A Must-See for Camera Girls! Architecture by Kengo Kuma in Atami. A ZINE on Kengo Kuma x Cafes
"Where should we go next weekend?" If we're going somewhere, it should be a place where we can encounter captivating scenery and take lots of photos.
For camera-loving women in that mood, I recommend "ACAO FOREST" in Atami.
The garden, which spreads across a steep slope, is colored by seasonal plants including roses, and you can enjoy scenery with depth unique to its terrain.
The highlight is the cafe "COEDA HOUSE" by architect Kengo Kuma.
The architecture, woven from delicate woodwork, creates a beautiful contrast of natural light and shadow, capturing the interest of visitors.
Of course, the swing that lets you experience the thrill of rowing out toward the sea is one attraction you won't want to miss.
No matter what season you visit, you will encounter the beauty of the flowers of that time, but personally, I recommend May, when the air is filled with the scent of roses.
Please take a look at that beautiful world through your viewfinder at least once.
You will be captivated by the delicate forms of small creatures and flowers.
You can also experience things like making fragrance with herbs, so you'll want to spend at least half a day there.
So, why not create a "Kengo Kuma x Cafe Hopping" ZINE?
"Kengo Kuma, isn't he that guy who did the National Stadium? Architecture seems kind of difficult..."
You might have thought that.
But don't worry.
Actually, there are many charming cafes and spots featuring Kengo Kuma's architecture that you can feel are "cute!" or "comfortable!" without any difficult knowledge.
This time, I will introduce a travel plan for visiting cafes with Kengo Kuma architecture that even architecture beginners can enjoy.
To begin with, what kind of person is Kengo Kuma?
Leaving aside difficult talk, in a word, he is "an architect who is good at using natural light and wood to create spaces that make you want to take pictures."
It is characterized by a gentle and warm design that blends into the surrounding scenery rather than just making the building stand out.
That's why every part of the cafes he creates is picture-perfect, and you can relax just by being there.
[1] Atami: A superb reward cafe that melts into the sea and sky
📍 ACAO FOREST "COEDA HOUSE"
First, I would like to recommend the superb cafe "COEDA HOUSE" in Atami.
The glass-walled space, which looks as if it is floating on the sea, is truly an extraordinary reward spot.
The design, created by stacking countless pieces of wood, looks just like one large tree.
When you go inside, gentle light like dappled sunlight shines in, and you can take "emotional" photos no matter where you shoot.
If you are taking photos,
taking a picture of your drink and the blue sea together at the counter seat is a classic!
The shadows of the woodwork falling on the floor are also a point where you can take stylish photos.
The "ACAO FOREST" where the cafe is located is a vast garden where seasonal flowers bloom.
Don't forget to check out the "Flying Swing" in the park!
While you're at it, in the town of Atami, you can take a break with Atami Pudding or enjoy eating your way through the shopping street. Planning it as a set with a day-trip hot spring is also recommended.
[2] Tokyo/Omotesando: An artistic architectural stroll in a stylish town
📍 SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama
In Minami-Aoyama, where stylish shops line the streets, this building stands out. It is a pineapple cake specialty store from Taiwan, marked by its unique design where wood is combined in a fluffy, forest-like way.
Stepping inside, you are enveloped by the scent and warmth of wood, as if you were in the middle of a forest. Since the architecture itself is a work of art, just taking a photo with the building in the background makes for a stylish shot.
If you're taking photos,
I recommend holding a cake with cute packaging and taking a picture in front of the building.
The complex way the wood is joined inside the shop is also interesting to photograph!
📍 Nezu Museum "NEZUCAFÉ"
A true "urban oasis" that lets you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
It is a quiet and calm museum cafe located at the end of a beautiful approach through a bamboo forest.
Beyond the large windows, a lush Japanese garden spreads out before you.
If you're taking photos,
it's best to photograph Japanese sweets with the greenery of the garden visible through the window in the background.
It's also lovely to spend a rainy day gazing at the serene garden.
[3] Fukuoka/Dazaifu: Get Some Blessings Too? A Greedy Architectural Trip
📍 Starbucks Coffee Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store
This is a very famous spot, often called the "most stylish Starbucks in the world."
