WEAZER Yuen

Beyond Nishi-Izu — To a Literary Hot Spring Town

WEAZER’s origins lie in Nishi-Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture—
where off-grid hospitality was born, harmonizing with nature, welcoming guests to a new way of living.

Now, WEAZER ventures beyond that birthplace to a new landscape rich with history and culture:
Yugawara, southwestern Kanagawa Prefecture.

Yugawara — a hot spring town celebrated since antiquity.
Mentioned in the Manyoshu, Japan’s oldest poetry anthology.
Known as “Yakushi no Yu” (Medicine Spring) and “Kizu no Yu” (Healing Spring) — waters that have soothed generations.

During the Edo period:
ranked “East Komusubi” in hot spring efficacy rankings — a mark of high esteem.

In the Meiji era:
designated as a sanatorium for wounded soldiers, recognizing the therapeutic power of its waters.

Yugawara also drew writers and artists.
Kunikida Doppo. Natsume Soseki. Yasui Sotaro.
Inspired by the atmosphere, they created works here.

Unlike Atami’s vibrant energy, Yugawara offers refined tranquility — a mature, contemplative stillness.

This unique character — calm yet resonant — guided WEAZER’s vision for this next chapter.

The site for WEAZER Yugawara:
a completely private sanctuary within Yugawara, surrounded by bamboo forest — removed from the everyday world.

Natural hot springs flow through the property.
A rare and exceptional place.

This project began through connection.
The landowner—a devoted guest of Loquat Nishi-Izu Villa SUGURO, one of ARTH’s hospitality properties — came to deeply appreciate our approach to spatial design, hospitality, and innovative technology.

Inspired by a shared vision to revitalize Yugawara through architecture that honors tradition while embracing the future, the WEAZER Yugawara project was born.

Off-Grid × Japanese Tradition × Hot Springs
Weaving a New Landscape

The architectural concept: resonance between nature and structure.

Designed by Uotani Shigenori Architects—
a Kyoto-based studio with extensive experience
revitalizing traditional machiya townhouses.
Their approach honors place and context,
prioritizing the relationship between architecture and land.

The design responds to time and season.
Spaces that allow nature’s rhythms
to enter daily life.
Architecture that breathes with its surroundings.

Spatial Features

Approach
A winding path through bamboo forest.
From gate to building, anticipation builds.
Nature gradually reveals architecture.

Two Gardens
North: raw bamboo forest, brought close to the structure — preserving its natural, untamed character.
South: cultivated garden with selected plantings — a composed outdoor room.
Two contrasting expressions of nature, in dialogue.

Interior-Exterior Contrast
Long eaves extend outward.
Interior spaces remain subdued.
By restraint within, the bamboo and autumn colors beyond appear more vivid, more alive.

Multiple Places to Dwell
Terrace. Water basin. Garden. Meditation space.
Each offers a different way to be present — different angles, different rhythms.
Guests choose where and how to experience stillness.

Off-Grid Technology Meets Hot Spring Tradition

Electricity:
100% self-sufficient. Rooftop solar and batteries.

Water:
Rainwater collection and soil filtration. Circulating, minimizing environmental impact.

Uniquely, this facility heats hot spring water entirely off-grid — unlike WEAZER Nishi-Izu. A technical achievement preserving authentic onsen experience while maintaining complete energy independence.

The source:
Abundant hot spring water, 23 liters per minute at 38.7°C. The outdoor bath attached to the guest room: a generous 4 meters long.

From the bath, bamboo forest and autumn foliage fill the view.
The water itself becomes part of the landscape.

Hot spring culture, refined over centuries.
Off-grid technology, pioneering the future.
Here, they converge.

A Dual Model: Villa and Hotel

One group per day. The entire building. Complete privacy.

When the owner stays: a private villa.
When available: a boutique hotel welcoming guests.

This model targets those who seek harmony with nature in exceptional design.

The freedom of a villa.
The hospitality of a hotel.
A new hybrid approach to luxury accommodation.