Karuizawa is a charming European-style town located in the highlands. It offers a cool climate, breathtaking natural scenery, and a unique blend of history and culture.

The town is an ideal summer retreat, and the fall leaves paint a picture of unmatched beauty. Additionally, winter brings the added joy of skiing.

Karuizawa is easily accessible as it is just a 1.5-hour Shinkansen ride from Tokyo. This makes it an ideal destination for busy people who are looking to take a break and unwind.

Karuizawa is a popular sightseeing destination in Japan, with Karuizawa Station serving as the central point for tourists. The station is served by both JR and Shinano Railways, making it easily accessible.

To the south of Karuizawa Station lies the vacation district, where you can find Karuizawa Outlet and Karuizawa Prince Hotel. On the other hand, the north side is home to bicycle rental shops and other hotels.

If you take a 15-minute bike ride from the north exit, you will reach the charming Old Karuizawa area. This area is famous for its shopping street, churches, and villa-style hotels.

Most of Karuizawa's popular attractions and hotels are easily accessible from the station. Some hotels even offer shuttle services for their guests' convenience.

Karuizawa stands out as a rare blend of Eastern and Western styles, reflected even in its hotels. Most rooms are Western-style or a harmonious mix of both, making it a destination where cultural differences aren't a challenge for international guests. The decor and architecture exude a refined modern elegance, providing a stay filled with grace and sophistication.

In this section, we've curated well-reviewed Karuizawa hotels from Booking.com and social platforms, ensuring you'll find a hotel that perfectly suits your taste. Let's discover your ideal retreat!

Karuizawa Prince Hotel East is a four-star hotel that offers guests forest views and a cozy log cabin aesthetic. The hotel provides a choice between traditional hotel rooms and charming log cabins. The hotel rooms feature double beds, with options such as sofa beds in the hotel rooms and one-bedroom log cabins, catering to groups of 2 to 4 people.

The East of the hotel offers exclusive access to the natural "FOREST HOT-SPRING" facility, which is reserved for guests staying in the East Wing main building and at Karuizawa Prince Hotel. For breakfast, guests can choose between a Western and Japanese buffet or opt for a luxurious Western-style breakfast. The West Wing also offers a dining option.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel East is located approximately 10 minutes from the south exit of Karuizawa Station. The hotel provides a free shuttle service every 30 minutes between the station and the hotel (8 AM to 9 PM). The hotel's convenient location also places it near the Karuizawa Golf Course, Karuizawa Ski Resort, and the famous Karuizawa Outlet, all within a 3 to 5-minute walk.

The Karuizawa Prince Hotel West offers a choice between hotel-style rooms and charming log cabin accommodations. Hotel rooms cater to 2 to 4 guests, while log cabins come in 4-, 6-, and 8-person configurations, including a luxurious log cabin with one living room, four bedrooms, and four bathrooms. This is an ideal choice for couples, small families, multi-generational trips, or larger groups.

For breakfast, guests can enjoy options like a Western and Japanese buffet or a luxurious Japanese meal, with the option to dine at the East Wing as well. In 2021, a new onsen, "MOMIJI HOT-SPRING," was added, free for guests staying in the West Wing main building and at Karuizawa Prince Hotel. An additional fee is required for log cabin guests during specific periods.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel West is situated approximately 13 minutes from the south exit of Karuizawa Station. The hotel offers a free shuttle service every 30 minutes between the station and the hotel, from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Adjacent to the hotel is the Karuizawa Golf Course, and Karuizawa Outlet is just a 5-minute walk away.

The Prince Hotel Karuizawa Main Building offers a serene retreat in nature, with double rooms and four-person double-bedroom family suites that provide stunning views of Mount Asama and surrounding greenery. Guests can enjoy a premium Western-style breakfast with picturesque views, served through large floor-to-ceiling windows. Dining options are also available at the East Wing and West Wing.

The hotel's hot springs in the East Wing and West Wing are free to use and have no time restrictions, adding to the experience. While the hotel is a bit farther from Karuizawa Station, approximately half an hour by shuttle, guests are recommended to use the free shuttle service departing every 30 minutes from 8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.

It’s important to note that the Prince Hotel Karuizawa Villa is a separate entity located alongside the main building. Guests should ensure they don't confuse the two. Lastly, starting from December 1, 2023, all amenities except toothbrushes will be completely discontinued.

