Bar KOKO within Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO Wins Gold Award at iF DESIGN AWARD 2026
Aqua Ignis's 'Bar KOKO' has received a Gold Award at the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: March 30, 2026 at 20:00
- 🔍 Collected: March 30, 2026 at 22:56 (2h 56m after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 16, 2026 at 07:11 (392h 15m after Collected)
We are pleased to announce that 'Bar KOKO', located within the hot spring auberge 'Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO' in Eiheiji Town, Fukui Prefecture, operated by Aqua Ignis Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director: Tetsuya Tachibana), has won the highest honor, the Gold Award, at the prestigious international design award 'iF DESIGN AWARD 2026'.
The 'iF DESIGN AWARD' is an international design award organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH, based in Hanover, Germany. It evaluates outstanding designs from multiple perspectives, including innovation, functionality, and sustainability. Among these, the 'Gold Award' is exclusively presented to exceptionally outstanding designs.
White walls softly partition the water basin, and within them unfolds a small indoor space enclosed by glass. The white walls, engaging with both the interior and exterior, blur the boundaries, creating a space that, despite being only about 8 tsubo (approximately 26.4 square meters), allows visitors to feel architecture, interior, and landscape as a unified whole. Designed against the backdrop of a satoyama landscape, reminiscent of Japan's original scenery, the space is conceived as 'a single place'.
We invite you to enjoy a special drink at 'Bar KOKO' during your stay, quietly appreciating the flow of nature and time.
【Architecture/Interior Design】 Yukio Hashimoto Design Studio
【Lighting Design】 Satoshi Uchihara Design Office
Click here for the iF Design Award winner page.
iF DESIGN AWARD
The iF DESIGN AWARD was established in Germany in 1954.
FAQ
What is the iF DESIGN AWARD?
The iF DESIGN AWARD is a prestigious international design award established in Germany in 1954, organized by iF International Forum Design GmbH. It recognizes outstanding design across various categories based on criteria such as innovation, functionality, and sustainability.
What is Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO?
Kanshukuen ESHIKOTO is a hot spring auberge located in Eiheiji Town, Fukui Prefecture, operated by Aqua Ignis Co., Ltd.
What is unique about the design of Bar KOKO?
Bar KOKO's design features white walls that softly partition the space, creating a seamless integration of interior and exterior. Despite its small size, it aims to make visitors feel architecture, interior, and landscape as a unified whole, set against the backdrop of a satoyama landscape.
Who was responsible for the design of Bar KOKO?
The architecture and interior design were handled by Yukio Hashimoto Design Studio, and the lighting design was by Satoshi Uchihara Design Office.
What does the Gold Award signify?
The Gold Award is the highest honor given by the iF DESIGN AWARD, reserved for exceptionally outstanding and innovative designs.