Hoshinoya Karuizawa

One of the best hotels I’ve been to, the atmosphere when you leave the main building and walk around is one of the best. I really enjoyed my stay here and had an amazing time, the staff were super polite and very helpful. The views are beautiful and would recommend going here if you could. The photos I’ve placed are in or around the hotel

Recently stayed during an extended weekend. A wonderfully tranquil location, enveloped by nature. Fall accents in the trees made for a nice visual experience. The amenities: The cafe, the outside seating, and the spa are all very nice. The cafe has a nice lounging area and there are free-pour juices and hard cider until 17:00. A complimentary Japanese snack food truck until 17:00 as well. The spa left a little to be desired, but there is a larger bathhouse with onsen in the aforementioned village. That also left a bit to be desired as it is open to the public (and the sauna had a bit of an unpleasant smell), but note that it is 100% free to those staying at the Hoshinoya resort. All in all, I would stay again.

Only come if you are a nature lover, pls don't expect luxury deco to match the price you are paying. Staying in a well preserved area, right next to a bird park, and river, ducks all around your property, this is what your money goes, not like an usual 5-6 stars hotel. Staff all speaks basic English which is helpful. Hotel restaurants serve excellent local food with seasonal menu. Free shuttle runs to the local train station few times a day. Picchio nature centre runs a few nature tours, the most popular one is Giant Flying Squirrels, make sure u make your reservation before u arrive! Definitely will come back again!

5 stars for vibe, 1 star for family and if you’re driving. Stayed here for 7 nights. ||The place is gorgeous, with access to a nature trail nearby and a private onsen. The pond is beautiful and the ducks floating by is also special. But there’s plenty to be frustrated about. The standard of English among the staff is bad, which in itself isn’t that bad a thing. I really tried to like this place because the staff try really hard, but somehow stuff just doesn’t work. One example is the room numbers, it can get incredibly confusing just to find your room because the numbers aren’t sequential. ||If you drive, you have to park at a “reception” and then wait for them to drive you to your room. That’s a pain. And I got stuck in a mini bizarre traffic jam once because of incompetence. ||For young children and elderly, this place isn’t good at all. My elderly father fell from the stairs, and even I have found myself tripping over things. This is partially because the hotel is quite dark. ||Overall this place tries to be an aman resort but falls flat. There was only once where I experienced “aman” or ritz like service where they did something unexpectedly nice.

The location is in a very peaceful and quiet area, and very enjoyable. Room has three beds, living room, and two washrooms. Service was very good, and they done you to your room. Dinner takes a long time but is enjoyable due to the amazing service!

After a great stay at the Hoshinoya Okinawa last year, we were looking forward to staying at the "main" resort, which did not disappoint. I love how Hoshinoya takes a completely different approach to luxury than a Four Seasons or an Aman. This is not about excess and opulence. This is about simplicity, discreteness, thoughtfulness and nature.||We stayed at one of the water-side villas, which appear to be worth the higher rate than the row of villas farther away. Check-in and reception were a breeze, except for the expected English language gap. There are a few staff members who speak very good English, but overall you can tell some of the staff will struggle.||The rooms are gorgeous. High ceilings. Turn on some music and it will echo wonderfully. There is some attention paid to lighting. The sleeping areas are darker. And quieter. The only sound filling the room is the rush of the water. The rooms are extremely clean and you will find yourself tidying up your own clothes just to not mess up the clean/zen vibe of your room. Being able to wear the yukata around the resort and even in nearby areas was great. Next time I will make sure to pack less clothes.||We ordered the kaiseki style breakfast and dinner. The breakfast was a bit too much on the veggie side but the dinner was excellent. Pricey, but worth it. More reasonably-priced dining options are available at the nearby Harunire Terrace, which is a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute ride with the resort's free car service.||The Meditation Bath facility in the resort was more than enough for me to enjoy the hot springs. It's open to very late and you can check via a web site as to whether the place is crowded or not. My wife ventured out to the larger Tonbo no yu onsen and thoroughly loved it.||It won't take you a lot of time but just walking around the resort grounds is amazingly relaxing. The layout does come across as a bit too manicured but still very pleasing both visually and aurally.||I didn't want to go too much into the details of the place because part of the wonder of this resort is discovering and marveling at it for the first time yourself. If you can shed the concept of excess and luxury and opulence and are open to a "very" different approach, then go.

