Completed in 1962 by a team led by Yoshiro Taniguchi, the Okura was bold and very Western (read: modern) for its time
The hotel's distinct Japanese aesthetic was brought to life by the craftsmen who decorated the space with silk wall coverings, delicate wooden lattice work, specially commissioned tiles, carpets and lighting fixtures
The building was completed in 1962 by a team of five architects led by Yoshiro Taniguchi
The Okura was a masterfully designed and executed space...
... a project ahead of its time and an important part of modern Japanese architectural history
The Okura was originally opened just in time for the 1964 Olympics – but it is the forthcoming 2020 games that have prompted the management to rebuild the lauded structure
The new design has been put in the hands of Taniguchi's son, Yoshio Taniguchi – a successful architect in his own right
In contrast to his father, Yoshio's approach favours more contemporary, minimalist, clean lines
While the construction takes place, the hotel will operate from the original building's 1973 South Wing addition
Until the work is complete, the hotel retain its original appearance with the classic Orchid bar from the main building and the hotel's restaurants temporarily relocated
keywords:Hotel Okura, Yoshio Taniguchi, Yoshiro Taniguchi, architecture, Tokyo