Press Release | Miaja Design Group Introduces Refreshed Dining at Club Med Sahoro - Japan
- Julian Miaja
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Miaja Design Group Introduces Refreshed Dining Experiences at Club Med Sahoro: Thoughtful Spaces for Families to Connect.
Following the 2019 renovation of the resort's public areas and guestrooms, Miaja Design Group is pleased to unveil its transformation of the dining venues at Club Med Sahoro, Hokkaido. Set within the striking Hidaka mountain range, the newly reimagined 'Daichi' All Day Dining Restaurant and 'Mina Mina' Izakaya Specialty Restaurant offer guests a welcoming retreat where families can gather, share a meal, and create lasting memories against the backdrop of Japan's legendary powder snow.
Photo Credit: Daniel Koh
A Design Philosophy Rooted in Authenticity...
The design approach for both restaurants is guided by a deep respect for Japanese spatial traditions. As Creative Director Isabelle Miaja explains, “In Sahoro, each space was designed through a careful reading of Japanese codes—proportion, restraint, material honesty, and the sequencing of experience. Rather than reinterpret, we worked within these principles, allowing the design to feel familiar, grounded, and quietly authentic.”
This philosophy reflects Miaja Design Group's broader approach: “grounded in authenticity—drawing from local culture, craft, and context—while introducing a modern clarity that refines rather than reinterprets.” The result is a pair of dining spaces that feel both timeless and effortlessly suited to the rhythm of a family ski vacation.
'Daichi' All Day Dining: A Gathering Place for Every Moment...
Meaning "earth" in Japanese, 'Daichi' serves as the vibrant hub of the resort. Of this space, Miaja shares: “Daichi is conceived as a warm and grounded all-day dining space, drawing from the quiet strength of Hokkaido’s landscape. Rooted in Japanese spatial codes, the design emphasises openness, natural light, and a calm, legible layout that evolves throughout the day. Materials are honest and tactile—timber, stone, and softened tones—creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming yet refined. Subtle references to local culture are integrated with restraint, allowing the space to feel anchored in place rather than styled.”
Multiple live cooking stations invite guests to explore a diverse array of international and regional Hokkaido cuisine, while expansive windows frame the surrounding alpine landscape. The atmosphere shifts effortlessly from the energetic hum of a mountain morning to a more serene, intimate setting as evening unfolds.
Photo Credit: Shigenobu (James) Hirata
'Mina Mina' Izakaya: Warmth, Tradition, and Shared Moments...
The 'Mina Mina' Izakaya Specialty Restaurant offers a distinctly different experience—one that captures the spirit of Japanese pub culture in a contemporary setting. Miaja describes the vision: “Mina Mina is conceived as a contemporary interpretation of the izakaya—intimate, layered, and quietly immersive. The design emphasises low ceilings, controlled lighting, and a deliberate sequencing of spaces to create a sense of discovery. Materials are warm and tactile, drawing from Hokkaido’s natural palette. The result is a space that feels both authentic and transportive—an evening ritual rather than a restaurant.”
Rich wood tones, intimate nooks, and the soft glow of crimson lanterns create an atmosphere that feels like a cherished discovery. The menu of Japanese classics, from sashimi to nabe hot pots, is designed for sharing, encouraging conversation and connection around the table. An approachable selection of sake, shochu, beer, and non-alcoholic favourites ensures there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Photo Credit: Shigenobu (James) Hirata
Designed for Mountain Living...
Together, 'Daichi' and 'Mina Mina' reflect a thoughtful evolution of the Club Med Sahoro experience. Miaja Design Group has crafted spaces that honour Japanese design heritage while embracing the warmth and ease of family-cantered hospitality. These are restaurants where good food, beautiful surroundings, and genuine moments come together—offering guests a place to connect, celebrate, and simply be together amidst the natural beauty of Hokkaido.
Contact: press@miajadesigngroup.com
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