How sleepy Onomichi in Hiroshima Prefecture became a hub for design and innovation - SilverKris

"A dramatic renovation of a 1960s Shinmichi Apartment Building halfway up Mount Senkoji, this project—opened in December 2018 in collaboration with Studio Mumbai’s Bijoy Jain—functions as an architectural statement and intimate boutique lodging rather than a conventional hotel. Pastel-coloured stucco walls made from earth dug from the hillside, guestrooms screened with traditional Japanese washi paper, and furnishings crafted by Indian and Japanese artisans create a quiet, Zen-like atmosphere; every object is presented as having its own story. Construction and operation contend with a steep set of roughly 100 steps from street level, which shaped decisions about materials, supply logistics and minimizing waste. The on-site restaurant emphasizes seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from boutique producers, while natural paints and the surrounding garden are intended to weather and evolve with the seasons, signaling a long-term commitment to revitalizing the hillside and inspiring younger generations." - Tom Miyagawa Coulton