If you are keen to visit Nagano prefecture, the resort town of Karuizawa is the jewel in the crown!
Karuizawa is easily the oldest and most famous of Japan’s resorts, drawing millions of visitors who escape the summer heat in the cool Mount Asama air.
In this article, I’ve gathered six of the best places to stay in Karuizawa. There is reputable accommodation for every budget along with advice on the best areas and sights of this delightful mountain town.
Table of Contents
About Karuizawa
Karuizawa is a mountain town in the east of Nagano Prefecture.
Over the last 200 years, the town has become renowned as a holiday resort thanks to its unique climate, breathtaking mountain scenery, and close ties with Japan’s Imperial royal family who have holidayed there for many years.
Karuizawa became internationally famous through the work of Christian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw, who settled there and formed a Christian community. The influence of Shaw in this clean and pleasant town continues to the present day.
A live volcano is no joke
Karuizawa sits in the foothills of Mount Asama, an active volcano!
This Category A volcano erupted as recently as 2015 but is carefully monitored by scientists. Because of the risk, visitors are banned from approaching the summit of the mountain.
A benefit of the volcano is the availability of natural hot springs, meaning you can enjoy the volcanic mineral waters of an onsen during your stay.
Get a feel for Karuizawa with this excellent 4K video tour:
Where you should stay in Karuizawa: best areas and hotels for visitors
Here’s my take on great accommodation in Karuizawa.
If, like me, you often travel alone or on a budget, I’ve included some decent guesthouses and hotels that leave you some spending money for your trip.
If you’re looking for something more high-end, you’ll find it here too.
1. Compass Duo, Karuizawa
Compass Duo is a beautiful three-bedroom house in an idyllic rural setting that is perfect for hiking in the spring, summer, and autumn months and skiing through the winter.
The property is just over 7 kilometers away from Karuizawa Station. If you choose to drive, there is private parking on-site.
About Compass Duo
| Address | 389-0111 Nagano, Karuizawa, Karuizawa Hon-dori, Japan |
| Location | Karuizawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Booking | Compass Duo |
| Property type | Self-catering villa |
| Number of bedrooms | 3 bedrooms |
| Average price per night | $350 |
| Check-in | 4 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Number of guests allowed | Up to 10 |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Number of bathrooms | 1 – bath, shower, and bidet |
| Number of floors | 2 |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | No |
| Dishwasher | No |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Tumble dryer | Yes |
| Hair dryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Garden/Balcony | Yes |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes on-site parking |
| Nearest airport | Matsumoto Airport (53 miles) |
| Nearest restaurant | The Cowboy House |
| Nearest park(s) | Yukawa Furusato Park |
Compass Duo provides spacious accommodation with outstanding mountain views from its terrace.
The three spacious bedrooms can accommodate up to 10 guests in comfort on a combination of futons and beds.
The house has a fully equipped kitchen, bathroom with shower, bath, and washing machine, and an open plan living area with a television.
More photos on booking.com
Previous guests praise the high level of cleanliness, attentive management (who speak Japanese and English), and superb location with shops, hot springs, skiing, and a golf course nearby.
What’s nearby Compass Duo
- Honmachi Machiyakan
- Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park
- Golf Course
- Yukawa Furusato Park
- Hiroshi Senju Museum
2. Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort
Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort is the newest luxury resort in Karuizawa, offering high-quality spa facilities and Michelin-starred French cuisine.
This is a perfect destination for a restorative break in the foothills of Mount Asama.
Just 4.5 miles from the mainline Karuizawa Station, this beautiful resort has a comprehensive range of spa facilities, including hot spring baths and over 230,000 sqm of natural grounds to explore.
Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort confidently caters to an international clientele and has attentive reception staff who speak fluent English available at all times.
The resort also provides a complimentary shuttle connection to major sites and transport links.
About Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort
| Address | 389-0113 Nagano, Karuizawa, Hocchi 864-4, Japan |
| Location | Karuizawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Booking | Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort |
| Property type | Holiday resort with hotel, villa, and chalet |
| Average price per night | $350 |
| Check-in | 4 pm |
| Check-out | 11 am |
| Number of guests allowed | Up to 3 per room |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Number of bedrooms | 58 rooms |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Garden/Balcony | Yes |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes on-site parking |
| Nearest airport | Matsumoto Airport (39 miles) |
| Nearest restaurant | Onsite restaurants:Vaasgrill milleminori |
| Nearest park(s) | Yukawa Furusato Park |
This luxury accommodation is set in the natural Karuizawa landscape that is perfect for cycling and hiking.
