ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 in Ehime: Japan’s First Zero Energy Lodging

• Table of Contents
• The Features of ITOMACHI HOTEL 0
• Expand the Definition of Hotels Using the Garden Concept.
• Numerous Food Experiences to Enjoy the Richness of Ehime 
• Commitment to Being Conscious of Nature and Local Attractions
• ITOMACHI HOTEL 0, a Place for New Encounters and Exchanges in Saijo

The Features of ITOMACHI HOTEL 0

ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 is a zero-energy hotel that consumes virtually no electrical energy during hotel operation.

This hotel was launched as part of the Ito Project, which redesigns the city based on a master plan by the Kengo Kuma Laboratory, The University of Tokyo Department of Architecture with the keywords of energy, technology, green infrastructure, food, and architecture. 

Saijo City, Ehime Prefecture is blessed with the gifts of Mt. Ishizuchi, the highest peak in western Japan, and is a place rich in nature with abundant underground water. The beauty of the natural surroundings is mirrored by the cultural beauty of the city. People who have lived here since ancient times celebrate these gifts during the local Saijo Matsuri that has been going on since the Edo period.

For the past few years, Saijo City has also been facing the same challenges experienced by many of Japan's regional cities: lack of people and lack of vitality. Therefore, a local company started and teamed up with Kengo Kuma to launch the Ito Project, a town development project with the theme of renewable energy and regional revitalization.

The town, which consists of a commercial zone and a residential zone, was named Itomachi. The name Itomachi (Ito means thread in Japanese) has the meaning of weaving opportunities for the future for those who take on new challenges in this place. In the commercial zone, a market, restaurants, and ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 have been built, creating a flow of people in and around Saijo. In the residential zone across the river, we are building attractive homes, increasing the number of people living in Saijo.

ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 will continue to expand the area for the benefit of people involved in Itomachi, thus playing a role in diversifying the possibilities of new hotels and travel in the Saijo area.

Expand the Definition of Hotels Using the Garden Concept.

ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 provides an opportunity to face the energy that we take for granted every day, while also providing a mechanism that allows guests to experience the joy of Ehime that can only be found here throughout their stay.

The interior and landscape design of the hotel was done by Dugout Architects and features the artesian well ``Uchinuki'' found in this city. The design is based on the beautiful colors of Iyo Seki, dynamic stones unique to the region. The rocks used in the design were deposited on the ocean floor about 200 million years ago and rose to the surface during the tectonic movement that formed the Japanese archipelago. 

There are two types of guest rooms: the HOTEL type, where you can easily enjoy your stay in Itomachi, and the VILLA type, where you can enjoy a luxurious stay.

The HOTEL type has an interior that uses the delicate colors of Iyo blue stone as the key color and is a style that allows you to easily enjoy your stay in Itomachi. Although it is compact, it has enough functions for a comfortable stay. Many cyclists come from the Shimanami Kaido, so some rooms allow you to bring your own bicycle. You can easily enjoy your stay in Itomachi, whether it's for business or as a relay base for trips to Ehime and Shikoku.

The VILLA type is a detached property with all rooms equipped with open-air hot spring baths, offering a special stay in Itomachi in a high-quality private space that is a modern interpretation of a Ryokan inn.

In addition, various items are installed in the hotel including recycled PVC bed sheets made by Tarkett, table tops made by STELAPOP which uses jeans scraps, and benches made from recycled glass. The hotel is designed to give a sense of the circulation of materials in various places.

Kengo Kuma, who designed ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 said, "The way we interact with nature, the outdoor space including the courtyard, each room, and the environmentally friendly air conditioning system are all subtle and new. This explains the charm of this hotel."

Numerous Food Experiences to Enjoy the Richness of Ehime 

The cafe, where you can enjoy the richness of Ehime while being mindful of your health, is also very popular. The concept is a cafe where you can become healthy while feeling the natural cycle of Ehime. For breakfast and lunch, we serve delicatessen-style meals made with plenty of seasonal vegetables and fruits procured from local Ehime farms. Even if you are usually careful about your diet, here you can enjoy your meal to the fullest without feeling guilty.

There is also a kitchen in the building where you can cook ingredients purchased at the adjacent Itomachi Marche to your liking. Itomachi Marche carries a wide selection of fresh local vegetables, seasonings made with citrus fruits, famous sweets from Ehime Prefecture, and a variety of crafts.

Commitment to Being Conscious of Nature and Local Attractions

ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 is Japan's first zero-energy hotel equipped with facilities and amenities unique to Ehime and Saijo, born from the circulation of nature and the region.

The bed uses a non-coil mattress with no metal springs. Instead, it uses a urethane foam mattress with the same specifications that are being widely introduced in Europe, an environmentally advanced region.

For bathroom amenities, we have introduced NEMOHAMO, an organic cosmetics brand that utilizes the vitality of whole plants so you can experience the comfort of using products that are good for both people and nature.

In addition, all guest rooms are equipped with the hotel's original eco bags and tumblers, which will make your stroll through Itomachi even more enjoyable. Please bring it with you to enjoy the town, shopping at Itomachi Marche, or carry water from the uchinuki.
Please note that these eco bags and tumblers are not souvenirs, so please be careful not to take them home!

ITOMACHI HOTEL 0, a Place for New Encounters and Exchanges in Saijo

ITOMACHI HOTEL 0 aims to provide a stay that changes the concept of a hotel, a place where you can fully experience the culture of the Saijo area and enjoy interacting with the locals. We are not just a lodging facility but are taking on the challenge of creating connections between the people living in Saijo and those visiting through collaborations with various people and events initiated by the hotel.

In recent years, the charm of Saijo City has been attracting attention throughout Japan, and it has been ranked No. 1 in the country as a Rural Place to Live for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2023.
Come and discover the charm of Saijo while experiencing a trip with virtually zero electricity consumption at ITOMACHI HOTEL 0!

Check out the rooms at ITOMACHI HOTEL 0!