The dynamic wooden design that continues from the entrance to the interior is a masterpiece.
It is bustling with many tourists, but it is still a place you want to visit at least once.
The coffee you drink in a space woven with light and shadow should taste a little more special than usual.
If you're taking photos,
including the entire entrance of the shop and capturing it with the dynamic woodwork makes a big impact!
If you shoot from the back of the interior toward the entrance, you can take a photo with a sense of depth.
While you're on your trip, of course, pray for academic success or good relationships at Dazaifu Tenmangu.
Be sure to taste the freshly baked "Umegae Mochi," a specialty of the approach.
Actually, I was born in Fukuoka, and I love "Umegae Mochi."
They are often sold at department stores during Kyushu exhibitions, but if you have never eaten "Umegae Mochi," please try it.
Conclusion
The spots introduced this time are just a small part of Kengo Kuma's architecture. You can understand the charm of his architecture even more by not just "looking" at it, but by "spending time" in that space.
You might feel a bit intimidated when you hear the word "architecture," but all that matters is the feeling of "this is comfortable" or "this light is beautiful."
Why not grab your camera and go on a "Kengo Kuma x Cafe Tour" next weekend?
You are sure to find a new favorite place.
💡ZINE Concept: Turning "Architecture" into "Lifestyle"
The purpose of this ZINE is not to create a technical book on architecture.
The target audience is not people who are knowledgeable about art or architecture, but women who "love stylish spaces and want to capture wonderful experiences in photos."
Therefore, I will not use any difficult words at all.
Instead of saying "this woodwork is...", I will convey it in intuitive words that you would want to tell your friends, like "the forest-like 'fluffy' architecture is cute!"
From "touring architecture" to "spending time in architecture."
The main character is ultimately the reader's "experience."
This ZINE is a guidebook to create that opportunity.
ZINE Structure Proposal: "#KengoKumaCafeTour - Meeting Architecture, Weekend Trip"
[P.1: Cover] A shot that builds anticipation for the trip
First, the goal is to create a cover that makes readers want to pick it up and say, "What is this? It's so cute!"
The best photo would be of the glass-walled counter seats at my favorite spot in Atami, ACAO FOREST's "COEDA HOUSE," which open out to the sea and sky.
I'll use a handwritten-style font for the title logo to add a touch of warmth.
By scattering hashtags like "#ArchitectureGirlTrip" and "#InstaWorthyCafe," the theme of the entire ZINE will be clear at a glance.
[P.2-3: Introduction] Closing the distance to "Kengo Kuma"
I'll draw readers in with the question, "That stylish cafe you love—could it actually be by Kengo Kuma?"
It's important to introduce Kengo Kuma as "someone who excels at creating spaces that make you want to take photos by using plenty of natural light and wood," to make him feel relatable.
[P.4-7: Area Feature ① Atami] An extraordinary holiday spent at a cafe with a stunning view
The trip naturally begins in the classic destination of Atami.
The star of the show is, of course, ACAO FOREST's "COEDA HOUSE".
I'll introduce it with a catchy phrase like "It's like floating on the sea!" and explain the multi-layered wood design gently, as if talking to the reader: "It looks like a big tree, doesn't it?"
I'll also introduce photo spots.
I'll suggest specific photography techniques, such as "Taking a picture of your drink with the ocean in the background is a classic!" and "The shadows cast by the dappled sunlight on the floor are also cute."
As an extra touch, I'll add information about Atami Pudding and street food in the shopping district to increase the overall satisfaction of the trip.
[P.8-11: Area Feature ② & ③ Tokyo/Fukuoka] Encountering Kuma architecture in daily life and on trips
In Tokyo's Omotesando, I'll introduce the "fluffy" exterior of "SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama" and the quiet, beautiful cafe space at the "Nezu Museum." I'll propose an architectural stroll through a stylish neighborhood.
In Fukuoka's Dazaifu, I'll pick up the "Starbucks Coffee Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store," famous as the "most stylish Starbucks in the world."
