Evoking the Essence of Tokyo’s Iconic Golden Gai
Step inside Genso, a captivating Japanese restaurant within the Sha Tin Racecourse in Hong Kong, where the design intricately mirrors Tokyo’s Golden Gai. Designed by Joyce Wang Studio, the restaurant transports diners to the maze-like alleys of Shinjuku, famous for its narrow passageways and abundant bars.
Layered Spaces Through Thoughtful Design
“Golden Gai is a city within a city; it has its own rules,” shares Wang. The intention was to recreate that enchanting escapism by architecturally crafting diverse experiences. Stairs, platforms, and walkways mimic the vibrant urban life of Tokyo and Hong Kong.
Retro-Inspired Reception
The entrance features a large reception with an inky-blue timber base and a counter adorned with ceramic tiles. This nod to retro aesthetics offers subtle hints of pixelated manga and old-school video games, striving for a timeless quality across generations.
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Street Food Charm at Fudo Town Food Hall
Moving past the reception, the lower level, known as Fudo Town Food Hall, serves Japanese street food in an informal environment. Upholstered booths and communal banquettes in blue leather and patterned orange fabric invite casual dining.
Design Details Inspired by Tokyo’s Architecture
The functional yet aesthetic blue tiles embedded in tables and columns reflect Tokyo’s ceramic facades. Lanterns designed by Foreign Policy hang overhead, their red flower graphics echoing those found in Golden Gai’s establishments.
Refined Dining at Izakaya
Upstairs in the Izakaya, a more polished dining experience unfolds. With a similar use of upholstered furnishings and decorative lighting, lanterns here take on a wave motif, continuing the thematic connection.
Neon-Illuminated Balconies
Stairs and walkways, encased by bronze balustrades, weave throughout, leading to unique seating areas. These are lit to resemble “neon floating islands,” evoking the glowing signage synonymous with Golden Gai.
For another fusion of art and urban landscapes, check out how Axel Corjon captures large cities at night for a vibrant visual treat.
Alongside Genso, Hong Kong boasts other unique dining spaces such as Peridot and Artifact Bar, each offering visually distinct environments. The photography capturing these experiences is credited to Common Studio.
Source: dezeen.com
Frequently asked questions
What inspired the design of Genso restaurant?
The design of Genso restaurant is inspired by Tokyo’s Golden Gai, with its narrow passageways and abundant bars. Joyce Wang Studio aimed to recreate the ambiance of this iconic Shinjuku area, reflecting a city within a city with its own rules.
What atmosphere does Fudo Town Food Hall offer?
Fudo Town Food Hall offers an informal environment serving Japanese street food. It features upholstered booths and communal banquettes in blue leather and patterned orange fabric, inviting casual dining.
How does the Izakaya area differ in Genso?
In the Izakaya area, a more polished dining experience unfolds. It retains the use of upholstered furnishings and decorative lighting, with lanterns taking on a wave motif to maintain the thematic connection.