Karuizawa
Modern Japanese ryokan meets eco-resort village. Moody, dim interiors designed around shadow and natural light. The emphasis is on slowing down: hot springs, forest bathing, watching giant flying squirrels glide at dusk. No TVs are pushed on you. The architecture by Rie Azuma deliberately blurs the line between inside and outside — pavilions open onto their natural surroundings like private vacation homes.
Book the Flying Squirrel Watching Tour as early as possible — it has a 96.1% sighting rate but slots fill up quickly
Why It Matters
Japan's first resort dedicated to birdwatching, and one of the few luxury properties anywhere that is 70% energy self-sufficient via its proprietary EIMY system (river hydroelectricity + geothermal wells). The resort's founding story is genuinely compelling: the Hoshino family's grandfather befriended the founder of Japan's Wild Bird Society in the 1900s, leading to the creation of the adjacent national bird sanctuary. Picchio, the resort's own wildlife research and ecotourism arm, has run guided nature tours for over 30 years.
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa is a luxury eco-resort built around 77 freestanding pavilions scattered through a forested valley along the Yukawa River, about 90 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen. The whole place is designed to feel like a private mountain village — winding footpaths, 22 distinct pavilion designs, and an atmosphere that makes you forget there's a city anywhere near. It runs on its own clean energy system (hydropower + geothermal), produces no fossil fuel emissions, and borders the Karuizawa National Wild Bird Sanctuary, making it genuinely Japan's first resort built around birdwatching.
Where You'll Stay
3 room types available
Mizunami
From JPY112,000 / nightStandalone pavilions that overlook the Yukawa River running through the resort. Every room has a balcony or patio positioned directly over or beside the water — you fall asleep to the sound of the river. Available on the first or second floor; second-floor units get a wider view of the resort and the bird sanctuary forest beyond.
King or Triple (200 x 105cm beds) · 62 sqmNiwaroji
From JPY112,000 / nightThe most private option on property. These villa-style pavilions are connected to the resort via intricately designed side paths, giving them a genuine sense of seclusion. Largest footprint of the three room types, ranging up to 81m². Good choice for those who want maximum separation from other guests.
Twin, King, or Triple (200 x 105cm beds) · 64 sqmYamaroji
From JPY112,000 / nightTucked into the forested hillside, these pavilions put you right inside the trees. First-floor units feel completely enclosed in greenery; second-floor units open up to panoramic views of the full resort spread and the wild bird sanctuary stretching beyond. A good pick for birdwatching straight from your balcony in the morning.
Twin, King, or Triple (200 x 105cm beds) · 55 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
6 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
An exclusive stay program (April–May) structured around deep exploration of Japan's premier bird sanctuary with a Nature Tour Specialist. For ages 4 and older. Reservation required.
An evening tour led by Picchio wildlife specialists through the Karuizawa National Wild Bird Sanctuary Forest to watch Japanese giant flying squirrels glide between trees. The tour achieves a 96.1% sighting rate. This is the resort's signature activity — book well in advance.
Hosted every day by Picchio guides, these tours take guests through the adjacent wild bird sanctuary. The forest here has been called one of the world's largest treasure troves of wild birds. Tours adapt to what's active by season — resident species year-round, winter migrants in colder months.
A guided program using Karuizawa's natural hot springs and forest environment to decompress from digital life. Available year-round, ages 18 and older.
A multi-component wellness program combining forest bathing walks, hot spring soaking, and medicinal cuisine in the surrounding forest. Ages 18 and older, year-round.
A 3-day, 2-night structured wellness program designed to guide guests toward high-quality sleep using the natural environment of Karuizawa — cool air, forest sounds, and hot spring bathing. For ages 16 and older. Available year-round.
Hand-building pottery under guidance from a local Karuizawa potter. Open to guests aged 3 and older. No prior experience needed. Year-round.
Participants practice at the stables first, then go on a scenic horse riding tour along the foot of Mt. Asama. Available year-round, ages 9 and older.
A hinoki (Japanese cypress) indoor bath and rustic open-air rock bath sourced from the natural Hoshino hot spring. Guests get exclusive morning access before it opens to day visitors. Free for overnight guests.
A complimentary stretching session using abdominal breathing, held in the fresh morning air. Open to all ages, year-round.
A skating rink appears at the forest-side pond when it freezes over in winter. The Forest Cafe & Bar sits at its edge for post-skate drinks.
A complimentary guided introduction to the 'valley village' concept of HOSHINOYA Karuizawa — the story behind the resort's design, energy systems, and history. No reservation required, open to all ages.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Available in all guest rooms and select public areas.
Light meals and drinks delivered to guest pavilions. Full breakfast and dinner in-room options also available (priced separately).
Supervised childcare facility for children ages 4 months to 9 years. Kids' room service from early morning to late night is complimentary; babysitting costs extra.
Open 24 hours. Wide-view lounge with large plush sofas, a broad selection of books and CDs. Complimentary drinks and snacks available.
A traditional open-air wooden teahouse on property, used for seasonal morning programs and quiet rest.
Landscaped garden featuring traditional rice terraces, with footpaths connecting the valley and forest. Best viewed from the Tanada Lounge.
Proprietary Energy In My Yard system: the resort is 70% self-sufficient using river hydroelectricity and geothermal energy. No fossil fuels used. Floor heating is geothermal; room cooling comes from highland natural ventilation.
200V/6kW x3 charging units, available 24 hours. Reservation required after room booking. External guests allowed with priority given to overnight guests.
Shuttle service between Karuizawa Station and the resort. Timetable available on the official website.
BUILD YOUR HOSHINOYA KARUIZAWA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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