yinjispace

ARCHITECTURE
Makoto Nakayama Architects
Shigenori Uoya
Tony Chi Studios
Blink Design Group
André Fu Studio
ARTIST
Shouya Grigg
LANDSCAPE
Ueyakato Landscape
Creative
Katagiri Atsunobu
Tosei shinabe
Recruiting

The term "Wabi-Sabi" has a long history. Within it, "Wabi" often refers to a "state of harmonious tranquility," while "Sabi" signifies the "law of the progression of time." Combined, they describe a genuine yearning for natural philosophy and rustic aesthetics, evoked by a sense of the loneliness and vicissitudes of time. As "an aesthetic paradigm based on nature," "Wabi-Sabi" forms, to a certain extent, the foundation of the Japanese philosophical view of nature. It corresponds, adapts, and co-evolves with the concepts of "place" discussed in the previous two Japanese journey issues, attracting us to try and perceive the world around us through another form.

From December 14th to December 20th, a 7-day, 6-night itinerary, you can embark on a Japanese Wabi-Sabi Aesthetic Journey with YINJISPACE. Traveling from Kyoto to Hokkaido, we will engage in deep communication and exchange with fellow travelers from various backgrounds—artists & collectors, architects, garden masters, Zen monks, ikebana masters, and national treasure traditional craft masters—perhaps offering a glimpse into the aesthetic logic and social significance behind things.

Highlights of the Itinerary

① Spotlight on 7 Creative Minds: Artist & Collector Shouya Grigg, Architect Makoto Nakayama, Architect Shigeki Uotani Kyoto, Landscape Master Tomonori Kato, Head of Misasagi School of Ikebana Isao Katagiri, Japanese Zen Monk Tosho Hinabe, Chairman of  HOSOO Co., Ltd. Masao Hosoo

② Stay at Shiguchi Gallery Villas: FU, KA, SUI, KU, CHI

③ Participate in 2 Art Experiences: "Contemporary Art and Traditional Ikebana" with Katagiri Atsunobu; "Zazen Meditation" with Tosei Shinabe.

④ Visit 3 Temples: Nanzen-ji Temple, Kennin-ji Temple, Tofuku-ji Temple

⑤ Visit 6 Classic Works: Kyoto Moyashi Machiya Private Residence, Yoshida Kaguraoka-cho Private Residence, Tairyu-sanso Villa, Kyoto National Museum, Head Great Buddha (at Makomanai Takino Cemetery)

Shouya Grigg is a collector and also an artist whose work combines art, design, and a sense of hospitality. Having lived in Hokkaido for over thirty years, these experiences have fostered a deep connection between Grigg and Japan's northernmost island.Grigg's work is often described as luxurious, yet he himself does not consider this during creation and feels the definition of "luxury" is imprecise. Simply put, the distinction between luxury goods and fine goods in any industry lies in the participation of art. It is precisely the involvement of art that endows Grigg's three significant projects (Zaborin, Somoza, Shiguchi) with their unique influence.As a collector, Grigg's "passion for art" is evident in his private gallery, Somoza Gallery, which connects to his studio—the very place where he creates his artworks.

Hokkaido's renowned architect, Makoto Nakayama, was born in Hokkaido in 1955. He graduated from the Department of Architecture, Tama Art University in 1978 and later obtained a Master's degree in Architectural Design. Nakayama's architectural works are known for their elegance, simplicity, and functionality, with a particular focus on the intrinsic connections between design, nature, and life, reflecting a profound understanding of seeking balance. He collaborated with Grigg on the design of Zaborin and designed a private residence for the famous Chinese designer Mr. Steve Leung.

Kyoto architect Shigenori Uoya was born in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, in 1977. He graduated from the Faculty of Engineering, Kyoto University in 2001 and received his master's degree two years later. He currently serves as a part-time lecturer at Kyoto University and a specially appointed professor at Kyoto Institute of Technology. Rooted in traditional Japanese architectural practice, Uoya specializes in the renovation and updating of machiya (traditional townhouses). He uses this method of "replacing the old with the new" to pay homage to traditional Japanese architectural typologies.
 

Ueyakato Landscape upholds traditional Japanese gardening techniques and the pursuit of craftsmanship while keeping pace with the times, striving to create and construct new landscapes as their primary goal. Beyond garden management, design, and construction, Ueyakato also researches and explores traditional Japanese gardens, interpreting their unique character and profound conception, making them an important symbol of Japanese culture. President Tomoki Kato was born in Kyoto in 1966. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in horticulture from Chiba University, he entered the family business involved in the landscaping industry, inheriting the culture of Japanese gardens. He currently serves as a professor in the Japanese Garden Studies department at Kyoto University of the Arts.

