HACIENDA KARUIZAWA

I’d stopped feeling any sense of novelty in staying in Karuizawa, but thanks to this hotel I discovered a completely new kind of enjoyment. Being able to check in without even a full minute’s walk from the Shinkansen ticket gates is impressive enough, but the rooms are simply extraordinary. Many luxury hotels these days rely on breathtaking views from high floors—but this is different. Here, you’re surrounded by truly beautiful furnishings and refined taste, and it made me realize all over again that the room itself is what defines a hotel’s value. I don’t think I can convey this happiness unless you actually stay here, so I’ll stop there—but on the night I got home, I fell asleep thinking how much I wanted to go right back and how wonderful everything had been. That doesn’t happen often.The understated service is lovely as well, and the breakfast, lounge, baths, and sauna are all amazing—but I won’t praise them too specifically because I don’t want it to get crowded (haha). In any case, I’m grateful to this hotel for adding an appeal to Karuizawa that simply didn’t exist before. Even as I write this, it’s making me want to go again...

With direct access to Karuizawa Station, the location is incredibly convenient. I really appreciated being able to drop off my luggage right after getting off the train. Since you can reach the hotel without going outside the station, it also feels reassuring even on rainy days.The room was a calm, relaxing space with a warm wood-based design. As it’s supervised by The Conran Shop, all of the furniture was beautiful. I especially loved the chairs—not only are they well designed, but they’re genuinely comfortable and soothing to sit in. With high ceilings and an open feel, I took a break in the chair while enjoying the welcome herbal tea, and I was already deeply relaxed from that moment.The staff were consistently courteous and attentive, and their thoughtful hospitality made my entire stay comfortable.What I liked most this time were the share lounge and the spa.Since this trip also doubled as a workcation, I worked in the share lounge after check-in. The atmosphere was calm and more focused than I expected; taking a break with coffee and an apple pie from I’m donut felt like such a luxury even while working.The spa has two types of saunas: an auto löyly sauna and a wood-fired sauna.I especially loved the wood-fired sauna—watching the flames flicker while sitting inside made me want to stay longer than planned. The auto löyly runs every 20 minutes and is relatively hot, perfect for working up a good sweat. It was great being able to choose depending on my mood.There are also three cold baths at different temperatures, which makes it fun to compare them. And the outdoor relaxation area felt amazing—enjoying fresh air in Karuizawa is truly exceptional.After the spa, I enjoyed local Karuizawa beer in the share lounge. Being able to savor that post-sauna drink was fantastic. Since I could use it as many times as I wanted during my stay, I ended up going to the spa twice.When visiting Karuizawa, it’s tempting to go out exploring everywhere—but here, staying at the hotel itself felt so fulfilling that I found myself thinking, “Maybe we don’t need to go out today.”Relaxing in the lounge, enjoying the sauna and outdoor air bath time, then returning to my room to unwind in my favorite chair—Karuizawa sightseeing is wonderful too, but this trip reminded me how nice it can be not to over-schedule anything and simply enjoy doing nothing.It was an excellent stay where I could slowly recover from everyday fatigue.I’d love to come back again.