- 2026 Pioneer Prize
- From Dining Space
Koryori Hyu+Hanare
Project Description
Conceived around the theme of “Experiencing Miyazaki,” this Japanese restaurant is composed of two contrasting spatial worlds where guests can experience the cuisine and culture of Miyazaki through all five senses.
The first floor, composed primarily of private dining rooms, is a space that evokes the “old, traditional Miyazaki” using indigenous Japanese materials and locally sourced timber. Upon entering, you can feel the texture of the earth and wood and sense the quiet presence of Japan’s simple beauty and the region’s history. Within this refined private setting, guests can engage in conversation with the chef across the counter while slowly savoring dishes that distill the richness of the local land, experiencing a truly special moment in time.
In contrast, the second floor “Hanare,” reached by a staircase, unfolds as a space filled with the distinctive vitality of the southern subtropics. Lush, vibrant plants brighten up the space. It’s like an adult hideaway where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city. Surrounded by warm light and lush greenery, guests enjoy relaxed, open moments of lively evening gatherings in Miyazaki with close friends, while having drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
The first floor where guests can savor their meal at a leisurely pace in harmony with Japanese aesthetics is “stillness,” while the second floor where guests can enjoy Miyazaki’s night while experiencing the vibrant vitality of nature is “movement”. Since you can experience different facets of Miyazaki all within a single building, every visit brings new experiences and impressions. That’s why it has become a one-of-a-kind restaurant where guests can experience Miyazaki’s local cuisine with all five senses.
Based in the ancient city of Nara, Japan. He is a licensed architect and founder of architectural design firm ARCHIF, established in 2017. Alongside his architectural practice, he also serves as Director and Spatial Designer at Nottuo Inc, a design studio based in Nishiawakura Village, Okayama.
Focused on traditional Japanese materials and regional characteristics, his architecture is shaped by a careful understanding of light and shadow and the intrinsic qualities of materials to create architectural spaces with a distinct atmospheric character. His work has been highly regarded across a wide range of projects throughout Japan, not only private residences and vacation homes but also Michelin-starred restaurants and accommodation. His approach is rooted in creating architecture that inspires attachment and a motivate to preserve it over time.
One of his representative works, Naoshima Ryokan ROKA (completed in 2022), reconstructs the landscapes of satoyama, creating a space in harmony with art. The project has received numerous international design awards, including the “GOOD DESIGN AWARD 2022,” the Bronze Award at the “DFA Design for Asia Awards 2022,” and the “iF DESIGN AWARD 2023.” It has also earned Michelin Keys for two consecutive years, attracted significant attention both in Japan and internationally.