Shigeru Ban opens wellness retreat on Awaji Island
The hotel in Japan's Awaji Island focuses on preventive wellness treatments.
1Shigeru Ban's new project
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Shigeru Ban has designed a wellness hotel named Pasona Natureverse Retreat on Japan's Awaji Island. The hotel is designed for long-term stays based on the 'Mibyo' ideal, which represents preventive wellness treatment. This project marks Ban's third work on Awaji Island.
2Architectural design details
The hotel features a D-shaped plan, taking advantage of its location between the sea and the forest. The east and west facades are designed to reflect these two distinct landscapes. Two linear structures are integrated around a light-filled atrium. The hotel is five stories high and comprises 57 rooms.
3Rooms with sea and forest views
Half of the hotel rooms overlook the sea, while the other half face the forest. The seaside facade emphasizes horizontal lines, while the forest-side facade features timber-clad columns. Each room includes a private onsen (natural hot spring). Some rooms are equipped with sensor-operated beds that monitor nighttime body movements.
4Wellness programs
The hotel focuses on preventive wellness treatments. Guests participate in personalized wellness programs that include activities such as thalassotherapy, hammam meditation, yoga, sound therapy, and aromatherapy. Additionally, the hotel features a dedicated room for aerial yoga and a gym.
5Restaurants and event spaces
The hotel houses five restaurants run by Michelin-starred chefs and several cafes. On the third floor, there is an event hall designed for live musical performances, adorned with 500 window panes covered in artworks. There is also an indoor swimming pool fed with saltwater from the Seto Inland Sea.
6Shigeru Ban's architectural approach
Shigeru Ban is known for his innovative architectural designs using cardboard and natural materials. He won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2014 and was recently awarded the 2026 AIA Gold Medal. The Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch is considered one of his most influential works.
7Hotel location and surroundings
Pasona Natureverse Retreat is located at the tip of Awaji Island near Kobe. The hotel enjoys a strategic location with both sea and forest views. This setting provides guests with an immersive natural experience. The hotel offers an ideal environment for long-term stays.
8Significance for wellness tourism
The hotel designed by Shigeru Ban is seen as a significant step for wellness tourism. Focusing on preventive wellness treatments, the hotel offers guests both physical and mental rejuvenation opportunities. This project could position Awaji Island as a key destination for wellness tourism.