The modernist Hotel Okura, known for its appearance in the 1960s James Bond film “You Only Live Twice,” is being rebuilt in Tokyo to enhance its earthquake resistance.
Despite international efforts to preserve the original Hotel Okura Tokyo, the building was demolished in 2015 to make way for a larger and more resilient structure. The new 508-room hotel, now named The Okura Tokyo, is set to reopen in September 2019.
Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi, who is responsible for designing key guest areas in the new hotel, has focused on modernizing the lobby, which was originally designed by his father, Yoshiro Taniguchi, in 1962. The updated lobby aims to capture the distinctive Japanese design elements that characterized the original.
The original hotel, which was featured in the 1973 James Bond film starring Sean Connery, has its lobby prominently used as a set.
Recognizing the popularity of the original lobby, Taniguchi emphasized the importance of maintaining the design’s inspirational impact. Elements from the original 1960s lobby, such as the hexagonal lanterns, world map with global time zones, lacquered tables, and midcentury chairs arranged to resemble plum tree petals, will be reinstated. Additionally, the shoji paper windows with Asanoha-mon leaf-pattern latticework and Kenkichi Tomimoto’s woven silk wall tapestry will be faithfully reproduced in the new design.
The new exterior will significantly differ from the original low-lying structure. A 188-meter glass skyscraper, named the Okura Prestige Tower, will feature guest rooms starting on the 28th floor of the 41-story building.
The design of the Orchid bar, which was previously a favorite among diplomats from the nearby American Embassy, will be recreated by luxury hotel interior design group G.A Design on the Fifth floor. The new hotel will also include fine dining restaurants, banquet facilities, and what is expected to be Tokyo’s largest ballroom.
Next to the Prestige Tower, the 75-meter Okura heritage Wing will house reproductions of the Yamazato Japanese restaurant and the Chosho-an tea ceremony room. The new entrance, known as Okura Square, will feature a large water element, contributing to the overall aesthetic of the hotel.
Hotel Okura president Toshihiro Ogita expressed confidence that The Okura Tokyo will achieve the same level of admiration as its predecessor, despite the challenges faced in replacing the much-loved original structure.
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Location
Address: 2-10-4 Toranomon, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
