Looming over a quiet street in the Shibuya neighborhood, Trunk Hotel is housed inside two adjacent four-story buildings that take on dark geometric forms, as designed by Mount Fuji Architects. While a clean-lined glass and wood chapel perches on the rooftop, the hotel’s gray stone façade—complete with tiered balconies and tumbling greenery—hides an interior that includes four banquet halls and a lounge with a wall made from upcycled woods from old Japanese houses.

Trunk Hotel comprises both new materials and those that have been around for millennia, the building adheres to the old-meets-new concept and makes for a texturally rich aesthetic. Upon passing a Zelkova tree at the entrance, guests enter a world of Japanese-made furniture by brands such as Truck and Tokyo Cork Project—the latter using old wine corks to make the statement stools in the lounge—as well as artworks from names such as Ido Yoshimoto, Maru Michinori, Chopped Liver Press, David Horvitz, and Nigel Peake.

All rooms at Trunk Hotel share a contemporary Japanese Design aesthetic. Each room is distinct in size, layout and furnishings but has a clean-lined décor, warm custom-made wooden furniture by cult Osaka designer Truck, contemporary Japanese artworks, or abstract mobiles. Some also have outdoor spaces – either a balcony or terrace – with expanses of wood, big tables and aromatic green plants.