Snøhetta Unveils Mountaintop Villa “NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU” in Hokkaidō, Japan
Sales have officially begun for NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU, a mountaintop villa located within Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaidō, Japan. Designed by Snøhetta, the project is expected to open in spring 2029, marking the firm’s largest development to date.
Project Details
The villa sits atop the resort’s western mountain, offering direct access to some of Japan’s most renowned ski slopes and unobstructed views of Mount Yotei. The property spans 27,700 square feet and includes a private heliport for residents.
Architectural Design
Snøhetta drew inspiration from the concept of the Zenith, the highest point in the sky above a location. The building comprises two slender, intersecting volumes that curve toward Mount Yotei, centered around a courtyard designed for reflection and gathering, while balancing private and social spaces.
Interior features include:
- A 4,300-square-foot living and dining area with natural skylights
- Ski-out lounge with dedicated lockers
- Comprehensive wellness facilities including a gym, sauna, indoor and outdoor baths, an infinity hot spring, and a cave-like meditation bath
- Four bedrooms on the upper level, including a primary suite with a semi-open-air bathroom
Statements from the Design Team
Richard Wood, Managing Director of Snøhetta Asia, said:
“We observed the site closely, from snow patterns to seasonal changes and natural light, to shape a design that harmonizes with the landscape and offers visitors a unique experience at the foot of Mount Yotei.”
Current Status
With sales underway, the project is currently in the pre-construction phase, aiming for a full opening in spring 2029.
✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight
This article examines NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU as a mountaintop villa that emphasizes harmony between architectural design and its natural environment in Rusutsu Resort, Hokkaidō. The composition of two intersecting volumes curving toward Mount Yotei, centered around a courtyard, creates expansive interior spaces with natural lighting and material expression using wood and stone. Yet, while visually coherent, the internal circulation remains underdefined, raising questions about daily functional flow. On a positive note, the villa offers dedicated wellness amenities and contemplative areas, providing a future-oriented case study in balancing natural context with guest experience and spatial dynamics.
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