One of Japan’s best-known highland resort towns, Karuizawa has long attracted visitors from Tokyo and further afield. A key historic transport route for post along the Nakasendo Way from Tokyo to Kyoto, the town developed into a summer retreat in the early 20th Century, with a thriving arts scene and a number of missionary-built churches as well as traditional villas. Well-suited to families as well as couples, our pick of the best places to stay in Karuizawa highlights the town’s top accommodation options — perfect for planning your trip.

Karuizawa boasts an enormous number of excellent museums and cultural attractions. The Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa, the Sezon Museum of Modern Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art are brilliant, as are a number of museums dedicated to artists who have made Karuizawa their home. Don’t miss the Stone Church, the Karuizawa Church or the bustling Kyukaruizawa Ginza-Dori; all are well worth visiting.

For tranquil walks, make for the Shiraito Falls, the Karuizawa Hoshino Area and the Sengataki Falls. Hikes and horseback rides on the forested trails of Mount Asama are wonderful, as are the Picchio Wildlife Research Centre’s guided nature tours. Enjoy long soaks at the hot springs baths in town or at some of the best places to stay in Karuizawa.

The Best Places to Stay in Karuizawa

For Design Fans

• Shishi Iwa House is a chic, ten-bedroom hotel with light, airy spaces, contemporary artwork and plenty of pale wood, Designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban, it's a gorgeous minimalist pad for a weekend escape. One for couples and architecture aficionados.

For Families

• Hoshinoya Karuizawa offers lakeside rooms and villas with space for families or groups. Expect clean lines, modern interiors, a spa, indoor and outdoor hot springs, and excellent local cuisine. Guided nature and cultural treks are brilliant, and there's a fun children's room with games for little ones, who will also love feeding the ducks on the lake. Idyllic.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR COTTAGE

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Tokyo's Haneda International Airport or to Narita International Airport and travel 1-1.5 hours to Karuizawa by train.
• The Nagano region is wonderful to explore by road! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Summers are warm, with temperatures hovering between 22 and 28°C, whilst spring brings the world-famous cherry blossoms. For a quieter trip and great hotel deals, we'd recommend travelling in early autumn. Winters are cosy but cold.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Tokyo.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Japan.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.