HORRIFYING HOT SPRING EXPERIENCE [No snake prevention 蛇対応がない] !!!A warning for family or elderly trip!!!!! Absolutely appalled by the lack of concern and professionalism displayed by Hoshinoya. During my stay, my mother and I had a terrifying encounter with a snake while at the outdoor hot spring. Despite being less than 1 meter away from a large snake, the resort had done nothing to prevent such incidents. We were at the most vulnerable state, naked at the hot spring, and it definitely left us feeling traumatized, completely ruining our trip. Despite this, the hotel showed no proper apologies or willingness to compensate for the distress caused. What's even more concerning is that the snake remained in the facility, yet the resort continued to allow guests into the area without any pause or additional safety measures. This negligence is not only unprofessional but also dangerous. Guests should feel safe and cared for at a high-end resort like this, but our experience was the complete opposite. I urge the management to take immediate action to improve safety protocols and prioritize guest well-being. Until then, I cannot recommend this resort to anyone. #ResortSafety #CustomerExperience #HospitalityFail #TravelAlert #japantravel

Stayed at the Hoshinoya for a conference in Karuizawa. From arrival to departure, staff was lovely. ||There are two onsens, main one which opens around 0630 (and becomes public after 10) and a secondary for guests only. The larger one is fantastic - the outdoor pool looks up to a hill. The smaller one has no outdoor pool and is considerably smaller. ||The grounds are amazing. I spent some time walking around enjoying the calming sounds of the river and the magnificent trees. ||The breakfast venue is great. The food is clearly wellness oriented. I could have done with a more substantial protein based breakfast but that's not what you go to Hoshinoya for. ||The room is big by Japanese standards, very big. Two queen size beds and a private hot tub with large windows that can be opened. A generously sized living area overlooking the river and a large balcony, where I spent most of my time. ||Highly recommended.

One of the best hotels I’ve been to, the atmosphere when you leave the main building and walk around is one of the best. I really enjoyed my stay here and had an amazing time, the staff were super polite and very helpful. The views are beautiful and would recommend going here if you could. The photos I’ve placed are in or around the hotel

Recently stayed during an extended weekend. A wonderfully tranquil location, enveloped by nature. Fall accents in the trees made for a nice visual experience. The amenities: The cafe, the outside seating, and the spa are all very nice. The cafe has a nice lounging area and there are free-pour juices and hard cider until 17:00. A complimentary Japanese snack food truck until 17:00 as well. The spa left a little to be desired, but there is a larger bathhouse with onsen in the aforementioned village. That also left a bit to be desired as it is open to the public (and the sauna had a bit of an unpleasant smell), but note that it is 100% free to those staying at the Hoshinoya resort. All in all, I would stay again.

Only come if you are a nature lover, pls don't expect luxury deco to match the price you are paying. Staying in a well preserved area, right next to a bird park, and river, ducks all around your property, this is what your money goes, not like an usual 5-6 stars hotel. Staff all speaks basic English which is helpful. Hotel restaurants serve excellent local food with seasonal menu. Free shuttle runs to the local train station few times a day. Picchio nature centre runs a few nature tours, the most popular one is Giant Flying Squirrels, make sure u make your reservation before u arrive! Definitely will come back again!

5 stars for vibe, 1 star for family and if you’re driving. Stayed here for 7 nights. ||The place is gorgeous, with access to a nature trail nearby and a private onsen. The pond is beautiful and the ducks floating by is also special. But there’s plenty to be frustrated about. The standard of English among the staff is bad, which in itself isn’t that bad a thing. I really tried to like this place because the staff try really hard, but somehow stuff just doesn’t work. One example is the room numbers, it can get incredibly confusing just to find your room because the numbers aren’t sequential. ||If you drive, you have to park at a “reception” and then wait for them to drive you to your room. That’s a pain. And I got stuck in a mini bizarre traffic jam once because of incompetence. ||For young children and elderly, this place isn’t good at all. My elderly father fell from the stairs, and even I have found myself tripping over things. This is partially because the hotel is quite dark. ||Overall this place tries to be an aman resort but falls flat. There was only once where I experienced “aman” or ritz like service where they did something unexpectedly nice.

The location is in a very peaceful and quiet area, and very enjoyable. Room has three beds, living room, and two washrooms. Service was very good, and they done you to your room. Dinner takes a long time but is enjoyable due to the amazing service!

After a great stay at the Hoshinoya Okinawa last year, we were looking forward to staying at the "main" resort, which did not disappoint. I love how Hoshinoya takes a completely different approach to luxury than a Four Seasons or an Aman. This is not about excess and opulence. This is about simplicity, discreteness, thoughtfulness and nature.||We stayed at one of the water-side villas, which appear to be worth the higher rate than the row of villas farther away. Check-in and reception were a breeze, except for the expected English language gap. There are a few staff members who speak very good English, but overall you can tell some of the staff will struggle.||The rooms are gorgeous. High ceilings. Turn on some music and it will echo wonderfully. There is some attention paid to lighting. The sleeping areas are darker. And quieter. The only sound filling the room is the rush of the water. The rooms are extremely clean and you will find yourself tidying up your own clothes just to not mess up the clean/zen vibe of your room. Being able to wear the yukata around the resort and even in nearby areas was great. Next time I will make sure to pack less clothes.||We ordered the kaiseki style breakfast and dinner. The breakfast was a bit too much on the veggie side but the dinner was excellent. Pricey, but worth it. More reasonably-priced dining options are available at the nearby Harunire Terrace, which is a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute ride with the resort's free car service.||The Meditation Bath facility in the resort was more than enough for me to enjoy the hot springs. It's open to very late and you can check via a web site as to whether the place is crowded or not. My wife ventured out to the larger Tonbo no yu onsen and thoroughly loved it.||It won't take you a lot of time but just walking around the resort grounds is amazingly relaxing. The layout does come across as a bit too manicured but still very pleasing both visually and aurally.||I didn't want to go too much into the details of the place because part of the wonder of this resort is discovering and marveling at it for the first time yourself. If you can shed the concept of excess and luxury and opulence and are open to a "very" different approach, then go.

