Nestled on a mountainside in Nagano Prefecture, the HOSHINOYA Karuizawa hotel (ryokan) is a paradise for birdwatchers and travelers. It is adjacent to the forest of the Karuizawa National Wild Bird Sanctuary, established in 1974 as a collaborative project between Godo Nakanishi (the founder of Wild Bird Society of Japan) and Kasuhe Hoshino (the grandfather of the founder ofHoshino Resort, Yoshiharu Hoshino), owner of the former hot springs inn on the site.
Located within Joshinetsu Kogen National Park and Asama Reserve, guests can observe over 80 species of birds and 40 species of native mammals in their natural habitat each year.
Unique landscapes
Landscape architect Hiroki Hasegawa designed the 4-hectare setting to perfectly suit the ryokan's needs, preserving the shape of the valley and natural river, as well as the area's many ancient trees. Designated a prefectural landmark, the hotel is designed in the center of a forest where flying squirrels live and honeysuckles rest. The vegetation at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa comes from flora cultivated by local residents, using seeds collected from local flowers. This natural landscape is complemented by terraced plantings and paths and bridges that crisscross beneath the tree canopy.
Authentic and traditional Japanese architecture
The ryokan's 22 individual houses were designed by Japanese architect Rie Azuma to blend into the natural environment, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The terraces project onto the river, combining traditional aesthetics with modern comfort. The rooms also incorporate Japanese architectural elements, such as wallpaper called " washi » hand-woven. Rie Azuma designed several alleys between the houses to give HOSHINOYA Karuizawa a truly authentic village feel, with a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
Gastronomy connecting hotel and surroundings
The natural hot springs here were developed over 100 years ago by Kunitsugu Hoshino. They offer the ultimate in relaxation, where guests can admire Karuizawa's seasonal colors, such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snow-capped mountains. The indoor baths are lined with cedar, and floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding nature. The open-air baths are surrounded by rocks, creating a natural setting.
The soothing waters can act as a therapy for guests, known for their restorative properties and skin-loving benefits. The traditional baths at HOSHINOYA Karuizawa are constantly replenished with mineral-rich waters for total relaxation. The hotel also offers guests an exclusive, darkened meditation area equipped with 40-degree hot springs, ideal for long immersions and moments of absolute relaxation.
Cuisine drawing inspiration from nature
Kasuke, the restaurant run by chef Eiji Inake, serves Japanese cuisine in the kaiseki style, a traditional meal consisting of several small courses. Ingredients are carefully selected according to the season and prepared using local cooking techniques. For example, a spring dish might call for magnolia syrup, Japanese peppercorns, and kerria flowers. The architecture of the place was designed to be as close as possible to nature, incorporating granite elements and large bay windows that offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding hills and rice paddies.
You can choose to dine at Bleston Court Yukawatan, where French cuisine is inspired by Japanese influences in its dishes. The hotel also offers a more casual dining area at Sonmin Shokudo, where you can taste noodles room and a variety of tasty side dishes. Finally, not far from the rooms is the Harunire Terrace, an open-air shopping center containing a bakery (Sawamura), an Italian restaurant (II Dream), a café and other establishments, all surrounded by a wooden terrace.
Centennial use of natural energies
Even in its early days, the Japanese inn used hydroelectric power, a practice that continues to this day. In 1992, Yoshiharu Hoshino set clear goals for the brand's future: adopting environmentally friendly practices through ecotourism, and consuming clean energy based on the system. Energy My In Yard (EIMY) and a zero-emission policy.
Today, the river that runs through the HOSHINOYA Karuizawa Hotel and the hotel's geothermal energy provide the hydroelectric power it needs to be self-sufficient. The system was developed based on the concept of utilizing energy without destroying the abundant resources provided by the surrounding nature. The accommodations are also designed to be as eco-friendly as possible thanks to natural ventilation from the roof windows.
All Hoshino Resorts facilities, especially HOSHINOYA Karuizawa, strive to create a zero-waste environment by generating 28 different types of waste for recycling as accurately as possible. Local farmers work with hotel staff to provide the farm with the food compost they need.
Ecotourism within the hotel's activities
Le Picchio Wild Bird Institute, founded by Yoshiharu Hoshino in 1992, offers its guests activities organized by professionals from the foundation and therefore part of an ecotourism approach. Guests have the opportunity to visit the Wild Bird Sanctuary Forest from Karuiszawa and also take an eco-tour to discover the natural habitat around the hotel and observe local species (flying squirrels, Asian black bears, etc.).
Guests can also relax at the Kera-Ike Cafe immersed in the surrounding nature, allowing them to observe various frogs and bats around the pond that borders the site.
Useful information
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa / Address: Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano, 389-0194 / Number of rooms: 77 / https://hoshinoya.com/karuizawa/en/
André Tirlet