Opened by the InterContinental Hotels Group in February 2022, this new hotel welcomes guests with a cozy fireplace in the lobby. Opened in February 2022, the InterContinental Hotels Group welcomes guests to a new hotel with a cozy fireplace in the lobby. The interior of the hotel is chic and luxurious, offering room options for two or three occupants, and the choice of a garden or river view.

For breakfast, the hotel offers a variety of options, including a buffet, Western-style platter, or Japanese set meal, all of which have received excellent reviews. Additionally, the hotel features an open-air bath and a communal hot spring bath with a sauna, providing premium skincare products for guests.

Hotel INDIGO Karuizawa is located just a 6-minute drive from Karuizawa Station. For those without a vehicle, the hotel's shuttle service is convenient for sightseeing itineraries.

Hotel Rosso Karuizawa is an excellent option for travelers looking for comfortable and affordable accommodation in Karuizawa. The hotel offers an array of room options that include larger single beds and various types of double bed rooms suitable for two, three, or four guests. All rooms come with complimentary breakfast, ensuring that guests start their day off right.

The lobby of Hotel Rosso Karuizawa features a cozy fireplace and complimentary welcome drinks, making it a warm and inviting space for guests to relax. Additionally, the hotel has bicycles for rent that guests can use for sightseeing. The hotel provides excellent value in Karuizawa, with positive reviews from guests who have stayed there.

Located just 5 minutes from the north exit of Karuizawa Station, Hotel Rosso Karuizawa is conveniently located and provides a shuttle service. Guests can easily walk to the Karuizawa Outlets in under 10 minutes, and there's a Lawson and a drugstore just 1-2 minutes away for added convenience.

Hotel Grand Vert Kyu Karuizawa is a popular place to stay located just a 3-minute walk from the north exit of Karuizawa Station. Featuring both a new and old building, the main building underwent renovations in September 2021.

Accommodating 2 to 9 people, the rooms offer a variety of configurations, including Western-style and Japanese-Western-style rooms with tatami mat flooring. The options are versatile, even allowing for free stays for preschool children.

For breakfast, guests are provided with a breakfast basket to enjoy in their rooms. The basket includes vegetables, hearty soup, bread, a choice of egg dish (scrambled, omelette, or quiche), and fruit juice.

Additionally, the hotel offers bicycle rental services and is conveniently located near a FamilyMart convenience store. All of these amenities make Hotel Grand Vert Kyu Karuizawa a well-regarded and highly popular choice among tourists.

Hotel Karuizawa Elegance offers double and quadruple rooms, which can be transformed into triple rooms with an additional bed. The rooms are spacious, tidy, and well-maintained, even though they may not be the newest. The hotel's retro style blends perfectly with the nostalgic atmosphere of Old Karuizawa, adding a unique charm to its ambiance.

The hotel's breakfast buffet is a must-try and features primarily French or American cuisine, with the French toast receiving high praise and desserts as a highlight. Guests also enjoy discounted admission to the Karuizawa New Art Museum, making it an excellent choice for art enthusiasts. The staff is warm, friendly, and hospitable, which makes the stay even more enjoyable.

The hotel's location is perfect for those who want to explore the area. It is approximately a 10-minute walk or a 3-minute drive from Karuizawa Station, making it easily accessible. Furthermore, Hotel Karuizawa Elegance provides free parking and offers bicycle rentals, making it convenient to explore the town.

Hotel Cypress Karuizawa is a cost-effective accommodation located near Karuizawa Station. The hotel offers an impressive range of room types, catering to various preferences and accommodating 1 to 6 people. Room options include rooms with open-air baths, Western-style rooms, Japanese-Western-style rooms with tatami mat flooring, twin rooms, and more.

The rooms are spacious and some are equipped with a microwave or kitchenette for those who prefer to cook. The breakfast buffet offers a variety of Western and Japanese options. Guests can enjoy a large communal bath and sauna exclusively for guests, along with a spacious garden terrace.

To reach the hotel, guests can walk about 11 minutes from the south exit of Karuizawa Station. It is also a 15-minute walk to the Karuizawa Outlets. Additionally, guests have the option to rent bicycles from the hotel.

TWIN-LINE HOTEL KARUIZAWA is a contemporary hotel, featuring double and twin rooms for two guests, as well as connecting rooms for groups of four. The hotel boasts a stylish decor, resonating with modern aesthetics.

Guests can start their day with a delicious breakfast, featuring a selection of Spanish cuisine. Additionally, the hotel offers complimentary drinks and simple snacks at the free beverage bar from 9:15 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. This offering has received high praise from guests who have stayed at the hotel.

