Japan Beppu | A hotel that artists cannot miss

GALLERIA MIDOBARU ·Yutendo Gallery Hot Spring Hotel | Beppu, Japan The hotel is located in the Horita Onsen area in the northwest of Beppu City, built on a fault cliff, and the design of the entire building is related to the local characteristics of Beppu. The semi-outdoor terrace with criss-crossing patterns simulates the geological structure of a fault. The primitive walls are made of concrete containing iron oxide, attempting to evoke the texture of local soil for the occupants. From inside the room and on the terrace, one can overlook the cityscape of Beppu without any obstruction, intuitively experiencing the local climate and seasons. There are a total of 35 guest rooms in the hotel, and art works are scattered throughout the guest rooms and public spaces. The local art institution BEPPU PROJECT is responsible for the art planning of the hotel, and the artworks displayed in the hotel are all from emerging Japanese contemporary artists. As soon as you enter the hotel, the art tour prepared by the hotel begins. Glass artist Mika Aoki's installation "Vessel of Genetic Code'1" forms a sharp contrast with the hotel's mottled exterior walls, while hanging on the wall is painter Kozue Nakayama's video work "Medium". She stayed in Beppu for a month just to observe the movement of hot mud in the hell hot springs. Entering the hotel lobby, you can see artistic figures as soon as you look up. The light installation shining in the center of the ceiling is created by artist Shinji Ohmaki, and this piece is called "Gravity and Grace", emitting light like the sun. The nearby wall "Echoes Crvstallization" reflects the light of this "sun" like the moon. The walls of public spaces such as the lobby and bar are also adorned with art displays. Photographer Sohpie Nishino even visited over 100 hot springs in Beppu, taking more than 20,000 photos. In the restaurant, there are works created by artist Shima Doho using stones dug from the hotel construction site, which will accompany everyone during their meals and provide a very special experience. From the walls of the corridors outside the guest rooms to the corners of the cabinets inside the rooms, the art works are curated and designed to complement each other. Throughout the hotel, some works depict the complete Beppu, while others focus on a specific stone. From the overall to the details, and from different perspectives, the BEPPU PROJECT hopes that each work can become a window for guests to become interested in Beppu art. If you are an artist, you probably can't resist living here, right?