A private enterprise acquired the Narukawa Gorge Recreation Center—nestled deep within the lush mountains of Kitauwa District, Ehime Prefecture—from the local municipality to redevelop it into a resort. For this renovation, we were tasked with the landscape design of the surrounding promenades and courtyard gardens (Tsuboniwa). The hotel’s overarching concept harmonizes the “Beauty of the Gorge” with the “Spirit of Mottainai (a reverence for existing resources).” Aligning with this vision, we devised a landscape strategy that maximizes the inherent, unspoiled beauty of the site’s woodlands and ravine.

In the main building, we designed a waterfall garden for the lobby and a Tsuboniwa for the restaurant. Directly facing the lobby, a dramatic cliff and a cascading waterfall serve as a breathtaking focal point that symbolizes the gorge. The twin waterfalls—flowing on the left and right—utilize natural spring water, dynamically changing their expression day by day in response to the weather and seasons. For the restaurant, we designed a Tsuboniwa featuring landscape stones and Japanese maples. The space is composed to be viewed through low-set windows, framing the garden like a living painting perfectly aligned with the eye level of seated guests.

Heading upstream from the main building, five villas and four private baths are situated along the sloped terrain. We designed the interconnecting promenades and the specific access routes leading to each structure. Our first step was to restore the slopes to their most natural state by removing intrusive artificial elements, including planted hedges, obtrusive lighting, and signage that detracted from the landscape. Conversely, we preserved existing organic features—such as decaying tree stumps and moss-covered boulders—and carefully routed the pathways to weave naturally among them.

For the promenades, we adopted the traditional “Arare-koboshi (scattered hailstone)” stone paving technique, often found in Kyoto’s historical gardens. Executed through the exceptional craftsmanship of local landscapers, this paving harmonizes seamlessly with the scenery, providing a comfortable walking surface while allowing guests to feel the natural undulations of the earth. Furthermore, the approach steps leading to each building are constructed from natural Oshima stone. This robust materiality creates a striking contrast against the meticulous detail of the Arare-koboshi paving.

Immersed in a landscape that brings guests into intimate contact with the wilderness, these villas and private baths overlook the exquisite beauty of the gorge carved by the clear stream, culminating in a truly unparalleled hospitality experience.