Bjarke Ingels’ first completed project in Japan blends tradition, landscape and bold modern design.
A Landmark Arrival on Sagishima Island
NOT A HOTEL has officially opened its SETOUCHI property on Sagishima Island in Hiroshima Prefecture, marking the first completed project in Japan by Bjarke Ingels Group. Set in one of the country’s most culturally rich coastal regions, the ultra-exclusive retreat is only accessible by speedboat or helicopter, reinforcing its sense of isolation and privacy. The property includes a shared restaurant and three villas, designed for fractional owners who can rotate stays across the residences or other locations within the NOT A HOTEL network.
Where Japanese Tradition Meets Scandinavian Vision
The architecture leans into a careful balance between heritage and experimentation. BIG reinterprets traditional Japanese homes through low-profile structures that integrate seamlessly with the landscape. Expansive glass facades act as a contemporary take on shoji screens, while interiors are informed by tatami-based layouts. Curved rammed-earth walls, made using local soil, add texture and help anchor the villas into their natural surroundings, creating a dialogue between built form and environment.
Three Villas, Three Perspectives
Each villa is named after the scope of its panoramic view — 360, 270 and 180 — reflecting their orientation toward the Seto Inland Sea. The design emphasizes openness and immersion, with every angle framing the surrounding water and terrain. Together, the villas embody what Ingels describes as a fusion of opposites, where Scandinavian minimalism and Japanese tradition coexist in a single, cohesive experience.
