Shams El-Mutwalli Dubai

Nintendo’s former headquarters in Kyoto has been renovated into a hotel called Marufukuro that is scheduled to open on April 1, designed by the infamous Japanese architect Tadao Ando set in the heart of Kyoto.

According to the official website, the hotel upholds the “nostalgic and timeless aesthetic of the original building” but still brings a vintage “ambience and a modern approach together.”

Guests are invited to experience tranquillity, a peaceful space and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, set between Kamo River and Takase River in Kyoto.

The hotel is designed with 18 rooms for guests to stay in, and bookings can be made on their website. Those interested to stay up to date on the grand opening’s latest updates can subscribe to the newsletter.

Architect Ando, is famous for his minimalist concrete buildings, and was awarded the Japan Architectural Society Award, 1993 Japan Academy of Arts Award, 1995 Pritzker Award, 2003 Cultural Achievement, 2005 International Architects Union (UIA) Gold Medal, among others.

Aside from those achievements, Ando has also been a visiting professor at Yale, Colombia and Harvard University as well as a Professor at the University of Tokyo since 1997.