‘cafe aura’ by takato tamagami, karuizawa, japan all images courtesy of takato tamagami

overlooking the distant japanese southern alps and yatsugatake mountains, the ‘cafe aura’ by takato tamagami is glass-enclosed to open panoramic vistas in karuizawa, japan. standing 1,200 meters above sea level, a long platform offers views towards the town of karuizawa. adjusting to the natural undulation of the hilltop, the floor levels descend within the bent footprint, forming an obtuse angle to frame a garden. windows maintain a connection between the indoor dining area and events occurring outside including concerts and candle lit nights with a dramatic backdrop.

takato tamagami: cafe aura veranda

takato tamagami: cafe aura glazed facade

takato tamagami: cafe aura entry

takato tamagami: cafe aura elevated interior is accessed by an outdoor stair

takato tamagami: cafe aura entry

takato tamagami: cafe aura stairway

takato tamagami: cafe aura corridors

takato tamagami: cafe aura dining area

takato tamagami: cafe aura views overlooking the distant japanese southern alps and yatsugatake mountains

takato tamagami: cafe aura cafe

takato tamagami: cafe aura outdoor terrace

takato tamagami: cafe aura dining area at night

takato tamagami: cafe aura

takato tamagami: cafe aura entry illuminated at night

takato tamagami: cafe aura at night

takato tamagami: cafe aura

takato tamagami: cafe aura

takato tamagami: cafe aura

takato tamagami: cafe aura

takato tamagami: cafe aura

takato tamagami: cafe aura

takato tamagami: cafe aura