WAKUDA is located in the Venetian Hotel on the Las Vegas strip. Guests arrive through a traditional moon gate entryway within a soaring, dramatically-lit wood wall. Guests are greeted by a glass-enclosed cherry blossom surrounded by lanterns, which mirrors a neon light installation, highlighting the beauty of nature and harnessing the energy of Tokyo and Las Vegas. Inside, golden metal inlays in the stone tile floor act as a pathway, leading guests through a series of intimate spaces, each radiating a feeling of a discovery.

It begins in the wood-clad Entry room featuring an organic and monolithic charred wood and metal desk beneath a floating neon sign that greets patrons and beckons them to explore further. This leads on to the sophisticated, club-like Bar and Lounge space, filled with nature-inspired elements, such as dark woods and a cherry blossom wallcovering, and contemporary artwork, the latter featuring modern takes on traditional Japanese imagery.

Off the Lounge is the Main Dining area, with a light wood ceiling, inspired by traditional Japanese wood joinery techniques, interspersed with stacked pendant lights reminiscent of traditional paper lanterns. The room is divided into two intimate spaces by Otomo’s wrestler sculptures grappling beneath a custom fixture inspired by a zen circle. Furniture is contemporary and contrasts with earthy details such as textured stone flooring with a tatami-like effect. From here, one can access the terrace, where diners sit behind a wall of bamboo that provides both privacy and a natural contrast to the modern bustle beyond.

Finally, VIP guests will pass through a discreet door into the Secret Bar, Omakase area, and Private Dining Room (the PDR also has its own separate entrance). Details of kumiko, a traditional wood joinery technique wherein panels are fitted together to create geometric or floral patterns, acts as a language connecting the Secret Bar and Omakase area. The smallest and mysteriously-lit of the spaces, the Secret Bar features primordial textures plus abundant millwork with kumiko panel details. Patrons can enjoy a drink at the dramatically backlit bar, or proceed to the Omakase area to sample delicacies while contemplating the gestural brushstroke artwork by Jun Inoue.

Not far from this private haven is a space inspired by one of the oldest temples in Tokyo, the Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district of Tokyo. A giant lantern decorated with a koi pattern is suspended above, illuminating not only the wood clad walls but also guests eager to document and share the experience.