Stay here: Hoshinoya Karuizawa review

What’s the deal?

Just 80 minutes’ drive southeast of Nagano (or 2.5 hours from central Tokyo), you’ll find valley resort Hoshinoya Karuizawa located alongside the Karuizawa Wild Bird Sanctuary Forest. Designed to evoke village living, its rooms are scattered along the valley’s natural contours, with ancient trees and crystal-clear streams flowing from Mount Asama. Hidden within highland forests at 1,000 metres above sea level is Hoshinoya Karuizawa, Japan’s first bird-watching resort.

If you’re seeking to experience Japan outside its cities without having too travel too far, Hoshino Resorts’ impressive mountain property offers a convenient yet utterly transporting gateway to natural beauty – all within walking distance. Nature surrounds you: eco-guide teams lead a wide range bird-watching and flying squirrel observation tours, allowing you to reconnect with the sheer childlike joy of being outdoors.

Why stay?

The rooms’ design masterfully blends Japanese tradition with modern comfort, with traditional craftsmanship details throughout – from handmade washi paper to walls plastered by skilled artisans. Spacious terraces let you delight in the changing seasons, while you’ll savour a wealth of cultural experiences, from sampling Shinshu sake in hotel lounging spaces and rejuvenating forest spa treatments to highland horse riding and stargazing. What’s more, the Hoshinoya resort emphasises sustainability – 70% of its energy is generated onsite – which is all part of coexisting harmoniously with its environment.

When dusk falls, Karuizawa’s night sky is unveiled. Gentle lighting twinkles throughout the valley, echoing with the starlight above without detracting from the heavenly spectacle

When it’s time to dine, main restaurant Kasuke serves seasonal Alpine kaiseki cuisine, using local freshwater fish, game and mountain mushrooms. French restaurant Bleston Court Yukawatan and the Forest-Side Café & Bar complete the lineup, ensuring you won’t be left wanting for quality food onsite. Especially recommended is the relaxing terraced rice field afternoon tea experience – you’ll sit overlooking the rice terraces, with the gentle sound of flowing water and birdsong in your ears, while savouring exquisite, seasonal Japanese confections.

Cathay editors say…

“What impressed me most was the meditation bath exclusively for hotel guests. This unique hot spring facility features two different bathing rooms: the Light Space, where softly illuminated panels relax your body and mind, and the pitch-black Dark Space where, with external stimuli blocked out, your senses are heightened to invigorating effect. Moving between these spaces of complete light and complete darkness, time seems to flow slowly – it’s an experience we’ve never found elsewhere.”