4 Luxury Hotels for the Perfect Getaway in Karuizawa

1. Karuizawa Marriott Hotel

Karuizawa Marriott Hotel opened after the renovation and rebranding of the Laforet Club Hotel Nakakaruizawa in 2016. Marriott Hotel is a global hotel chain with approximately 500 hotels in 50 countries all over the world, and the Karuizawa Marriott location was the fifth to open in Japan. This hotel is located 15 minutes by car from the town center, close to Harunire Terrace in an area surrounded by nature. The hotel offers a free shuttle service, so it’s perfectly accessible even if you aren’t coming by car.

The hotel features generously-sized Superior Twin rooms as well as traditional Japanese-style rooms. There's also a cottage with a private hot spring bath that was reopened on February 1, 2017 as a "Dog Cottage" - Dogs are welcome to stay with guests here, making this Marriott’s first ever dog-friendly hotel room.

Amenities include the natural Thai cosmetic brand, THANN. This brand is also used as amenities in first class ANA flights, and is a staple in luxury hotels all over Japan. THANN products have won numerous international prizes, including Good Design and Asia Design awards, so they are sure to make your stay even more relaxing and comfortable.  

The hotel's in-house restaurant Grill & Dining G has free WiFi and charging spots. Its range of seating choices are sure to satisfy everyone from solo diners to larger groups. 

The menu makes full use of Karuizawa's local specialties, including grilled dishes made with cured meats and vegetable dishes made with fresh produce sourced from local farms.

2. Le Grand Karuizawa

Le Grand Karuizawa is a classic hotel with a natural hot spring ideally located just a 15-minute walk from the North Exit of Karuizawa Station. The architecture of this impressive brick hotel brings to mind the English aristocracy residences.

Decorated with Italian-made furnishings, you’ll find it easy to unwind in the relaxed atmosphere of these classical, white and beige-toned guest rooms.

One special feature is the hotel's natural open-air hot spring, the only one in the Kyukaruizawa area. This hot spring offers a view of the lush green natural surroundings, and is sourced by the Iwate Hanamaki gorge hot springs, which are famous for their beautifying properties.

The first floor cafe has an open terrace where you can relax and breathe in the fresh air. With a full food and drink menu available, this is a wonderful place for enjoying conversation over a glass of wine.

Be sure to stop for dinner at Arpeggio, a restaurant full of Karuizawa’s unique charm. Located along the main street, this restaurant serves continental cuisine drawn from a blend of different regions, with a focus on French cuisine. Counter seats where you can order teppanyaki (items cooked on an iron griddle) dishes are also available, so why not chat with the chef while enjoying your meal?

3. Karuizawa Auberge de Primavera

“Auberge” in French means a restaurant where you can stay overnight. Just like the names implies, this hotel’s charm lies in its high-quality restaurant. It can be found just a 7-minute walk from Karuizawa Station.

This hotel's junior suite-style rooms are designed so that guests can enjoy the changing seasons in their rooms. Wallpaper sourced from Paris and European-style bathtubs add a unique touch to the rooms, which are outfitted with care paid even to the smallest of details.

The meals served here are all created from carefully selected ingredients. In winter, you can also try wild game like boar and deer sourced from local hunters. The wine seller that works with the hotel restaurant stocks around 7,000 bottles of wine. The restaurant’s sommeliers can help choose the perfect selection based on your dish and tastes, a service that wine lovers are sure to love!

4. Hotel Cypress Karuizawa

Hotel Cypress Karuizawa is a luxury highland resort located a 15-minute walk from Karuizawa Station. A convenient shuttle bus is also available, so those with a lot of luggage don’t need to worry about getting around!

A large and airy glass-walled lounge greets you as you step inside the hotel. During the day, you can enjoy the warm atmosphere of the sunlit space as you read or enjoy afternoon tea. In the evenings, order a drink and take in the live concerts held each night in the lounge.

The rooms are equipped with balconies and kitchens, which is a great feature for those who want to enjoy their time at the hotel. It's nice to buy fresh local vegetables and be able to cook them in the hotel's kitchens! Since you’re in the highlands, why not enjoy the fresh air with your meal on the balcony?

This hotel has rooms with luxurious open air hot springs, and there is also a crystal radium bath located on the basement first floor. You’ll definitely be able to get in some quality rest and relaxation during your stay here.

There is a convenient souvenir shop in the hotel, where staff have selected a range of delicious local foods and interesting goods from the Karuizawa region. In addition to original hotel souvenirs, there is also a vast selection of popular snacks, local mascot character goods, and even amenities. We all know how tiring it can be to wander the streets shopping for souvenirs, so being able to get all your shopping done at the hotel is a real treat!

Experience the Luxury of Relaxation in Karuizawa

So, how about adding a relaxing stay in Karuizawa to your travel plans? It's great to enjoy all the unique foods and museums here, but make sure to treat yourself to some downtime in one of these gorgeous Karuizawa hotels as well!

 Translated and republished with permission from: Relux Magazine