shrine, inspired by the concept of 'Umi Iro Misogi,' or Sea Color Purification.

KAI Izumo is situated on the western side of the property, offering sweeping views of the iconic Hinomisaki Lighthouse, the tallest stone lighthouse in Japan. The inn features a book lounge, an exquisite restaurant, large public baths with open-air hot springs, and 39 meticulously designed guest rooms that reflect the changing hues of the Sea of Japan.

Crafted Design and Symbolism

Upon entering KAI Izumo, guests are greeted by a striking entrance feature that symbolizes the setting sun over the Izumo coastline. This emblem, made from finely processed steel with impurities known as Noro, pays homage to the region's historical Tatara ironworking traditions, where the finest Tamahagane steel was once produced. This entrance, which is already a popular photo spot, is a symbolic gateway to a stay filled with history, craftsmanship, and spiritual renewal.

The rooms at KAI Izumo are divided into two distinct design motifs, each reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. The western-facing rooms feature indigo-tinted living areas that enhance the rich orange glow of the setting sun over the Sea of Japan, creating a calming and meditative ambiance. On the other hand, the eastern-facing rooms draw inspiration from the mysterious hues of dawn, with walls covered in locally crafted Sekishu washi paper dyed in shades of dawn blue and red ochre. These spaces capture the unique characteristics of the Hinomisaki area, incorporating local materials and colours that reflect the natural rhythm of the day.

Connecting Guests to Izumo's Spiritual Legacy

KAI Izumo has woven mythology into its design and experiences, paying homage to visitors' profound spiritual bond with Izumo Taisha Shrine. Guests are invited to embark on a purification journey, guided by the Sea of Japan. Sea Color Purification is echoed in every facet of the ryokan, from the serene outdoor hot springs to the thoughtful design elements that mirror the changing hues of the sea and sky.

Beyond its visual and cultural allure, KAI Izumo beckons guests to partake in local traditions through immersive experiences. The ryokan's tranquil garden hosts captivating Kagura dance and tea ceremony performances, offering a window into Izumo's mythological past. The seasonal menu is a celebration of the region's culinary treasures, featuring delicacies like basket clams and red queen snow crab, meticulously chosen to showcase the best of local cuisine.

A Unique Response to the Location

The ryokan's location near Izumo Taisha and Hinomisaki Lighthouse allowed it to elevate its design beyond the typical KAI brand experience. The western-facing rooms capture the majestic sunsets, while the eastern-facing rooms symbolize the dawn, creating a unique relationship between the guest and the surrounding elements of nature. The result is an immersive experience where guests feel deeply connected to the environment in body and spirit.

By weaving the mythology of Izumo and the natural beauty of Hinomisaki into the heart of the design, KAI Izumo offers a more profound, more reflective experience. It's a place where every moment—a sunrise over the sea or a meditative soak in the hot spring baths—is an invitation to pause, reflect, and rejuvenate. The inn is both a destination and a journey, where history, nature, and spirituality converge to create an unforgettable experience.

More than just a luxury retreat, KAI Izumo is a vibrant cultural ambassador for the region, providing visitors with exciting opportunities to engage with Izumo's storied history. Daily Kagura dance performances and traditional tea ceremonies further enrich the experience, drawing guests closer to the area's mythological roots. The ryokan's seasonal menu offers a refined taste of local delicacies, with standout dishes featuring the best of Izumo's seafood, such as basket clams in spring and summer and queen snow crab in the winter months.

KAI Izumo is a retreat designed not just for relaxation but also for reflection. Here, the sea, sky, and earth elements come together to create an environment that nurtures both the body and the soul. In every detail, from its architecture to its culinary offerings, the ryokan embodies the spirit of Izumo as a place where history, nature, and craftsmanship converge.

For more information, please visit: https://www.nomurakougei.co.jp/
*This project is one of the shortlisted project in the Sky Design Awards 2024 - Interior Design: Hotel & Resorts Division