By pairing it with a prayer for academic success at Dazaifu Tenmangu and the local specialty Umegae-mochi, I'll convey its appeal as a "greedy trip where you can also get good fortune."
Personally, recommending Umegae-mochi is a must!
[P.12-13: Column] Secrets of Kengo Kuma that make it even more fun to know
Here, I'll add a little intellectual spice.
I'll answer the simple question, "Why does he use so much wood?" with "Because he wants to be in harmony with the surrounding nature," and mention that Kengo Kuma himself seems to design with the social media era in mind.
Instead of difficult architectural theory, I'll deepen interest in Kuma architecture with trivia that makes readers go, "Wow!"
[P.14-16: Participatory Page] Leading readers to their "next trip"
Finally, I'll provide a MAP of the introduced spots and a "MY NOTE" page where readers can write freely.
I'll encourage sharing on social media with "Post with #KengoKumaCafeTour!" to create a sense of community where readers can connect with each other.
It's important to have mechanisms that make this ZINE the start of the reader's own journey, and for that journey to continue.
Summary: What is important in making a ZINE
The most important thing in this project is to thoroughly maintain a "woman's perspective."
Word choice: Avoid technical jargon and use relatable language.
Photos: Include not just the overall view of the architecture, but also photos of light, shadows, details, and images that allow you to imagine "yourself enjoying the space."
Information: Prioritize access, business hours, and information about nearby cafes and general stores over architectural data.
This ZINE is an entrance to Kengo Kuma's architecture.
Some people might become interested in architecture from here, or it's fine if they just enjoy the "time spent in a lovely cafe."
How can we translate the somewhat daunting theme of "architecture" into something soft and appealing through the personal medium of a ZINE?
That is where the fun of this project lies.
So, why don't you try making a "Kengo Kuma x Cafe Hopping" ZINE, too?
🔑 Bonus
10 Famous Architectural Works by Kengo Kuma (with sources)
Japan National Stadium (Tokyo Olympic Main Stadium)
A design that makes extensive use of wood and eaves, aiming for harmony with nature as a "Forest Stadium."Better Living Bureau+15RTF | Rethinking The Future+15OnTrip JAL+15Nezu Museum (Tokyo, 2009)
A Japanese-modern design incorporating bamboo and wood, creating a beautiful space integrated with the garden.Touring Architecture and Art®+2Wikipedia+2Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo
A cafe facility characterized by a facade reminiscent of a Japanese engawa (veranda) and wood-toned design.Japan Objects+5RTF | Rethinking The Future+5FUN! JAPAN+5SunnyHills at Minami-Aoyama (Sunny Hills Omotesando)
A pineapple cake shop. The architecture, built by assembling wood particles (small pieces of wood), looks like a "nest," achieving both transparency and warmth.Japan Objects+2Touring Architecture and Art®+2Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
An exterior layered with wooden louvers. It serves not only as a tourist information center but also blends the essence of Asakusa with modernity.FUN! JAPAN+13Wikipedia+13TOKI+13Maruto Architectural Design BlogToyama Glass Art Museum (TOYAMA Kirari)
A complex facility that fuses glass, wood, and aluminum, housing a library, art museum, and public spaces.Wikipedia+1Water/Glass (Atami, 1995)
A residential work incorporating a water terrace overlooking the sea. A spatial design where the boundary with nature dissolves.coopereduBato Hiroshige Museum of Art
A work designed to blend into nature, wrapped in wooden louvers like a willow bridge. One of Kengo Kuma's early representative works.#casa+3Maruto Architectural Design Blog+3miraikoji.com+3Louis Vuitton and Dior stores (such as in Shinsaibashi, Osaka)
A unique exterior combining onyx (black agate) and glass. A design that creates an ambiguous boundary between walls and windows.Pinterest+7Wikipedia+7architecturaldigest.com+7Garden Terrace Nagasaki Hotel & Resort
A hot spring resort in Nagasaki. A space that incorporates a Japanese sensibility, as if connecting nature and architecture.Pinterest+15architecturaldigest.com+15New Atlas+15
Reference: https://kkaa.co.jp/project/coeda-house/ Coeda House | Kengo Kuma and Associates