In the forested mountains of Kochi is the small town of Yusuhara [the town in the clouds] with a population of less than 4,000.

Despite this, there is a collection of buildings designed by Japan’s leading architect, Kengo Kuma - a Museum, a Hotel and Market, a Town Administration building and a community Library.

Although described as a Community Market, this building also contains a cafe, shop and hotel. The ingenious arrangement places the rooms around two sides of the tall space of the market to allow occupants to enjoy the architecture at night once the market has closed.

From Kengo Kuma’s website:

Yusuhara Marche is a boutique hotel operated by the town of Yusuhara in Kochi Prefecture which is known as “the town in the clouds”. It has 15 rooms centered around the atrium, which functions as a market for local produce. This allows people who visit the town to enjoy meals made with fresh ingredients beside the market.

A long time ago, there were rest houses called “Cha Do” with thatched roofs which served tea to the people traveling the path that went over the pass. Inspired by this tradition of hospitality, thatched sections were used for the exterior walls of this market. The thatched sections can be rotated up to provide ventilation.

Location: 1196-1, Yusuhara-Cho, Takaoka-Gun, Kochi, Japan 785-0610.