At HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE, guests are welcomed by a variety of lighting fixtures that beautifully illuminate the interior. Each piece differs in type and era, yet all blend seamlessly into the atmosphere, enhancing the hotel’s refined ambiance. Each light, though striking in its luminosity, contributes gracefully to the timeless elegance of the French residence we so deeply value.
In this article we would like to introduce the rich variety of lighting at HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE, where a diverse collection of fixtures brings the space to life.
On the left upon entering the hotel, there is the reception room, where a grand antique chandelier imported from France and adorned with 24 lights, makes a striking impression. This chandelier was created in 19th-century France, yet it embodies the elegance of the 18th-century Louis XV style with a graceful silhouette known as the “Basket” form. The metal components are made of bronze, and while it has since been rewired to accommodate candle-shaped electric bulbs, when it was first made, it originally held real candles. Their flickering flames, though beautiful, would leave a trace of soot on the glass, necessitating regular and meticulous cleaning. Each glass and crystal component, once darkened by soot, had to be carefully removed from the high-hanging chandelier and meticulously cleaned by hand. Reattaching them was an equally laborious process. Such demands speak to the lavish nature of chandeliers in those days as objects of beauty that required both care and devotion.
Positioned on both sides of the beautiful painting that hangs on the reception wall, guests can find two bracket lights. Like the painting and the mantelpiece beneath it, these fixtures were created in 18th-century France, and harmonize beautifully with the reception room’s overall atmosphere, which is inspired by the European fascination with Chinese art and design, known as “Chinoiserie,” that was popular during the same period.
The bronze bracket lights feature candle holders entwined with delicate metalwork branches and leaves, from which porcelain flowers, crafted in the style of Sèvres, bloom gracefully at the tips. Unlike traditional glass chandeliers, which play with transmitted light and color dispersion to create a radiant display, these bracket lights are distinguished by their sculptural-like presence, as the fixtures themself are serving as a work of art.
At the far end of the ground floor corridor, a striking pair of 12-light chandeliers hangs in perfect symmetry. These pieces are Italian creations from the 20th century and were acquired by our owner at a Paris auction, drawn to their elegantly elongated design. The use of black glass accents lends them a dramatic, distinctly Italian character.
Unlike the antiques found elsewhere in the hotel, the chandeliers in the entrance hall and second-floor corridor are contemporary Italian creations. Their crystal-clear glass glows brilliantly under both lamplight and sunlight, adding a refined radiance to the space. On the second floor, the chandelier sits just before an east-facing window, where the morning sun filters through, scattering light like a prism across the walls. As the morning light catches the chandelier, it sparkles delicately and seems to quietly announce the arrival of a bright, refreshing day.
Right beside the restaurant, guests can find “Le Rêve,” our hotel bar with an adjoining library.
Should you find yourself there, we warmly encourage you to take a closer look at the reading lamps.
Originally from a Parisian hotel in Montparnasse, these vintage lamps were salvaged during renovations, carefully restored, and adapted for use in Japan. Unlike ordinary floor lamps, their structure features a graceful curve in the stand, allowing the light to extend gently forward and creating a cozy, well-lit nook for quiet reading. In France, both in private homes and hotels, lighting tends to be gentle, never overly bright. Our bar as well embraces a subdued ambiance, where only selected areas are lit so to create a dramatic play of light and shadow. This approach reflects a reverence for subtlety and nuance, creating a quiet celebration of light and shade that has become increasingly rare in modern Japan.
Lastly, we would like to draw your attention to the bracket lights lining the corridor.
Simple and undecorated in design, these fixtures play a vital role in highlighting the soft curves of the vaulted ceiling. Without them, the space might appear flat or lifeless. Not all lighting is meant to dazzle, some exist to quietly elevate the beauty of a space, casting light not only on surfaces, but on form, atmosphere, and feeling.
The lighting fixtures we’ve introduced range from newly crafted pieces to antiques from the 19th and 20th centuries. Individually, each fixture possesses its own unique character; yet collectively, they form a seamless harmony, as though they had always belonged here. This deliberate interplay of history and modernity invites every guest who visits the hotel to experience the timeless elegance of a refined French residence.
At HÔTEL de L’ALPAGE, we hope you will feel the distinct comfort of a French mansion, where history is cherished, and the present is gently woven in. This thoughtful balance between past and present is reflected not only in our lighting, but also in the artworks, furnishings, and every detail throughout the hotel.
Embraced by the majestic nature of the Tateshina Highlands, we invite you to experience the quiet elegance of everyday French life. Should you find yourself in the area, we would be delighted to welcome you to our hotel and invite you to take your time to explore every carefully curated detail, hoping that each element may add to a truly memorable stay.
For details on our hotel painting, please click here Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol.3, Vol.4
For details on our hotel tableware, please click here.
For details on our hotel sofas, please click here.
