Komorebi

Project Overview

[ Client Request ]

The client commissioned a complete brand overhaul and digital transformation to pivot a traditional, deeply nested hot-spring getaway into an elite, light-filled luxury retreat. The directive required transitioning the identity from rustic heritage to an architectural, high-end poetic experience, supported by an editorial digital interface that optimizes the international booking flow.

ProjectKomorebi

TypeWeb & UIUX

IndustryLuxury Hospitality & Ryokan Stay

[ Background ]

While traditional ryokan settings offer unparalleled physical serenity, their online presence often fails to communicate premium value, reducing international conversion authority.

web designweb revampwebsite development

[ Tools ]

The Problem

While traditional ryokan settings offer unparalleled physical serenity, their online presence often fails to communicate premium value, reducing international conversion authority.

[ Primary focus ]

Redesign the holistic brand identity and web interface to transform an organic, hidden woodland lodge into a high-contrast, visually stunning luxury destination.

Outdated Digital Identity

Traditional rustic aesthetics failed to project high-ticket, premium modern luxury to global travelers.

Friction in Booking UX

Complex reservation systems caused drop-offs due to poor visibility, low text contrast, and multi-step friction.

Weak Visual Narrative

Websites relied heavily on unstructured photo dumps rather than a structured layout balancing whitespace with micro-interactions.

Disconnected Touchpoints

On-site physical assets (menus, signage, yukatas) lacked unity with the digital design language.

Design Goal

To engineer a cohesive, luxury design ecosystem that captures the transient beauty of dappled sunlight, ensuring immediate brand premiumization and an effortless reservation experience.

Seamless Exploration

Design an intuitive browsing experience that allows visitors to easily discover accommodations, dining experiences, and destination information without feeling overwhelmed.

Effortless Navigation

Create a clear information architecture that helps users quickly find essential details while maintaining a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the website.

Deliver Immersive Storytelling

Utilise a clear, structured layout hierarchy to guide users seamlessly through the seasonal menus, architectural room types, and regional geography.

[ UX Goals ]

User Research

Values "quiet luxury," architectural intentionality, and deep cultural immersion over commercialized hospitality gimmicks. They seek environments that offer mental deceleration and sensory poetry.

User 1

I want a peaceful Japanese-style getaway, but most hotel websites only show rooms. I can't really understand the atmosphere, surroundings, or what makes the experience special.

User 2

I am interested in staying at a traditional ryokan, but I am unfamiliar with Japanese hospitality. I need clear information about the rooms, dining, and facilities before deciding.

User Interface

Hero Strategy & Visual Narrative

Full-bleed, atmospheric imagery capturing seasonal light filtering through green foliage establishes immediate emotional weight upon landing.

Layout Grid Architecture

Utilises an asymmetrical grid system that balances extensive negative space with rich macro photography.

Conversion Funnel & Utility

A persistent, streamlined horizontal interface styled in signature Sage Green anchors the layout, organizing date selections, guest counts, and room filters to minimize booking friction.

Navigation Utilities

The page layouts conclude with a stylized, custom-drawn monochrome regional map embedded directly into a deep charcoal footer, balancing critical utility with a premium sense of place.