KIGO Bridges the Beauty of Ageing with Captivating Japanese Design at Four Seasons DIFC

By Jenny Susan / January 6, 2026

Dubai, UAE: The bespoke artistry of Japan has found a definitive home at KIGO, located within the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, KIGO is a collaboration between Fundamental Hospitality and the legendary Japanese design firm Super Potato, led by Izumi Sugimoto.

An Embodiment of Ancient Traditions

At its core, KIGO is a meditation on impermanence. Guided by a poetic reverence for nature, the venue demonstrates that true elegance is never static. The interplay between light, natural wood, and stone creates an environment that deepens in character over the years.

At the heart of the dining room lies a striking sushi counter sculpted from rare Aji stone, sourced from Kagawa Prefecture. This fine-grained granite, revered since the late Heian period, symbolises permanence within a world of change. Behind the counter, a vivid mural by artist Hidemi Kimura captures the spirit of the Rimpa school, balancing the stillness of the stone with an electric sense of motion and energy.

Thoughtful Artistry and Furnishings

Every element within KIGO has been selected to reveal its truest beauty over time. Natural wood, washi paper, and stone adorn the interiors, their hues softening with each passing year. The vision of Izumi Sugimoto was to create a space that “blooms into maturity,” where wear becomes grace.

The furnishings have been meticulously handcrafted by Sakura Seisakusho, a revered Japanese atelier. Each chair and table embodies a tactile sensitivity to the wood’s heart and grain, fusing heritage with a modern, sleek aesthetic.

The Essence of Japan in the DIFC

The journey into KIGO begins on the terrace, where guests cross a karesansui (dry stone garden) featuring shakuyaku-seki stepping stones. This serene transition captures the spirit of traditional hospitality, transforming the act of arrival into a meditative ritual.

For those seeking ultimate seclusion, the private dining room serves as a sanctuary of quiet elegance. Lined with tatami mats and featuring a coffered wooden ceiling, the room is anchored by a vivid vermillion dining table. It is an ideal environment for bespoke kaisekii or omakase experiences that honour mindfulness and intimacy.

Culinary Mastery in Symbiosis

KIGO’s design and cuisine exist in perfect harmony. While the interiors evolve over years, the menu led by Head Chef Akinori ‘Aki’ Tanigawa changes with Japan’s 24 solar terms. Guests savour dishes that celebrate ingredients at their absolute peak, served in surroundings that embody the same respect for nature’s rhythm.

“In our space, every element tells the passage of time,” says Chef Aki. “The Aji stone stands in quiet contrast to the dishes I create beautiful only in the moment they are enjoyed.”

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