The Interior Design
Crafted Through Generations of Traditional Japanese Artistry, This Distinctive Space Embodies the Grandeur and Spirit of the Azuchi-Momoyama Era
The interior of Teppanyaki Wajo embodies the spirit of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, a time distinguished by cultural splendor, creativity, and bold innovation. Brought to life through exceptional Japanese craftsmanship, the restaurant's design subtly echoes the traditions of the tea ceremony, creating a refined and immersive setting where history, artistry, and contemporary luxury converge.
Teppanyaki Wajo presents two distinctive dining spaces: the exclusive Soan Private Dining Room, inspired by Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Golden Tea Room, and the tranquil Taian Dining Room, welcoming guests aged 12 and above.
Crafted using traditional Japanese techniques and materials, both spaces offer an immersive dining experience where heritage, artistry, and spirituality take center stage.
Metal Openwork and Foil-Stamped Bamboo
Located on the 12th floor of The St. Regis Osaka, Teppanyaki Wajo welcomes guests through an elegant entrance beside the elevator lobby. Its signature nameplate, crafted by a Kyoto kazari-shi artisan renowned for creating ornamental metalwork for Japan’s castles and shrines, showcases the intricate art of sukashibori (openwork carving) and hand-hammered detailing.
The walls are adorned with split bamboo finished in gold leaf, a craft that flourished during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, reflecting the era’s rich heritage of artistry and innovation.
An Outdoor Garden
Connecting Wajo's two timeless tea-room-inspired dining spaces, the passageway evokes a tranquil garden retreat. A stepping-stone patterned floor guides the journey, while traditional paper lanterns, inspired by the tea culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, cast a warm and understated glow, creating a seamless transition between the two spaces.
A Golden Tea Room
Inspired by the Daimyo-cha tea culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Soan takes its design cues from Toyotomi Hideyoshi's famed Golden Tea Room, where feudal lords once hosted distinguished guests.
The floor features gold leaf crafted by master artisans from Kanazawa, combining traditional gold-leaf techniques with Kyoto Nishijin foil-stamping methods. Embedded within the grain of ash wood, the gold leaf enhances the natural beauty of the material, creating a subtle yet luminous elegance.
Complementing the space, the walls are adorned with exquisite Nishijin textiles woven with delicate floral motifs, evoking a sense of refinement and timeless Japanese artistry.
Panels Inspired by Maki-E Lacquer Techniques
Inspired by Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s legendary Golden Tea Room, Soan embodies a contemporary interpretation of its opulence. Champagne-gold aluminum panels with a hand-hammered finish are accented by stripes inspired by maki-e lacquer artistry, creating a sophisticated fusion of traditional Japanese craftsmanship and modern design.
A Silver Tea Room
Inspired by the quiet simplicity of wabi-cha, the tea ceremony philosophy perfected by the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu, Taian embodies a sense of tranquility and understated elegance.
The floor is finished with renowned Sekishu-gawara tiles from Shimane Prefecture, whose distinctive smoked-silver tones reflect the refined aesthetic of wabi-cha. Above, the striking cooking hood is clad in hand-finished aluminum panels stained in silver and deep bronze hues, each featuring a unique hammered or rippled texture. Completing the space, Nishijin textiles adorned with traditional pine-bark and Korean hill cherry motifs bring a subtle richness to the room while preserving its serene atmosphere.