TORAFU ARCHITECTS

A high-end whisky shop that specializes in Japanese whisky while offering a carefully curated selection of bottles from around the world, Whisky Bank is opening its first street-level store in the Kanto region. The site, measuring 2.7 meters in width and 6.5 meters in depth, is situated along the bustling Center Street of Shibuya, a hub of contemporary youth culture.

In contrast to the lively urban context and the imposing presence of the building’s upper floors, the façade features a softly drawn, large arc. This element creates a calm and composed atmosphere through its contrast with the existing black exterior while the beautifully lit transparent amber whisky bottles catch the eyes of passersby. Inside, the silver structural shelves stretch up to the ceiling, enclosing the space. A deliberate gap is left between this structure and the existing building framework creating a sense of floating lightness. Centrally positioned within the store, a monolithic block of natural stone functions as a tasting table. This type of stone, a variety of onyx, is a rare mineral formed over thousands of years, an echo of the long-aging process of whisky itself. Its weighty presence, in contrast to the surrounding metallic tones, anchors the space. Whisky bottles, meticulously arrayed along an entire wall, are illuminated from multiple angles above, below, front, and rear accentuating not only the graphic labels but also the natural amber hues of the whisky. Combined with the beige background, this lighting design adds depth to the interplay of light and color. For the flooring, we laid a brown, felt-like carpet, offering visitors a sense of soft comfort the moment they step off the hard surface of the urban pavement outside.

Aiming to attract an international clientele drawn to the allure of Japanese whisky in Shibuya, this store creates a bold, modern atmosphere that fully envelops visitors in its refined and immersive interior.