Sweet Things – A Journey in Search of Space – Episode 0 “BLANC FUJI”by Takuya Yamanaka
What kind of sensibility captures the stories born from small, quiet moments? Immersing yourself in the local surroundings, you gradually tint what’s before you with your own color. The chirping of birds, the murmur of the river, the breath of insects—when something inexplicably tugs at your heart, you begin to feel an unexpected fondness for that place. What fragments do people choose to hold on to? This is a journey in search of each person’s own “blank space.”
Feel the seasons while gazing at Mt. Fuji.
Listen to the gentle stream of the Katsura River.
Touch the warmth of wood and stone.
Savor meals made from local ingredients.
Smell the fragrance of trees and wildflowers that change with the seasons.
“Blank space” you can feel by coexisting with nature.
A journey to enjoy that space in your own way—
to experience nature with all five senses.
（From the official BLANC FUJI website）
The boundary between humans and nature is always ambiguous. BLANC FUJI, located between Lake Kawaguchi and Lake Yamanaka, seems to be quietly teaching us how to approach that delicate distance.
The toy box that Takuya Yamanaka lovingly filled is a complete rethinking of conventional real estate development. A movable container-style hotel that neither builds nor demolishes—this unique approach comes from his long-standing fascination with nature since his university days, and a genuine belief that regional revitalization can become a world-class industry for Japan.
How vast is the foothill of Mt. Fuji? Where does the mountain truly begin and end? There are many theories, but no clear definition. And yet, standing at the entrance, gazing at its grand presence, you begin to realize—you’ve already become a part of it.
Walking past the restaurant, you come upon a vehicle-style lodging facility, classified as non-architectural, sitting quietly in an area that was once off-limits. Just 100 meters from the main building, this place feels like a small step humanity has taken toward a sacred realm.
Each of the 11 villas is owned by a different investor. By adopting a condominium-style hotel model, BLANC ensures scalability and builds a sustainable business structure—an essential move for any entrepreneur.
The idea of “blank space” is something Yamanaka has valued even before founding his company. Yet, like the undefined boundaries of Mt. Fuji’s base or the edge of nature itself, this term has no fixed meaning. It’s the travelers—the temporary residents who borrow this land—who weave their own stories into that space.
Do you follow the murmur of the Katsura River upstream or down? The rest of the journey is yours to decide.
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