Japan's Award-Winning 'Ring House' Offers Panoramic Views

White units complement the clean wood finish as the multi-layered Ring House takes in amazing views from every angle to create a designer’s dream living space.

Located in Karuizawa, a mountain resort town in Japan’s Nagano Prefecture, the house is a specially designed treat hidden within the serenity of the lush greenery.

The main feature inside Ring House is its unmistakable spiral staircase. Don’t get dizzy as you make your way up and down the stairs. You’ll certainly get your step count in as you climb the staircase and sample the views from high up in the structure. With glass panels on every wall, no matter where you are in the property you’ll get unrestricted views of your surroundings, including while being on the staircase itself.

Ring House has been a private residence for the last ten years or so, but it’s now available for holidaymakers to rent. With special accommodation and odd houses being at a premium, this is a really sought-after property to experience first-hand.

Ring House was created in July 2006 by Japanese architects Makoto Takei and Chie Nabeshima. Their Tokyo-based firm won several awards for the design, and it’s easy to see why.

As great as 360-degree views are, there’s a real lack of privacy on offer here. If you’re ok with that for a night or two then that’s great, but many might be put off by the fact that there’s no real seclusion to be found anywhere in the structure. Being such an unusual house in an unusual place, you can fully expect the wildlife and the odd passer-by to be just as curious –looking into the house, as you are looking out of it!