Katagiri Atsunobu was born in Osaka in 1973. In 1997, Katagiri became the head of the prestigious Misasagi School of ikebana in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture. His style ranges from traditional ikebana to contemporary art, and he collaborates with artists from many different fields. While displaying his works, he continuously explores from an anthropological perspective, revealing the relationship between humans and nature.

Tosei Shinabe is a Zen monk currently residing at Ryo-soku-in, a sub-temple of the historic Kennin-ji Temple in Kyoto. Born in Tokyo and raised in Ibaraki and Nara, his childhood experiences forged a deep connection with nature. After a rebellious adolescence, studying for a law degree, traveling the world, and collaborating with master craftsmen in Kyoto, Shinabe chose Zen around the age of thirty. He began making "kekkai seki" (boundary stones)—these sacred marker stones are carefully "woven" onto hand-spun hemp cords.

Masao Hosoo, born in 1953, is the Chairman of HOSOO Co., Ltd. in Kyoto, Japan. Founded in 1688, HOSOO has a history of over 330 years and is renowned for its Nishijin-ori textiles. Under his leadership, the company transformed from a traditional kimono manufacturer into a global luxury textile brand, collaborating with top designers and integrating modern technology with ancient craftsmanship. 

The Shiguchi villas designed by Shouya Grigg—"FU" (Wind), "KA" (Fire), "SUI" (Water), "KU" (Void/Void/Sky), "CHI" (Earth)—symbolize lush land, abundant water from melting snow, naturally rising energy, breezes carrying the scent of nature, and the boundless sky. Each villa features minimalist interior design highlighting the characteristics of natural materials, with interiors displaying artworks that reflect Japan's rich heritage and modern influences.

The villas are adorned with a curated selection of antique and modern ceramics, changed seasonally, as well as contemporary paintings and sculptures from Shouya Grigg's private collection. Carefully selected books are provided to inspire guests. From the terraces, one can overlook views of forests, valleys, fields, and distant mountains.

Somoza is an old building adjacent to SHIGUCHI, integrating unique Japanese culture, tradition, craftsmanship, design, history, and captivating scenery. It includes a gallery, restaurant, and tea ceremony room. It is a unique place where one can experience the charm of Japanese culture, tradition, and nature with all five senses. Somoza selects ingredients based on the daily diet of local residents centuries ago, paying homage to Hokkaido's traditional culture.

Kenrin-ji, Tōfuku-ji, and Nanzen-ji are Kyoto's three most significant Zen Buddhist temples. During this journey, we will delve into these ancient temples, experiencing multi-layered cultural activities ranging from garden aesthetics to Zen meditation practices, immersing ourselves in the spiritual essence of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

Nanzenji Temple, nestled in the foothills of eastern Kyoto, was founded in the 13th century and serves as the head temple of Japan's Rinzai Zen Nanzenji School. Its structures—including the Sanmon gate, Dharma Hall, and Suigokaku water pavilion—blend Zen simplicity with the grandeur of the Momoyama period. Its strolling garden is renowned for its dry landscape (karesansui) and borrowed scenery from the surrounding natural landscape. Under the personal guidance of Mr. Tomonori Kato, we will study the essence of traditional Japanese garden design within Nanzenji's grounds, understanding the spatial philosophy and natural perspective embodied in the concept of “changing views with each step.”

Tōfuku-ji, located in Kyoto's Higashiyama Ward and founded during the Kamakura period, is celebrated for its abbot's garden. This garden combines the robust, rustic stone arrangements characteristic of the Kamakura era with modern abstract compositional techniques. The striking contrast between moss, gravel, and stone creates a visually powerful language. At Tōfuku-ji, we will participate in an ikebana experience, learning within a Zen-inspired space how to express natural beauty and inner tranquility through floral arrangement. We will experience the fusion of Zen artistry embodied in the concept of “one flower, one world.”

Ken'nin-ji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple founded in 1202, belongs to the Ken'nin-ji branch of the Rinzai school. It houses national treasures like the Wind and Thunder Gods scroll, embodying the essence of Zen culture and traditional Japanese art. At Ryōzui-in, a sub-temple of Kennin-ji, we will practice seated meditation. Surrounded by thousand-year-old cedar trees and a white sand garden, guided by Zen monks, we will experience the process of breathing and quieting the mind, entering a deep meditative state to feel the inner peace and awareness brought by Zen Buddhism.

Hilton's first Japanese-style design hotel under the DoubleTree brand, centered on "creating spaces of ritualistic elegance." The lobby bar lounge and suites reflect the local character of Kyoto's Higashiyama Kiyomizu area. Using techniques like borrowed scenery and view framing, the design blends indoor and outdoor landscapes to craft a "Kyoto-style room experience."

