Trunk (House): A One‑Bedroom Wonder in Kagurazaka
Picture a place that’s half traditional and half quirky. Trunk (House) is your funky ticket to that intersection.
What Makes It So Special?
- One Bedroom – Because who needs two when you can have an ultra‑cozy, all‑the‑same vibe?
- Former Geisha House – Imagine living in a place that once welcomed silk‑clad dancers. History vibes, literally.
- Tatami Meets Karaoke – Roll out a mat, pull out a 90‑sode mic, and sing your heart out. It’s like a jam session for your soul.
Location, Location, Location!
The two‑storey hideaway sits tucked between cobblestone alleys—think Wandering The Streets of Tokyo with a twist. Kagurazaka’s narrow lanes give it that intimate feel, while a touch of modern nightlife keeps it fresh.
Why You’ll Love It
Come for the comfort, stay for the story. It’s an experience that lets you feel like a city local and a tourist all at once.
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Step into Old‑Time Tokyo in Kagurazaka
Ever wondered what a truly nostalgic Tokyo neighborhood feels like? Kagurazaka has kept the Edo‑era vibe alive, and it’s still one of the few places where old‑world charm doesn’t feel like a forced costume.
- Back in the Edo period, the streets were dense with geisha houses and ryotei restaurants. Some of those life‑loving spots have survived to the present day.
- The Trunk House sits flush with the city’s historic character: its façade is the gleaming gray of weathered stone, its doorway is draped in a soft white noren curtain, and a lone pine tree pokes out right behind it like a quiet sidekick.
- Walk in and find yourself in a charming genkan‑style foyer. Over the doorway hangs a stained‑glass panel of Mount Fuji—a subtle nod to the old belief that the highest peak could be seen right from Kagurazaka.
So next time you hop into Tokyo, make a detour to Kagurazaka and let the city’s past reveal itself in every stone and shade. It’s a place where modern buzz and Edo whisper hand‑in‑hand, keeping the city’s heart beating just a little faster.
<img alt="" data-caption="PHOTO: Tomooki Kengaku ” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”508eba58-7874-4c59-b673-1a1d073eb41c” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20201009_foyer_Tomooki.jpg”/>Below is a fresh, conversational take on the original description—brightened up, a touch humorous, and formatted neatly in HTML for easy reading.
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Inside the Space
The modern vibes here mesh seamlessly with the vintage charm that crowns the house. Thanks to the collaboration between Trunk Atelier and the slick design studio Tripster, the first floor feels like a stylish dreamscape: grey mortar walls, dark terrazzo floors, and a layout that oozes understated elegance.
Design & Vibes
- Grey mortar walls paint a neutral canvas that makes every detail pop.
- Dark terrazzo floors give that subtle depth—think ‘black coffee’ on a bold slate.
- Partitions? Gone. The space is all open and airy, perfect for flow.
Living & Kitchen
Imagine strolling from
the long oak dining table
that looks out onto a pocket-sized garden— like a tiny café in a backyard— to the open kitchen where private chefs put on a culinary theatre. It’s not just a kitchen; it’s a stage where flavors dance, knives flick, and drama unfolds behind each sizzling sound.
Party Prices
If you’re looking to host a night that’s Tokyo’s most exclusive—think room charges starting at JPY 150,000 (S$2,000)—you’ll find this place more than ready for the five-star excitement.
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Nightlife in the Hidden Playhouse
From Shimisen Quarters to Karaoke Vibes
Picture this: the quaint old shamisen that used to sing softly in the corners of the room has traded its strings for a jukebox that’s got the whole city’s favorite tracks lined up. Now the house is so full of life, you’ll think you’re in a Tokyo karaoke club even though you’re just knocking on a quiet door.
The Neon-Red Box: Japan’s Tiny Disco
- Two sound‑proofed black doors that hide a neon‑red disco hall.
- It’s so small you could pack it into a compact car, yet the dancefloor is lit up like a Red Bull energy drink.
- Inside, the karaoke machines await, ready to send your voice roaring across the room.
Take a Break at the Curved Bar
When you’re ready to let that sing‑off resume, hop into the curved bar where the butlers—dressed sharper than your office’s fashion week lineup—serve up cocktails and Japanese whiskies with a side of charm.
All in all, the place has an entertainment playlist so rich you’ll doubt whether you stepped into a night‑club or a secret speakeasy. Enjoy the dance, eat the tea, and let the karaoke take you on a laughter-filled groove!
