Kasho Kasho Kusatsu Onsen

The project involves the renovation of an unused space on the first floor of Yubatake Sensui Bettei, a hot spring inn located in Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Prefecture, into a specialty shop dedicated to konjac-based sweets.The renovation preserves the history and character of the 120-year-old traditional Japanese house by retaining its existing beams, columns, ranma transoms, and other distinctive architectural elements. In keeping with the concept of presenting konjac, a local specialty of the region, as a new culinary ingredient, the main counter is finished with layers of Japanese washi paper bonded together using konjac paste, incorporating the very ingredient featured by the shop as a material within the interior itself.
Original lighting fixtures were also designed and crafted as symbolic elements of the space. These include custom-made lamps inspired by the form of konjac tubers, as well as pendant lamps handwoven from wild grape vines harvested in the surrounding local mountains.
The eat-in area is designed with a sense of openness and flexibility, allowing it to serve not only as a café but also to accommodate workshops, community events, and a variety of other activities.