An Artist-Designed Ice Hotel in Hokkaido

photos by hiroki onishi

Earlier this month a pop-up hotel emerged in Hokkaido, Japan’s northern island know for, amongst other things, their snow. Although typically geared towards a longer-term horizon, this hotel was temporary in that it was made from snow and only made to last until the temperatures begin to rise. Ice Hills Hotel was conceived by a local real estate company as part of Creative Hokkaido, an initiative designed to telegraph Hokkaido’s creative culture beyond their island.

Under the creative direction of Clark Gallery, 3 artists – Toshihiko Shibuya, Midori Kambara and Leo Fujisawa – were tapped to each design separate hotel rooms.

Inspired by the beauty of white, Sapporo-based artist Midori Kambara chose to create a white landscape of grass and flowers carved into the snow wall.

“White Garden” by Midori Kambara

“White Garden” by Midori Kambara

Moving in the opposite direction from Kambara, the installation artist Toshihiko Shibuya decided to experiment with color. By inserting fluorescent color sheets behind blocks of ice and then embedding them into the wall, Kambara used natural light to create a frosted color palette.

“Ice Palette” by Toshihiko Shibuya

“Ice Palette” by Toshihiko Shibuya

The sculptor Leo Fujisawa created a monumental room that begins with a large ice door that obscures your view. Once inside, various cubic ice stairs take form and lead to a central bed, where a warm sleeping bag awaits residents.

“Ice Step” by Leo Fujisawa

“Ice Step” by Leo Fujisawa

Accompanying the 3 frozen designer rooms is a bar in case, you know, the hotel happens to be a little chilly. Planning a visit? Make sure you grab a pair of ice glasses!