A classic reborn in the heart of Tokyo
A thoughtful renewal that honours legacy while embracing the rhythm of modern Shinjuku.
Originally built in 1984, the interiors of Hyatt Regency Shinjuku had remained largely unchanged for decades. GA approached the redesign as a careful rebirth, building on the strength of the hotel’s original character while preparing it for a new chapter.
Guided by the belief that understanding the past is essential to shaping the future, the design celebrates the building’s iconic bones and weaves in references to Shinjuku’s cultural energy. The result is a hotel that feels both familiar and newly alive.
Shinjuku Station, the busiest railway hub in the world, became a key source of inspiration. Its constant movement and rhythmic cadence informed the introduction of a central clock tower, conceived as the heartbeat of the lobby lounge. Carefully integrated within the existing structure, the clock is framed by refined panelling and a bespoke bar, anchoring the space and naturally drawing the eye.
Working in dialogue with the building’s heritage, the design also embraces existing features — from the original chandeliers to the established flooring — allowing them to inform and enrich the new intervention. This balance between preservation and renewal creates a layered, cohesive environment where past and present coexist seamlessly.
Cross Roads All-Day Dining
The lobby flows into the all-day dining space, which we named Cross Roads. This transitional area bridges the lobby and the garden, with greenery reflecting the outdoor view and a style that harmonises classic and contemporary elements.
Here, we explored the dual personality of Shinjuku. West Shinjuku represents government and calm while East Shinjuku pulses with nightlife energy, neon, and movement.
Guests then pass through a floor-to-ceiling digital artwork that heightens this moment of transition, introducing movement and intensity before entering the kitchen. Conceptualised by GA and developed in collaboration with Downstream, the installation amplifies East Shinjuku’s drama and energy through immersive, abstract expression rather than verbatim depiction. Moving through this space, the design carries the East Shinjuku’s energy – its nightlife, drama, and vibrant activity – without literal references, but instead capturing its spirit architecturally.
The redesign repositions Hyatt Regency Shinjuku as a hotel that respects its heritage while responding confidently to contemporary Tokyo. By retaining and reinterpreting original elements, the project strengthens the hotel’s identity and creates public spaces that feel grounded, dynamic and culturally connected.
