HOTEL GRANVIA HIROSHIMA SOUTH GATE designed by TAKASHIMAYA SPACE CREATE CO., LTD.
Setouchi unfolds beautifully through movement, revealing islands across the water, distant mountain ridges, and the gentle play of light on the Inland Sea. Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate, strategically located above Hiroshima Station, provides travellers with a unique perspective of this stunning regional landscape right from the city's heart.
Designed by Takashimaya Space Create, the hotel serves as a gateway to Setouchi, drawing inspiration from the Shimanami and Yamanami, elements that represent the layered profiles of the region's islands and mountains. This design not only offers an early glimpse of the enchanting landscapes beyond Hiroshima but also creates a tranquil atmosphere for those who opt to stay within the city. The interior reflects this regional essence through soft lighting and flowing forms, evoking a connection among sea, islands, and mountains without resorting to direct depictions of the scenery.
Positioning above Hiroshima Station enhances the overall experience. Guests arriving at this central transportation hub enjoy breathtaking views of both sea and mountains from their windows. The interior design skillfully incorporates these vistas, making the natural landscape a fundamental part of the hotel’s identity. Artwork inspired by the winds of the Seto Inland Sea adds to the regional feel, while natural materials like rock salt and wood grain bring texture and depth, echoing the elemental beauty of water, land, and climate.
Additionally, furniture made from reclaimed timber, sourced from trees that once lined the streets, fosters a direct connection to the site. This material carries with it a piece of the former streetscape, preserving a physical memory of the area as Hiroshima Station evolves. Such details enhance the hotel’s regional character, shaped by its materials, atmosphere, and outlook. Guests can feel Setouchi in the soft light, the movement suggested by the design, and the natural elements woven into the artwork and furnishings.
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima South Gate stands as an introduction to its surroundings. From its vantage point above the station, the hotel bridges the urban center of Hiroshima with the expansive landscapes of the Inland Sea, providing travellers with a composed first experience of the region's light, mountains, and coastal charm.
PEGGY'S EDITOR'S NOTE (2026 Sky Design Awards Editorial Jury)
Many gateway properties focus on basic functionality, but this project aims to enhance the traveler's experience and sense of place. Soft lighting, gently curved ceiling profiles, and kinetic art reflect the region's unique winds and currents, giving guests a preview of the beauty of Setouchi. The decision to salvage and repurpose local street-tree timber is a meaningful detail that connects the design to the site's history, transforming sustainability into a lasting and cherished memory for every visitor.
EDITOR'S REVIEW
The project expertly interprets the regional landscape through a sophisticated spatial rhythm. Its undulating forms and soft lighting capture the essence of Setouchi, immersing guests in an environment that feels deeply connected to the islands and the sea. The use of reclaimed street-tree timber adds remarkable precision to the sustainability narrative, grounding the commitment to environmental stewardship in the physical history of the site. By honouring the hotel’s prominent location above a major station, the design facilitates a seamless transition. Clear and intuitive circulation paths guide guests into lounges, where artwork and carefully modulated light create a serene and welcoming sanctuary.
ORIGINAL DESIGNER SUBMISSION — VERBATIM
A hotel concept is the gateway to Japan's inland sea, SETOUCHI
Taking the Shimanami and Yamanami of the Seto Inland Sea as its design theme, the hotel expresses the expansive natural beauty inherent to this region. Its interior features materials evoking soft light and a sense of undulation, complemented by artwork inspired by
the winds of the Seto Inland Sea. Located directly above Hiroshima Station in the city centre, the hotel strives to harmonise with the views of sea and mountains visible from its windows, offering a place for guests to relax and unwind.In consideration for the environment, timber from trees planted along the streets prior to this building's construction was used for some of the furniture. The art also makes extensive use of natural materials, such as rock salt and wood grain.
Project: HOTEL GRANVIA HIROSHIMA SOUTH GATE
Location: Hiroshima Station, Hiroshima, Japan
Project type: Interior Design — Hotel and Resort / Station Gateway Hotel
Designer/company: TAKASHIMAYA SPACE CREATE CO., LTD.
Additional credits: Chikako Tateyama and project design team
Client/collaborators: Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Completion: 24 March 2025