Remodelista

We aspire to someday stay at the Claska Hotel in the Meguro district of Tokyo, a boutique hotel with an art gallery and exhibition space done in a spare Nippon style (Claska loosely translates as "how best to live"). Architects Iku Hirose and Yoshitsugu Takemoto, producers at Urban Design System, supervised the renovation of the nondescript 1960s business hotel; the interiors were designed by Tei Shuwa, director of Intentionallies. The eight-story space now houses a restaurant, a bar, a shop, and a gallery with revolving exhibits of cutting-edge Japanese design. N.B. There are only nine guest rooms, so early booking is essential (there are also 23 rooms available for stays of six months or longer).

Below: Until we make it to Tokyo, we'll have to be content browsing the hotel's online Do Gallery & Shop, which sells home accessories. Designer and shop curator Takeo Okuma sources simple, utilitarian products from all over Japan.