HORRIFYING HOT SPRING EXPERIENCE [No snake prevention 蛇対応がない] !!!A warning for family or elderly trip!!!!! Absolutely appalled by the lack of concern and professionalism displayed by Hoshinoya. During my stay, my mother and I had a terrifying encounter with a snake while at the outdoor hot spring. Despite being less than 1 meter away from a large snake, the resort had done nothing to prevent such incidents. We were at the most vulnerable state, naked at the hot spring, and it definitely left us feeling traumatized, completely ruining our trip. Despite this, the hotel showed no proper apologies or willingness to compensate for the distress caused. What's even more concerning is that the snake remained in the facility, yet the resort continued to allow guests into the area without any pause or additional safety measures. This negligence is not only unprofessional but also dangerous. Guests should feel safe and cared for at a high-end resort like this, but our experience was the complete opposite. I urge the management to take immediate action to improve safety protocols and prioritize guest well-being. Until then, I cannot recommend this resort to anyone. #ResortSafety #CustomerExperience #HospitalityFail #TravelAlert #japantravel

Stayed at the Hoshinoya for a conference in Karuizawa. From arrival to departure, staff was lovely. ||There are two onsens, main one which opens around 0630 (and becomes public after 10) and a secondary for guests only. The larger one is fantastic - the outdoor pool looks up to a hill. The smaller one has no outdoor pool and is considerably smaller. ||The grounds are amazing. I spent some time walking around enjoying the calming sounds of the river and the magnificent trees. ||The breakfast venue is great. The food is clearly wellness oriented. I could have done with a more substantial protein based breakfast but that's not what you go to Hoshinoya for. ||The room is big by Japanese standards, very big. Two queen size beds and a private hot tub with large windows that can be opened. A generously sized living area overlooking the river and a large balcony, where I spent most of my time. ||Highly recommended.

The first Hoshinoya property, this is a mountain retreat built for getting away. I came in the winter and even with the bare trees, the grounds were beautiful, which leads me to believe there probably isn't a bad time of year to visit. Each room type is unique and compelling in its own way, and though many will argue for the riverside views, I opted for a higher mountain view room, which I didn't regret, especially for privacy and the views after it began snowing on my last day there. Adjacent to the lobby, the restaurant is the perfect place to take advantage of the Japanese style breakfast, which is a real treat in a phenomenal setting, with the sun coming through the soaring windows. And up the stairs from the restaurant is the library lounge in the main building for relaxing, sipping tea, coffee or blueberry and ume juice, where you will likely find yourself multiple times a day gaffling the cute snacks. The on-site meditation bath is impressively mystical, with the main chamber branching off into a path just large enough for an adult to wade through to the final tiny room, lit only by a few underwater lights. Be sure to walk or get a car ride down to the nearby Harunire Terrace for its shops, cafes, and restaurants. Though most will flock to the Japanese and western style restaurants, do not miss Sajilo Cafe, which was my favorite meal here, hands down. Though it did not ruin an otherwise luxurious stay, it unfortunately has to be mentioned that parts of the rooms are aging, and none more so than the toilet rooms, which have a very noticeable musty, old plumbing/public restroom smell. I raised this twice with the staff, understanding there was not much they could do, and they helpfully let me borrow a deodorant spray. Sadly, holding my nose every time I walked in there ended up being the easiest solution. As with the Hoshinoya Tokyo, service is above and beyond. At every turn, the staff are there to make your stay as perfect as they can, whether it's picking you up from dinner (and then patiently waiting as you dart in to buy a last minute souvenir) or accommodating a request to handle check out the night before you leave. If you are going to Karuizawa, this is an amazing place to make some very special memories.

I would say this is a great spot for relaxation. If you enjoy nature and hot spring, I would def recommend this place. However as for room quality and price, I think it is on the stiff side. Room did not meet my expectations. We also got a reservation for dinner at the lobby area. Service was fantastic, every staff was super nice. Food was also delicious and have the best plating. It is a prefix menu comes with different sets of dishes. My favorite is def their beef shabu. Beef in Japan never disappoints me. It was melting in my mouth. However some dishes were not really impressive and flavor was lacking like their bamboo rice and some appetizers. Overall, I enjoyed the facility and nature of this place but in terms of price point and food, I probably won't return.

Hoshinoya Karuizawa, one of the highest quality resorts in Japan, has 77 guest rooms in a small, newly created village. Rooms are arranged in lines along a pure stream running through a valley between hills. We got up early and had a nice walk in the morning, then went out and spent time outside the village on bicycles. We came back to the village in the afternoon, and then relaxed at the spa and library. This is what Hoshinoya looks like and feels like: https://youtu.be/kzWWDbXD-h8 This is their food selection: https://youtu.be/ewR3LGTqGx4