SHIROIYA HOTEL IN MAEBASHI

Shiroiya Hotel is a leading establishment in the Maebashi revitalization project. Guests can immerse themselves in a world of contemporary art and design in this reborn hotel.

 Maebashi once thrived as a silk-manufacturing city, but shoppers began decreasing in the city-center shopping district after the 1990s.

This decline resulted from the Japan–US Structural Impediments Initiative of 1991, which led Japan to ease regulations under the Large Retailer Act, previously restricting the opening of large stores.

Since then, large shopping centers have appeared in suburban areas, drawing shoppers away from the city center. These shopping arcades became known as “shuttered shopping streets”, a term synonymous with the decline of urban shopping districts. 

Against this background, revitalization became a key theme for these shuttered shopping streets.

MAEBASHI, A CITY COMING INTO BUD

Maebashi is undergoing a remarkable transformation inspired by the vision “Where Good Things Grow.” The revival of the Shiroiya Hotel is a leading example of this effort. In addition to the Shiroiya Hotel, numerous innovative shops have begun to emerge across the city.

 Shiroiya Ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn with a 300-year history, once served as a purveyor to the former Imperial Household Agency and thrived thanks to the patronage of many Japanese celebrities. However, the hotel closed in 2008 and faced the risk of demolition due to the overall decline of the city area.

 Hiroshi Tanaka, CEO of JINS Corporation, launched initiatives to revitalize Maebashi City.

ARCHITECTURE

The Shiroiya Hotel comprises two striking buildings: the Heritage Tower and the Green Tower. This blend of old and new was designed by world-renowned architect Sou Fujimoto.

 The hotel is surrounded by works of world-renowned creators, including Sou Fujimoto and Leandro Erlich.

 The Heritage Tower features 25 unique rooms, each functioning as a private museum. These guest rooms showcase the works of renowned artists, designers, and architects, including Jasper Morrison, Michele De Lucchi, Sou Fujimoto, and Leandro Earlich, each creating a distinct concept for the rooms.

 Matcha-tei

Matcha-tei was designed by the New Material Research Laboratory (Shinsoken), established by contemporary artist Hiroshi Sugimoto and architect Tomoyuki Sakakida. Shinsoken challenges modern construction materials by introducing modern reinterpretations and revivals while daring to explore the architectural possibilities of traditional materials.

 As its name suggests, Matcha-tei is a special space featuring Matcha-colored walls. Its layered glass façade creates dynamic impressions of the interior space that change between day and night.

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