The resort has a main hotel, a villa, and a forested chalet-style house.
Between these buildings, there are 58 air-conditioned rooms of the following types:
- Junior Suites for up to 3 guests
- Yamanoue Suite Twin, a luxury twin room for up to two guests
- Deluxe Double Rooms, a comfortable double room for two guests
- Villa Suites for up to 3 guests
All rooms are tastefully furnished with balconies, TVs, refrigerators, ensuite bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
More photos on booking.com
The views from these rooms are outstanding and every guest has a balcony or terrace to enjoy.
What’s nearby Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel and Resort
- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
- Karuizawa Lake Garden
- Kazakoshi Park
- Hiroshi Senju Museum
- Yukawa Furusato Park
3. La Forest De Nome Karuizawa
La Forest De Nome Karuizawa is a Karuizawa guesthouse that is set in a beautiful forest setting.
It offers 12 guestrooms and an optional breakfast in its onsite restaurant.
Despite its natural setting, this accommodation is close enough to central Karuizawa, shopping on the Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Ginza Shopping Street, and some great local izakayas.
About La Forest De Nome Karuizawa
| Address | 389-0111 Nagano, Karuizawa, Nagakura 1807-3, Japan |
| Location | Karuizawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Booking | La Forest De Nome Karuizawa |
| Property type | Guesthouse |
| Average price per night | $119 |
| Check-in | 3:30 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Number of bedrooms | 12 rooms |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Garden/Balcony | Yes |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes on-site parking |
| Nearest airport | Matsumoto Airport (39 miles) |
| Nearest coffee shop | Mikado Coffee Karuizawatsuruya |
| Nearest park(s) | Kazakoshi Park |
Each of the 12 guest rooms at La Forest De Nome Karuizawa has an ensuite bathroom with a shower or bathtub.
Complimentary toiletries are provided as well as a desk and Wi-Fi if you want to work.
More photos on booking.com
The onsite restaurant called Eau du Ciel provides a full breakfast for an additional fee of JPY 1650.
Guests appreciate the kind and helpful staff and the homemade condiments and jams provided by the owner.
What’s nearby La Forest De Nome Karuizawa
- Karuizawa Taliesin
- Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
- Stone Church
- Karuizawa Church
- Harunire Terrace
- Karuizawa Hoshino Area
- Karuizawa prince shopping plaza
- Kyukaruizawa Ginza-dori
- Shiraito Falls
- Karuizawa Erz Toy Museum
- Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa
4. Pension Candytuft
Enjoy traditional Japanese hospitality in this simple family-run guesthouse (ryokan).
In addition to a pleasant setting with gardens, you can enjoy the property’s onsen for a deep soak and delicious home cooking every day you stay.
Pension Candytuft is a short drive from the JR Karuizawa Train Station, and close to the great shopping, restaurants, and nature in this beautiful part of Nagano prefecture.
About Pension Candytuft
| Address | 1143-10 Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano 389-0102, Japan |
| Location | Karuizawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Booking | Pension Candytuft |
| Property type | Guesthouse |
| Average price per night | $119 |
| Check-in | 3:30 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Number of bedrooms | 12 rooms |
| Linen | Yes |
| Ensuites? | Yes |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Garden/Balcony | Yes |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes on-site parking |
| Nearest airport | Matsumoto Airport (41 miles) |
| Nearest coffee shop | Ogosso |
| Nearest park(s) | Kazakoshi Park |
A warm family welcome awaits you at the Pension Candytuft.
The following rooms are available:
- Twin room
- Triple room
- Quadruple room
The rooms are simply furnished and have underfloor heating.
More photos on booking.com
Some rooms are ensuite, and guests have shared use of a large bathroom. The family serves breakfast every day and offers guests bikes to explore the locality.
What’s nearby Pension Candytuft
- Karuizawa Golf Club
- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
- Kumanokotai Shrine
- Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza
- Lake Shiozawa)
- Naka-Karuizawa
5. Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan
The Twin-Line Hotel in Karuizawa Japan is a premium hotel, restaurant, deli, and bar in the heart of Karuizawa’s commercial district.
This upmarket hospitality venue is perfect for a business trip or romantic getaway, and if you’re a dog owner, it’s pet-friendly!
The hotel features stylish contemporary decor and compact well-appointed rooms.
It is just moments from Karuizawa New Art Museum and Karuizawa’s mainline station.
About Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan
| Address | 389-0100 Nagano, Karuizawa, Karuizawa 1151-11, Japan |
| Location | Karuizawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Booking | Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan |
| Property type | Hotel |
| Average price per night | $190 |
| Check-in | 3 pm |
| Check-out | 11 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | Yes |
| Linen | Yes |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes on-site parking |
| Nearest airport | Matsumoto Airport (42 miles) |
| Nearest coffee shop | Bronco – 軽井沢ブロンコ |
| Nearest golf club | Karuizawa Golf Club |
The Twin-Line Hotel offers four types of rooms that vary in size.
Standard, Moderate, Universal, and Deluxe rooms increase in size with single, twin, and double options available. All rooms have separate bathroom facilities, complimentary toiletries, and Wi-Fi.
More photos on booking.com
The unique selling point of this hotel is its outstanding cuisine.
Order breakfast a la carte and return to the restaurant and deli in the evenings for fine dining with Spanish and Japanese fusion cuisine.
What’s nearby Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan
- Karuizawa Golf Club
- Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza
- Kumanokotai Shrine
- Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza
- Yukawa Furusato Park
- Hiroshi Senju Museum
- Kazakoshi Park
- Karuizawa Lake Garden
6. Karuizawa Pension Sato no Nukumori
The Karuizawa Pension Sato no Nukumori is a popular Karuizawa guesthouse that provides simple, affordable accommodation in the heart of this resort region.
This is a great accommodation option because everything for a great trip is taken care of.
You can hire skis, snowboards, and bicycles from the guesthouse, saving the hassle of bringing your own.
About Karuizawa Pension Sato no Nukumori
| Address | 389-0102 Nagano, Karuizawa, Karuizawa 1323-283, Japan |
| Location | Karuizawa |
| Star rating | ⭐⭐ |
| Booking | Karuizawa Pension Sato no Nukumori |
| Property type | Guesthouse |
| Average price per night | $90 |
| Check-in | 3 pm |
| Check-out | 10 am |
| Are children welcome? | Yes |
| Are pets welcome? | No |
| Linen | Yes |
| Washing machine | Yes |
| Heating and hot water | Yes |
| Air conditioning | Yes |
| Hairdryer | Yes |
| TV | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Cot | No |
| Parking (nearest parking options) | Yes on-site parking |
| Nearest airport | Matsumoto Airport (42 miles) |
| Nearest restaurant | Primavera |
| Nearest park | Kumoba Pond |
This guesthouse provides easy-going accommodation with free parking in the foothills of Mount Asama.
Choose from the following rooms:
- Single room
- Single with shared bathroom
- Twin room
- Twin with shared bathroom
- Triple room
- Triple room with shared bathroom
Some of the rooms share a large bathroom and others have a private shower/bidet. All rooms are air-conditioned and have TV and Wi-Fi coverage.
More photos on booking.com
Karuizawa Pension Sato no Nukumori provides free toiletries, laundry facilities, and a daily breakfast with western and Asian menu options.
Last-minute purchases and souvenirs can be purchased from the guesthouse shop.
What’s nearby Karuizawa Pension Sato no Nukumori
- Karuizawa Station
- Kumoba Pond
- Hiroshi Senju Museum
- Yukawa Furusato Park
- Karuizawa Ice Arena
- Kazakoshi Park
- Karuizawa Lake Garden
Where you should stay in Karuizawa FAQs
Is Karuizawa a good destination for a honeymoon in Japan?
This resort town is perfect for a romantic trip like a honeymoon. Karuizawa is a popular honeymoon destination for Japanese people and international tourists. You can learn more about planning a honeymoon in Japan in our article “Honeymoon in Japan – Cost Breakdown”.
Can I get to Karuizawa from Tokyo?
Yes. Karuizawa is a popular destination for travelers from Tokyo. It is an 85-minute journey taking the JR Hokuriku Shinkansen. A one-way ticket costs approximately JPY 5,500, or you can use one of the many JR passes for a round trip. You can also take the bus to Karuizawa from Ikebukuro Station. The journey takes three hours and costs approximately JPY 2700.
What foods should I try in Karuizawa?
Karuizawa has some amazing local cuisine.
Here are some traditional dishes to try:
– Shinshu soba, a coarse buckwheat and wheat soba with bite.
– Iwana-no-yaki (salt-grilled char), prepared and sold fresh near the Shiraito Falls.
– Karuizawa tofu has a unique, sweet flavor.
In Conclusion
High-quality, reputable hospitality in Karuizawa makes it easy to plan a trip to this beautiful part of Japan.
Its natural beauty and outdoor activities can be enjoyed throughout the year. Be sure to bring sensible shoes for hiking and cycling and a big appetite when you travel to Karuizawa!
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