Setting
An overview of the workshop venue's design and features
Atelier SUSHI is located within the stunning Kyoto Wand building, just 5-minutes’ walk east of Kiyomizu Gojo Station.
Renovation
With regards to the building’s recent renovation in 2022, the original structure, previously renovated multiple times, was dismantled down to its existing framework with the expertise of a local carpenter.
The exterior's tiled façade was removed, restoring the eaves and façade finish while reconnecting with neighboring houses.
The first floor features large glass windows and sliding doors, with a bench made of half-sawn chestnut logs along the driveway.
The building was repaired, reinforced, and updated to blend with Kyoto’s elegant machiya townscape in order to harmonize with, and preserve, Kyoto’s rich architectural heritage.
Interior Features
The first floor includes the main seating area with side tables and chairs, and a table for four in front of a tsuboniwa (small garden).
The design utilizes existing beams, pillars, and exposed earthen walls to highlight the original traditional construction methods.
Indigo-dyed wood panels, created by artist Yuko Yamamoto, feature prominently around the exterior of the kitchen, resulting in a richly expressive wall surface. In addition, interior designer Wataru Hatano applied washi paper to the counter, adding an artistic touch.
The kitchen's ceiling and walls are finished with trivalent chromate steel sheet, an industrial material, adding a stunningly beautiful unique element.
Artistic elements throughout the interior include glass pendant lighting shades by Ryo Sekino, pendant lighting shades and sculptures by Takayuki Daikoku in the tsuboniwa garden, and photographs by Yasumi Kakimoto. The goal was to create a space where people can enjoy the workshop while being exposed to contemporary art installments. The furniture throughout Atelier SUSHI is by Naomi Toda of Potitek and additional fixtures by Yuto Sasaki of Lenogu.
The goal was to create a space where people can enjoy the sushi workshops while being exposed to contemporary Japanese art installments which blend harmoniously with the venue's rich traditional heritage.
We believe this has been achieved and we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful workshop!