“A stylish small hotel that cleverly blends with the surrounding nature, designed by renowned architect Shigeru Ban. Expect light open spaces, soft curves, and plenty of wood. Ten expansive rooms have outdoor space, high ceilings, and gorgeous minimalist style. Perfect for a weekend escape.”

Recommended for

  • Architectural

    • Expect a sleek natural feel in this small hotel designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban
  • Short break

    • Located just an hour from Tokyo by train, this is ideal for a quick weekend getaway in nature
  • Active Holiday

    • Spend your days skiing or hiking before unwinding in a hot spring onsen
  • Restaurant

    • Casual dining plus chef prepared in-room meals and the opportunity to order in from nearby (very good) restaurants
  • Museums

    • Visit the nearby Sezon Museum of Modern Art which has Rothkos, Warhols and Isamu Noguchi sculptures
  • Skiing

    • Karuizawa has a good selection of slopes for intermediate and beginner skiers
  • Great walks

    • There are miles of scenic trails through the forests of Karuizawa
  • Artworks

    • The hotel has an exciting collection of contemporary art
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    • All rooms have private balconies
  • Child friendly

    • Under threes stay for free
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Designer

  • Quiet

  • Views

  • Intimate

  • Contemporary

Facilities

  • Rooms

    10 rooms in this hotel
  • Restaurant

    Casual dining plus chef prepared in-room meals and the opportunity to order in from nearby (very good) restaurants
  • Bar

    With an expansive Japanese whiskey and sake collection
  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

    All rooms have private balconies
  • Child friendly

    Under threes stay for free
  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Parking

  • Views

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Garden

Activities

  • Museums

    • Visit the nearby Sezon Museum of Modern Art which has Rothkos, Warhols and Isamu Noguchi sculptures
  • Skiing

    • Karuizawa has a good selection of slopes for intermediate and beginner skiers
  • Great walks

    • There are miles of scenic trails through the forests of Karuizawa

Map & Location

Other reviews

Shishi Iwa House

Shishi-Iwa House is a perfectly crafted hideaway with 10 rooms, offering a serene mix of contemporary art, architecture and nature (it’s designed by Pritzker Prize laureate Shigeru Ban), which curves, quite literally, through the forests of Karuizawa, a mountain resort about an hour by train from Tokyo...

Originally published by The Telegraph

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