Built on the former site of the Mitsui family's Kitake residence, with interiors by André Fu. Drawing inspiration from keywords like "authentic, mysterious, and handcrafted," and informed by a deep understanding of the Mitsui family’s legacy, the design preserves traditional elements while integrating contemporary Japanese aesthetics and Kyoto’s historical charm.

Designed by Design Studio Crow, the interior theme "Pioneer Spirit" pays tribute to two key figures in Sapporo’s development: the early pioneers and the "brewmaster" of the Sapporo Brewery.

A luxury hotel in Kyoto designed by Shigenori Uoya, where old and new blend seamlessly. The name "Sowaka," a Sanskrit word meaning "joy" or "happiness," often appears at the end of Buddhist sutras—echoing throughout Kyoto’s countless temples.

Designed by Tony Chi, the hotel harmonizes Japan’s refined arts, history, and culture with the Park Hyatt brand identity. It resonates with local landmarks, temples, spiritual gardens, and seasonal landscapes. The Hillside Villas are architectural gems, blending modern heritage with warm hospitality.

Inspired by The Tale of Genji and ancient folklore, the design reflects the Heian-era aesthetic of "Miyabi" (elegance). Blink Design Group reinterprets courtly elegance, traditional décor, and folk motifs through a contemporary lens. Abundant natural materials enhance the connection to nature, even in the city center.

Moyashi Machiya is a century-old machiya renovation project in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Japan, designed by Uotani Shigeki Architects. Originally built in the late 19th century (around 1893), this structure has stood for over 120 years, initially serving as both a residence and a workplace for fermenting koji (used in making sake, miso, etc.). As traditional Kyoto machiya gradually disappear due to high maintenance costs, the owner collaborated with architect Shigeyasu Uotani to transform it into a multifunctional space integrating lodging, events, and workshops. The project aims to preserve the area's historical context while infusing modern functionality.

Nestled in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, Tairyu Sanso is a classic chisen-kaiyū-shiki (pond-spring strolling garden) meticulously preserved by Ueyakato Landscape across three generations. Centered around a tranquil pond, the garden unfolds through artfully arranged moss gardens, stone formations, and centuries-old maple trees, guiding visitors along a carefully choreographed path that reveals shifting perspectives with each step. Designed in the early Showa period, it exemplifies traditional Japanese garden artistry by incorporating shakkei (borrowed scenery)—seamlessly framing Mount Hiei’s distant slopes into the composition. This harmonious blend of human craftsmanship and natural grandeur creates a meditative space where every season paints a living portrait of Zen serenity.

Kyoto National Museum is a national museum located in Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Founded in May 1897, it is one of Japan's most important museums. The museum primarily displays cultural and artistic works from the Heian period to the Edo period related to Kyoto culture, and also conducts research and promotion activities for cultural artifacts.

The Head Great Buddha (Daibutsu) is located within Makomanai Takino Cemetery in Sapporo. It is a 13.5-meter tall, 1,500-ton stone statue. The Buddha hall was designed by the famous architect Tadao Ando. Its unique feature is that only the Buddha's head is exposed above ground, while the body is surrounded by a circular hill covered in lavender. Ando intended for the Buddha to harmoniously integrate with nature, expressing the idea of "the Buddha coexisting with nature." Visitors enter the main space housing the Buddha through a long tunnel, as if undergoing a spiritual cleansing.

Hotel Notes:

The listed hotels in the itinerary are based on double occupancy, with room assignments arranged randomly according to the order of registration. If a participant experiences poor sleep quality, it is recommended to upgrade to a single room. The price difference for the upgraded room is to be borne by the participant.

Visa Notes:

The passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining after the trip concludes and should have 2 blank visa pages (excluding observation pages). YINJISPACE only collects passports on behalf of participants. The approval of the visa application is at the discretion of the consulate. Any losses (including, but not limited to, self-booked flights or hotel reservations) incurred due to visa rejection are the responsibility of the visa applicant. Once the visa application is submitted, the visa fees are non-refundable, with a processing time of 6-8 weeks.

Insurance Notes:

The insurance provided for this trip is only applicable to participants holding passports issued by mainland China. Participants holding non-mainland China passports are required to purchase their own insurance (self-provided insurance). Any risks and losses incurred due to opting out of insurance coverage will be the responsibility of the participant.

Join Us:

Interested individuals can inquire by calling 008618516033254 or adding the official WhatsApp at 08618516033254. Additionally, you may send your requirements to the email address: mia@yinjispace.com