Dubai, UAE: The bespoke artistry of Japan finds a profound home at KIGO, where every detail of design tells a story of reverence, transformation, and the passage of time. Located within Four Seasons Hotels Dubai International Financial Centre, the unique venue was conceived by Fundamental Hospitality and realised by world-renowned Japanese design firm Super Potato, led by Izumi Sugimoto. KIGO’s interiors reflect the essence of ” Wa,” a form of Japanese harmony, and the philosophy of the “Beauty of Ageing.” Here, textures, tones, and materials evolve gracefully with time, standing in quiet contrast to the culinary journey that celebrates the fleeting nature of each season. The result is an unparalleled space that feels both ancient and immediate, rooted in authenticity yet alive in the present moment.
An Embodiment of Ancient Traditions
At its heart, KIGO is a meditation on impermanence, the beauty that lies in transience, and the serenity found in restraint. Guided by Japan’s poetic reverence for nature and time, the venue demonstrates that true elegance is never static; instead,, it is ever evolving. Each surface and element ages with dignity, creating an environment that deepens in character as years pass.
At the centre of KIGO’s dining room lies a striking sushi counter sculpted from rare Aji stone. This fine-grained granite, revered for its hardness and mottled patterns, was sourced from Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture. Chosen for its beauty and endurance, the Aji stone counter symbolises permanence within impermanence. Behind the counter, a vivid mural by esteemed artist Hidemi Kimura captures the spirit of the Rimpa school, infusing the space with an electric sense of motion and bridging traditional art forms with a modern spirit.
Thoughtful Colour Schemes and Furnishings
Every element has been chosen to reveal its truest beauty with time. Natural wood, washi paper, and stone adorn the interiors, their hues deepening and softening with each passing year. The walls are enveloped in the warm beige tones of washi, while soft lighting evokes a meditative calm. The opulent furniture within KIGO has been meticulously handcrafted by Sakura Seisakusho, a revered Japanese atelier known for its devotion to woodcraft and timeless design.
The journey into KIGO begins on the terrace, where guests cross a karesansui, a dry stone garden that evokes Japan’s meditative landscapes. This serene transition transforms arrival into a ritual, embodying the spirit of Japanese hospitality and setting the tone for the immersive experience within. The private dining room, with tatami mats and a coffered wooden ceiling, is a sanctuary designed for bespoke kaiseki or omakase experiences that honour intimacy and mindfulness.
Culinary Mastery to Match the Design
KIGO’s design and cuisine exist in perfect symbiosis. Head Chef Akinori ‘Aki’ Tanigawa ensures that as the interiors evolve with time, so does the menu, guided by Japan’s 24 solar terms, or subtle markers of seasonal change. Through kaiseki and omakase, guests witness the rhythm of nature, savouring dishes that celebrate fleeting ingredients at their peak.
