Frank Lloyd Wright first arrived in Japan in 1917 and that same year he met Arata Endo – 27 years old at the time and fresh off the team working on plans to construct Meiji Shrine. The two architects bonded and Endo would go on to become Wright’s primary protégé, overseeing many of Wright’s projects in Japan after he left the country.
Although never fully emerging from the shadows of Wright, Endo would go on to construct several of his own projects and in recent years there has been a movement to rediscover the work of Endo. One of those is the Kaji Villa in Hayama, completed in 1928 and significant in that Endo designed not only the home but the lighting and furniture as well.
The prairie-style home was recently renovated by Kamiya Architects, whose focus was integrating a modern lifestyle while preserving historical elements of the home. More bolder renovations can be seen in the spa area, which has been updated with modern-day conveniences, while the rest of the home saw updates on accent lighting and furniture that created consistency throughout the space.
Hayama Kachitei is now available as a short-term rental. But already situated in a wealthy enclave, staying in this beautiful home doesn’t come cheap. Rates will fluctuate but they start at 214,500 yen (about $2000 usd) per night and there’s a 2-night minimum so we’re just going to live vicariously through these pictures.
December 5, 2020 at 1:02 am
Beautiful and totally would stay here one day