“YOICHI” is located at centre of the local shopping street in Yokkaichi city, Mie prefecture used to be a lively place with full of merchants and travellers as the major post-town of Tokaido – the most important route of Edo period. Staring from the reminiscence of prosperity as the major post-town, it is planned to become a gathering place for workers today, to revitalise the area, designed like “machiya” – traditional merchant house style where guests enjoy local sake and food in the relaxed atmosphere.

The main feature of 1st floor is the open kitchen with 9 meter wooden counter seating of Japanese horse chestnut. The open kitchen is visible from every seating arrangements, the open space gives vitality to the space, and create friendly atmosphere between chefs and guests. Private dining rooms at 2nd floor can be flexible for any styles of parties and receptions.

All design elements in the space are inspired from traditional culture and local craftsmanship such as exterior louvers inspired from traditional Japanese house, ceramic tiles and Japanese washi paper at walls, using local indigo eye and cotton “Matsuzaka Momen” for upholstery and decorative lighting fixtures. The ceiling pattern at private dining came up from “Ise Katagami” which is the famous local dyed paper often used as Kimono pattern.

Local unglazed porcelain, attractive wall arts which are the modern interpretation of calligraphic and “ukiyo-e” woodcut prints characterise the space where guests can touch the essence of local beauties. Thus, “YOICHI” is designed with full of traditional local elements. We wish this space will be loved for long time as “Home Sweet Home” – a comfortable gathering place gives feeling of good old days, escape from busy life of today.

Designed by Design Studio CROW
Photography by Ouchi studio