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Step Into Edo‑Style Elegance
Picture this: a cozy corn‑sweet leather sofa lounges next to the iconic Jean Prouvé Potence lamp, the kind of sleek, angular brilliance that would make even a modernist blush. The Upper‑Level living room is a dreamscape of 17th‑ and 18th‑century Edo vibes, subtly re‑crafted by Trunk (House) to a style that’s both refined and refreshingly eclectic.
Curated Highlights
- Caramel‑touched leather sofa – comfy, classy, and a bit cocoa‑y.
- Prouvé’s Potence – the kind of lamp that says, “I’m famous, and I know it.”
- Sprinkled artworks that whisper time‑travel and creativity.
Feel the artistic pulse from the old chic of Edo, yet enjoy the modern pepper of the “Trunk” vibe. It’s like stepping into a gallery that doubles as a living room, with a wink to the past and a splash of present‑day swagger.
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Welcome to the Zen‑Lit Loft
Picture this space: the floor is a soft‑tiled tatami, and right in the middle sits a traditional irori—think of it as a sunken hearth that’s all about that tea‑ceremony vibe.
Beside the hearth, Chiaki Hirano’s paper artwork adds a touch of artistry, while Nelson’s Cigar Lotus lamp—a sleek, spherical steel piece—appears oddly cozy. They’re like two friends in a room, each shining in their own way.
Soft shoji windows slide across the walls, letting in a gentle breeze, and the pale wood floor ties everything together like a calm, modern rug.
- Tatami mat for that traditional touch
- Irori hearth—ready for quiet tea moments
- Chiaki Hirano’s paper artwork—a fresh splash of color
- Nelson’s Cigar Lotus lamp—steel and spheres that feel oddly familiar
- Sliding shoji windows for a breezy, back‑to‑nature feel
- Pale wood floor to keep the whole scene cohesive
All these elements? They’re not just hung around; they work together to make the loft feel like a modern Zen sanctuary on a sunny day. Enjoy the calm, but also feel the quirky vibe of that industrial glow—because here, tradition and tech walk hand‑in‑hand.
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A Cozy Twin Sanctuary
Room Snapshot
Why it RocksEven though the room feels almost too plain, that vibrant collage + the hush‑hush metal doors give it personality.If you’re into understated chic and want a room that feels like your personal lair, this is the one.
Quick Mood Check
| Element | Feel |
|---|---|
| Futon bed | Comfort |
| Collage art | Creativity |
| Steel doors | Mystery |
| Minibar | Pop culture |
Love a room that’s “just enough” and brings a touch of drama? Look no further!<img alt="" data-caption="PHOTO: Tomooki Kengaku” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”30c18a22-d099-4d9c-ac47-9b6bcad4f90a” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/20201009_bathroom_tomooki.jpg”/>
Step Back in Time to a Tokyo Hot Spot
Ever dreamt of splashing back to those old‑school public baths that used to be a staple in every Tokyo neighborhood? The Trunk (House) takes that nostalgia and steam‑up it to a luxury level that would make your grandma proud—without the old‑school mischief.
What Makes It a Splash‑tastic Experience
- Onsen‑style seating: A cozy bath stool that feels like a personal invitation to dip into the blissful heat of the hinoki wood.
- Deep, square zen‑bath: The real MVP of the spot. Yes, you’d better let yourself enjoy the plunge!
- Eye‑catching art: A striking ukiyo‑e print by contemporary artist Masumi Ishikawa—think moody forest vibes mixed with cheeky cheeky scenes—makes the walls feel like a private gallery.
- Unassuming paradise: Your soaking will feel a bit like riding a dye‑rich river of tranquility, all while the print keeps you chuckling with its “adult” amusements.
Luxe on a Budget (kind of)
You can enjoy a full soak for just JPY 500,000 per night, which covers up to two occupants. That’s half a million yen for a steaming getaway that feels like a trip into a Japanese mythic realm.
Location
The place sits at 3 Chome‑1‑34 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 162‑0825, Japan. If you’re a tourist, you’ll be right in the middle of Shinjuku’s lively offering—easy to hop back onto the train for a sushi fix.
How The Tale Began
First graced the City Nomads pages, this spot has already captured the hearts of wanderers, hoping for a bit of premium soaking. If you’re looking for an unconventional, memorable stay that ignores the usual hype, hit up this tatami‑coated retainer.
So, pick a night, bring a towel, and let the steam sweep you off your feet. This isn’t just a bath—it’s a story in wooden splendor, slightly naughty art, and a taste of Tokyo’s own past. Enjoy the heat, it’s worth it.