The hotel is conveniently located just a 7-minute walk from the north exit of Karuizawa Station. On the way, guests can find a bicycle rental shop. They can drop off their luggage at the hotel and embark on their sightseeing adventures promptly. This makes it a superbly located accommodation in Karuizawa.

Hotel Karuizawa Cross, a villa-style, countryside European hotel, opened its doors in April 2021. The hotel boasts three room types - DELUXE, SUPERIOR, and STANDARD - each with unique views or designs. The DELUXE rooms feature tatami flooring or views of a charming church, while the SUPERIOR rooms offer bunk beds or balconies, and the STANDARD rooms accommodate various preferences for up to 8 people.

Guests can enjoy a hearty American breakfast with bread, scrambled eggs, and ham. The hotel is situated near the Old Karuizawa Ginza shopping street and is conveniently located within the Church Street shopping area. From your hotel room, you can even hear the bells of St. Paul's Catholic Church.

It is important to note that the hotel is approximately a 30-minute journey from the north exit of Karuizawa Station. Therefore, it is recommended to take a bus or taxi from the station. Additionally, there are no convenience stores near the hotel, so it is advised to purchase any necessities before heading there.

This is the first Curio Collection by Hilton hotel in Japan, a boutique hotel brand under the Hilton umbrella. Conveniently located about 15 minutes from the north exit of JR Karuizawa Station, 5 minutes by car, or a 10-minute bike ride, the hotel is perfect for those who want to explore the area.

Featuring double and quadruple rooms, each spacious room offers a double bed, with some including tatami flooring or a balcony. You can indulge in a delightful breakfast experience with the option to enjoy a Western-style buffet in the restaurant or a personally selected set meal delivered to your room (reservation required before 9:00 P.M. the previous night).

The hotel provides shuttle services between the station (reservation by phone or email) and there is also a large communal bath for a relaxing soak. The Old Karuizawa Ginza shopping street is a brief 6-minute walk away, while the serene Kumoba Pond is a 12-minute stroll from the hotel.

LONGINGHOUSE Kyukaruizawa Suwanomori is a historic hotel that has been revived and reimagined, and reopened in January 2023. The villa-style hotel primarily features double rooms, each uniquely styled with options ranging from classical countryside and sophisticated modern to cozy atmospheres.

The spacious rooms are equipped with a large bathtub for a relaxing soak, and some even come with kitchen facilities. The hotel also offers a European-style combination breakfast featuring bread, hearty soup, and customizable savory pies. Additionally, there is a restaurant and bar on site.

Located in the lush forest near Suwa Shrine, the hotel is conveniently close to the Old Karuizawa Ginza shopping street. It is approximately a 5-minute drive or a 15-20 minute bike ride from Karuizawa Station. Alternatively, you can enjoy a leisurely 22-minute walk to reach this serene retreat.

Fufu, a high-end Japanese resort brand, is set to unveil its villa-style hotel in Karuizawa in the winter of 2023. The resort embraces the contrast of serenity within the bustling atmosphere, inviting guests to bask in the freedom of tranquility amidst lush greenery and abundant sunlight.

Each room at the Fufu Karuizawa is equipped with a wood-burning stove and a hot spring bath for the ultimate relaxation experience. Guests can enjoy a dining experience featuring carefully selected Shinshu produce, including Shinshu beef, Shinshu pork, and fresh vegetables, crafted to provide a comfortable and rejuvenating experience tailored for adults.

Located approximately a 4-minute drive from Karuizawa Station, a 10-15 minute bike ride, or a leisurely 20-minute walk, Fufu Karuizawa is conveniently located. Additionally, the resort is just a 1-minute journey from the must-visit attraction, Kumoba Pond.

Adding to the allure, Fufu presents another enchanting accommodation option near the Shinano Railway's Chuo-Karuizawa Station – "Fufu Karuizawa - Yokou No Kaze." Embracing a bright, warm color palette, each room features a rejuvenating hot spring bath. This gem is set to open its doors in the winter of 2023, offering an excellent choice for those traveling by car.

In contrast to Japan's famous hot spring inns that dominate major tourist spots, Karuizawa focuses on European countryside style and nature. The gracefully cheerful ambiance truly feels like a vacation in Europe. The hotels showcased here consists of accommodations that the editor finds exceptional. If you have a favorite, be sure to book promptly, as Karuizawa is indeed a popular destination.

*The information in this article is based on data as of October 2023. For the latest details on room rates, room types, and facilities, please refer to official websites.