“Otaru Retreat Kuramure by Onko Chishin” to Rebrand and Reopen on February 24, 2026
公開日：2025年12月26日
Otaru Ryotei Kuramure will reopen under the new brand name “Otaru Retreat Kuramure by Onko Chishin” on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Renovation work will be carried out in phases while the property continues normal operations until the rebranding opening.
This property marks the fifth retreat in the series developed by Onko Chishin, following “Setouchi Retreat Aonagi,” “Iki Retreat Kairi Murakami,” “Goto Retreat ray,” and “Izu Retreat Atagawa Suiko.”
New Logo & New Concept
Concept
Memories of time dwelling within tranquil storehouses
Ripples of sound and whispered verses
A serene realm of wabi-sabi, entrusted to the flow of time
An inner chamber where the heart comes to rest
Thoughts Behind the Logo
Drawing on Kuramure’s defining characteristics—its masterful use of natural materials and architecture that harmonizes seamlessly with the surrounding landscape—the new logo reflects environmental elements such as Otaru’s snowy scenery and the continuous forms of the storehouses.
Inspired by the shape of the roofs, diagonal lines arranged around the lettering symbolically depict their distinctive silhouettes.
Origins of the Concept
Kuramure, built in the image of Otaru’s stone warehouse district, was conceived as a space embodying the spirit of Japan under architect Makoto Nakayama’s design philosophy that values “kan” (tranquility). While cherishing the beauty and quietude of Japanese aesthetics, the architecture blends harmoniously with the surrounding natural environment, expressing the changing seasons.
Otaru townscape during the Meiji period (Source: Otaru City General Museum)
Against a historical backdrop of frequent large fires, these stone warehouses—built with fire-resistant soft stone—still vividly retain the atmosphere of their era.
Inheriting Makoto Nakayama’s philosophy and the history of Otaru’s stone warehouses, the new concept embraces the traditional Japanese notion of “kamosu” (to ferment or mature), an age-old practice of quietly deepening value over time.
Key Renovation Highlights
Kuramure originally opened on May 9, 2002, and has been operated by Onko Chishin since June 20, 2025.
While preserving the original design philosophy, the renovation aims to further refine the value of the guest experience. Architect Makoto Nakayama, who oversaw the original design, will also lead the renovation design.
Enzyme bath image
The two existing public baths will be renovated into reservable private baths, each offering an exclusive wellness experience.
For the first time among Onko Chishin–operated properties, an enzyme bath will be newly introduced.
In addition, a spa and sauna will be added, providing a stay experience designed to promote circulation and balance through thermal bathing and detoxification.
【After Renovation】
Private Bath 1: Enzyme Bath & Spa
Private Bath 2: Sauna, Cold Bath & Open-Air Bath
※Due to renovation work associated with the introduction of the enzyme bath, spa, and sauna, the existing public baths will no longer be available from Monday, January 5, 2026. Details regarding operating hours and usage fees will be announced on the official website once finalized.
About Architect Makoto Nakayama
An architect born in Hokkaido.
He has designed numerous luxury residences and accommodation facilities, primarily in Hokkaido, including “Zaborin” and “Sansui Niseko” in Niseko, “Boro NOGUCHI Noboribetsu” in Noboribetsu, “Boro NOGUCHI Hakodate” in Hakodate, and “Ryotei Kuki” in Esashi.
Influenced by Katsura Imperial Villa and Kyoto architecture, his design philosophy is characterized by a deep sensitivity to Japanese spirituality and meticulous attention to delicate proportions.
His architecture, which harmonizes with Hokkaido’s natural environment, has received high acclaim and numerous awards both in Japan and internationally.
