NOT A HOTEL
RUSUTSU
Expertise
Business Development
Project Management
Design
Brand Direction
CG Visualization
Life Cycle Management
Hotel Management
NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU is a one-of-a-kind mountaintop villa designed by Snohetta, an internationally renowned architectural and design firm first founded in Oslo, Norway, located at the summit of Hokkaido’s Rusutsu Resort. Facing Mount Yotei—also known as “Ezo Fuji”—this villa offers a rare ski-out experience directly from the property.
Snøhetta’s design concept for the project draws inspiration from the zenith — the highest imaginary point above a specific location on the celestial sphere. This idea of reaching new heights is reflected in Snøhetta’s creation of spaces that elevate the human experience, as well as paying homage to the surrounding landscape and the majestic Mount Yotei. The central courtyard is the heart of the design and a place for community.
Richard Wood
Managing Director Asia
Ana Patricia Castaingts Gómez
Lead Interior Architect
Collaborators
NOT A HOTEL ARCHITECTS
Spec
Building Name
NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU
Location
252-3, Rusutsu, Rusutsu-mura, Abuta-gun, Hokkaido, Japan
Completion
Scheduled for November 2028
Design Period
2024/4～2025/8
Construction Period
2025/9～2028/11
Site Area
5,963.62㎡
Building Footprint
1,580.51㎡
Total Floor Area
2,104.91㎡
Hiroki Haji
Senior Project Manager
Perched at the summit, this project explores how to create new experiences by embracing the extreme natural environment. Precisely because the land was spared from development due to its harsh conditions, we were granted the rare opportunity to build here—a fact we approach each day with deep gratitude and respect.
Together with Kamori Kanko, whose long-standing stewardship has protected this mountain, we are now weaving in world-class creativity to bring forth a landscape unlike any seen before. The challenge of shaping an entirely new horizon is well underway.
Tsuyoshi Uechi
Project Manager
This project began with a rare opportunity to work with a truly unique site—land owned by Kamori Kanko, perched atop a ski resort with sweeping views of Mt. Yotei. While the location offers unmatched scenery, building architecture and designing a hospitality experience in such extreme conditions posed significant challenges.
From infrastructure development to architectural planning and daily operations that support the guest experience, every element has been carefully integrated from the ground up.
With developers, architects, and designers united as one team, we continue to take on the challenge of turning a shared vision into reality.