Kodō Hotel Los Angeles is a getaway destination that instantly transports guests to a different dimension, an oasis of modernity hiding in plain sight, if you will. With a carefully curated interior that dresses the hotel in a tranquil energy flow, the world outside freezes in place as the hotel's front door opens. Nested in the heart of the Los Angeles Arts District, the Kodō Hotel invites artists, dreamers, and lovers of the mundane to sink into Kodō’s Japanese minimalist design. The property itself holds an acute and passionate history as it was once an avant-garde fire station from the 1920’s - making the architecture unlike any other in Los Angeles. Converting the building from a meticulously engineered fire station into an oasis of steady flow was an act of homage to authentic Japanese principles of change and evolution. The art of humanities lives at the Kodō with a contemporary twist of California chill. Inside the doors of this hotel, a world of timeless simplicity provides a never before felt balance of Japanese culture and futuristic accents. With its modern Japanese design, luxury amenities, and seamless digital experience, Kodō invites you to surrender yourself to the rhythm of its own unique melody - a symphony of tranquil style and authentic substance that honors tradition.
Designed by Emi Kitawaki, her traditional Kyoto roots played as the backbone in influencing the space. Katawaki envisioned a merge of the ground's main spaces in order to interconnect the Kodō restaurant with the hotel into one environment. While Katawaki worked on the marriage of the three spaces, partnering designer Jen Whitaker is the mastermind behind the ligature that brings the clean lines of Kodō and the masculine sensibilities together. The composition of unity at the hotel follows ancient energy flow theory: the Kodō transforms the absoluteness of minimalistic design into a reflection of an overflowing Japanese paradise. Achieving this level of alchemy is no easy venture- for several elements within the environment must compliment each other both sculpturally and practically. There is no other hotel destination in the entire city of Los Angeles that competes with the essence of The Kodō. Whitaker and Katawaki working alongside one another made for a still environment, pervading with fulfillment of pure intent, vision, and partnership.
With nature as the muse for each room in the hotel, the Kodō mirrors the essence of natural wonders to the name each room receives. Maple leaves dance in the breeze of Momiji, while Izumi whispers secrets of water’s eternal flow. Moss creeps softly in Koke, while Sora invites guests to soar into the limitless expanse of sky. Kaze sings out onto Los Angeles against the melodies of wind, while Iwa stands firm as the unyielding, earth rock. Tsuki bathes in the soft glow of the moonlight as Sumi evokes the smoky allure of charcoal, and Kage beckons you into the depths of the shadows. These names emphasize the purpose of each room, capturing the artfulness of life with painting on the walls, echoing the soul of the visitor and building as a pair. Simple yet profound, each space offers a sanctuary of calm - some rooms with ample seating and workspaces while other rooms are cozy and intimate, inviting guests to lose themselves in contemplation or creativity. What guests feel after staying at the Kodō will linger long after you have bid a farewell to its one of a kind curation of contemporary Japanese nature.
Kodō hotel is not only a tranquil stay, but also the perfect hub to experience authentic Japanese culinary techniques that can be enjoyed throughout the hotel. Kodō Hotel has both a charming cafe for light bites and the most enticing all black restaurant that promises a tantalizing dine-in experience. Chef Alex Suzuki is the brains behind the enchanting dishes at Kodō; a master of flavors who weaves tales of taste with every dish. A native son of Los Angeles, Chef Suzuki’s journey took him from the hallowed halls of Thomas Keller’s Bouchon to the bustling streets of Japan, where he hones his craft amidst sichi and kaiseki, teaching and learning in equal measure. Returning to his roots, Chef Suzuki brings a fusion of French and Japanese techniques to Kodō, a culinary kaleidoscope that reflects the vibrant tapestry of LA’s cultural melting pot. Here, tradition marries innovation, as charcoal-grilled delights the palate and nourishes the soul.
Article By: Sosana Shelah
