A renovation project for the Annex Royal House of Nikko Kanaya Hotel, Japan’s oldest classic resort hotel. The design enhances the features of this registered Tangible Cultural Property, a Japanese wooden structure built around 100 years ago. The goal is to balance respect for the past with modern needs, creating new appeal while maintaining continuity and authenticity. This is achieved by preserving the regal ambience of the guest rooms, which have hosted emperors and renowned figures from both Japan and abroad, and restoring key elements, that evoke memories of the hotel’s early days.