Occupying a building over half a century old, the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s new sumptuous neighbor was designed by Swedish studio, Claesson Koivisto Rune.

Completed over a span of 14 months, the K5 Boutique Hotel is a five level micro-complex of creative eateries, diverse bars, and vibrant communal areas – showcasing an impeccable blend of Swedish minimalism and Japanese heritage.

Ola Rune Merges Swedish Minimalism with Japanese Heritage at The New K5 Boutique Hotel in Tokyo

Embodying the full definition of ambiguity expressed by a single Japanese word, “aimai”, the space is subtly divided through the elimination of walls and incorporation of furniture, textiles, and plants – forging an aura of effervescence in an urban oasis.

Having survived World War II, the building, itself, also carries a distinct character, offering a brutal contrast to the Claesson Koivisto Rune team’s softer, more modern design. Featuring a Switch Coffee shop which doubles up as a florist, a Caveman-themed restaurant, wine bar, an atmospheric Ao cocktail and tea bar, a basement Scandinavian-Japanese-and-German-influenced beer hall, plus a library – each space facilitates various functions, by turn as the days slowly wain into night.

Creating furniture to fit the space, K5 integrates custom-made long sofas upholstered in deep red leather, low coffee tables, miniature stools, hand-dyed curtains in gradient colors of blue and white, red loveseats, Japanese tatami-style carpets by Kasthall, and overhead paper lamps, along with a multitude of other bespoke design elements in all 20 guest rooms. With tiled flooring, cedar wall panels and black sinks, each bathroom features a unique design, inspired by the building’s original wood parquet.