YAKINIKU TAKANAWA

“Yakiniku Takanawa,” the first yakiniku restaurant by HUGE, was designed with the intention of creating a space that feels both new and nostalgic, while avoiding an overly polished atmosphere.
The key aspect of the spatial design lies in the adoption of a completely open layout along an L-shaped circulation path without partitions. This creates visual continuity that allows the entire restaurant to be viewed from the corridor, generating an open and dynamic spatial experience that transcends the conventional framework of a typical dining establishment.
At the center of the main floor, referred to as the “garden,” stands a monumental 5-meter-long and 1.2-meter-deep Berlinia single-slab wood table as the focal point of the space. It is complemented on both sides by luxurious tables crafted from live-edge Monkey Pod and Japanese horse chestnut slabs. The grilling units were designed with practicality and usability as the highest priority, partially embedded into the counters to improve comfort and functionality. The result is a refined environment where the overwhelming presence of natural wood harmonizes with a highly functional design approach.
The extensive use of exposed one-shot ducts intentionally gives the interior a strong, inorganic industrial framework. In contrast, natural wood is incorporated into elements such as chairs and lighting fixtures, introducing organic warmth and soft textures into the space. This carefully balanced contrast between industrial materials and natural elements suppresses any sense of coldness, creating a sophisticated warmth that unifies both functional beauty and comfort throughout the restaurant.
Positioned one level above the main floor, the elevated area known as the “engawa” functions as a semi-private zone. Furnished with U-shaped sofas and marble tables, and equipped with smokeless roasters, the space achieves a clean and refined environment free from smoke. This creates an atmosphere of restrained luxury and understated sophistication. On the back wall of this floor hangs a large-scale print by Mitsushige Nishiwaki, spanning over four meters in width and serving as the symbolic centerpiece of the area. The artwork depicts a train running along the historic Takanawa Embankment, quietly embedding the historical context of the Takanawa district into the contemporary interior.
Beyond the main floor and past the kitchen lies the restaurant’s only private dining room. Appearing at the end of an inorganic approach sequence, the room reveals itself as a secret hideaway enveloped in a classical atmosphere. Guests are welcomed by a custom stained-glass installation by Yuko Terashima. The stained glass, also inspired by trains running along the Takanawa Embankment, resonates with Nishiwaki’s artwork and further enriches the space with historical depth. The interior evokes the ambiance of a classic grand hotel, carefully designed to provide a serene and exceptional experience.