[Japan: Karuizawa] A Birthday Celebration at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa

February 10, 2025

[Japan: Karuizawa] A Birthday Celebration at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa

Follow to me HOSHINOYA Karuizawa - a village within a valley! Only an hour by train from Tokyo, you can escape to a refined sanctuary with vibrant nature at the resort. The surrounding forest is home to many wild animals and plants amidst the backdrop of Mount Asama and its flowing river. As the very first property of Hoshino Resorts, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa is designed with its natural surroundings in mind - preserving the shape of the valley through the use of terraces, winding footpaths, and small bridges. With a cluster of buildings, restaurants, hot springs, and guest houses, the architectural and landscape design of the resort is really a site to behold. This was our third time staying at a Hoshinoya where each property offers an extraordinary experience based on a unique theme. Here, the concept reimagines if Japan had modernized without becoming westernized where people live in a valley village.

ROOM:

There are 3 room types to choose from: Mizunami are the pavilions which overlooks the river, Yamaroji which offers mountain views, and Niwaroji which are secluded villa townhouses. We stayed in a Yamaroji on the second floor with views of the entire resort and wild bird sanctuary from the balcony. The room includes a King size futon bed, a living room, and our very own hinoki wooden bathtub.

FACILITIES:

Karuizawa is famous for its natural hot spring and the resort features two onsen baths which flow directly from the source. Each of the onsen offers different atmospheres. The Meditation Bath is exclusive to staying guests with a space of light and no light. The transition from light to dark is designed for relaxation through meditation.

The Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu provides the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Karuizawa's nature from its indoor and outdoor baths. This is open to the public but from 9am-10am daily, it is exclusive for staying guests at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa.

ACTIVITIES:

Aside from going on walks or hikes to admire the surrounding nature, you can enjoy activities at the resort such as having afternoon tea at the Tanada Lounge which overlooks the terraced rice fields, go ice skating at the rink made famous by Japanese reality TV show Terrace House, enjoy cocktails by the fireplace at the Forest Cafe & Bar, and partake in the morning stretch class at the Japanese teahouse.

DINING:

The main restaurant onsite at the resort is Kasuke which serves alpine kaiseki. We had both breakfast and dinner here with friendly staff who attended to our every need.

The dinner menu at Kasuke offers a night of immersion into Nagano prefecture’s rich culinary heritage. The cooking method showcases the original flavor of the ingredients - allowing guests to taste the terroir. The meal is complemented with views of the resort terrace through the dramatic windows which changes throughout the seasons. The hassun course was a favorite with its visually appealing representation of the winter season while another highlight was the wild boar cooked in shabu shabu.

山の懐石「厳冬に向春の候」:
Seasonal Kasuke’s Dinner Course:

The meal started with a ceremonial welcome sake.