HOSHINOYA, a collection of luxury hotels embodying the true characteristics of land, history, and culture, presents a blissful summer escape at its flagship property, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa. From July 1 to August 31, 2026, the resort invites guests to leave the urban bustle behind and immerse themselves in a soothing, nature-infused summer retreat. Throughout the day, thoughtfully curated seasonal experiences reveal the region’s beauty from morning through evening. Mornings begin with the "Morning Mist Trail Walk," a guided stroll through verdant landscapes shrouded in cool, ethereal mist. In the afternoon, guests can unwind beside the resort’s terraced rice fields while enjoying "Ryofu no Yatsudoki," a selection of seasonal chilled sweets served in the refreshing mountain breeze. As evening falls, the illuminated "Tanada Bar Lounge" offers artisanal shaved ice inspired by the flavors of summer, followed by an enchanting firefly-viewing experience along gently flowing streams, where countless lights dance in the darkness.
Background: Sustainable Coolness Rooted in Architecture and Eco-Friendly Energy
As global warming drives summer temperatures higher each year, Karuizawa continues to stand out as one of Japan’s most sought-after summer destinations, with temperatures averaging approximately 7°C lower than central Tokyo (*1). Nestled in a verdant valley at the foot of Mount Asama, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa makes the most of this naturally cool environment through a combination of thoughtful architectural design and independent energy production. The resort offers a comfortable summer retreat that minimizes environmental impact while enhancing the guest experience. Guest pavilions feature a modern adaptation of traditional building wisdom known as furo, or ventilation towers. Functioning as a form of natural cooling, these towers draw warm indoor air upward and out of the rooms while bringing in cool mountain breezes. This mechanism creates a gentle, continuous flow of fresh air, significantly reducing reliance on conventional air conditioning. Furthermore, the resort operates under the philosophy of EIMY ("Energy In My Yard"—a commitment to producing energy locally). In addition to private hydroelectric generation powered by the river flowing through the property, the resort harnesses renewable energy from geothermal sources and recycled hot spring (onsen) wastewater. Through this sustainable infrastructure, guests can enjoy a stay that reflects the resort’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship. HOSHINOYA Karuizawa offers a refined summer escape where the refreshing alpine climate of Karuizawa harmonizes with innovative, eco-conscious design.
*1: Japan Meteorological Agency (Average values from July to September 2025).
[Morning Activity] Awaken to Nature with the "Morning Mist Trail Walk"
Located at the foot of Mount Asama, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa is encircled by a dense forest, allowing guests to feel immersed in nature wherever they are on the property. Early summer mornings are exceptionally refreshing, with average temperatures hovering around a cool 18°C (*2), making this one of the most pleasant times of the day. As guests stroll along paths illuminated by the morning sun, listening to the gentle murmur of the river flowing through the center of the resort, a soothing breeze refreshes both body and mind. The walk is guided by our knowledgeable staff—affectionately known as "residents of the valley"—who introduce seasonal flora and share insights into the local ecosystem, offering guests a closer connection with Karuizawa's vibrant summer nature.
*2: Japan Meteorological Agency (Average values from August 2025).
Activity Overview
Period: July 1 – August 31, 2026
Time: From 6:00 AM
Price: Free of charge
Reservations: Required via the official website by 6:00 PM the previous day
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyakaruizawa/activities/
Note: Subject to cancellation in the event of severe weather.
[Afternoon Activity] Savor Chilled Seasonal Sweets amid the Terraced Rice Fields
While central Tokyo often experiences intense summer heat, the resort's Tanada Lounge, overlooking its terraced rice fields, remains a refreshing sanctuary. Surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of cascading water, the lounge provides a remarkably cool environment even during the hottest hours of the day. Here, guests can enjoy "Ryofu no Yatsudoki," a special afternoon tea experience featuring a chilled seasonal confection. This elegant sweet pairs vibrant seasonal fruits with Kuma-zasa (bamboo leaf) agar jelly and a velvety mousse infused with Dankoubai (spicebush), known for its crisp, refreshing aroma. The experience offers a refreshing taste of summer designed to delight both the eyes and the palate.
Activity Overview
Period: July 1 – August 31, 2026
Time: From 1:00 PM
Price: JPY 2,662 per person (includes tax and service charge)
Reservations: Required via the official website by 6:00 PM the previous day
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyakaruizawa/activities/
Note: In the event of rain, the activity will be held indoors.
[Evening Activity] Three Ways to Enjoy the Resort's Riverside Landscape on a Summer Evening
■Experience the Timeless Beauty of the Japanese Countryside: "Summer Night Firefly Viewing"
HOSHINOYA Karuizawa features a tranquil landscape inspired by the traditional aesthetic of In'ei Raisan (In Praise of Shadows), where light and shadow harmonize. For a limited time during summer, the banks of the pristine stream near the resort become a stage for a seasonal spectacle, as countless fireflies illuminate the darkness with their ethereal glow. Surrounded by the soothing murmur of flowing water, the scent of summer greenery, and the lights of fireflies against the night sky, guests can immerse themselves in a peaceful ambiance. This evocative experience offers a rare opportunity to connect with the timeless beauty of the Japanese countryside.
Activity Overview
Period: July 1 – July 31, 2026 (Please note that firefly sightings are subject to natural and ecological conditions)
Time: From 5:30 PM
Price: Free of charge
Reservations: Not required
Notes: Specific firefly-viewing locations will be provided upon check-in. This activity is subject to cancellation in the event of rain.
■Immerse in the Nightscape and Natural Sounds of "Tanada Bar Lounge"
Surrounding the resort's iconic terraced rice fields, the "Tanada Bar Lounge" offers 28 seats seamlessly integrated into the signature landscape of HOSHINOYA Karuizawa. As darkness falls, the terraced fields transform into a dreamlike landscape, illuminated to reveal a completely different ambiance from daytime. The lounge features a selection of inventive summer treats, including tree-syrup shaved ice (kakigori) inspired by the concept of "tasting the forest's aroma." Guests can savor options such as the "Karuizawa Aromatic Wood Shaved Ice" and the "White Birch Shaved Ice," alongside curated Japanese sake. It provides a sophisticated setting to enjoy a cool summer evening, surrounded by the sounds of nature—from flowing water to night insects and wind rustling through the trees.
Activity Overview
Period: July 1 – August 31, 2026
Time: From 8:00 PM
Price: Shaved ice from JPY 2,700 each (includes tax and service charge, accommodation fee separate)
Reservations: Required via the official website by 8:00 PM on the day of use
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyakaruizawa/activities/
Note: Menu items and ingredients are subject to change depending on seasonal availability.
■Celebrate Milestones in a Private Forest Oasis with the "Anniversary Plan in the Forest"
To celebrate a truly special occasion, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa presents an exclusive anniversary package that allows guests to reserve the "Mori no Hotori Cafe & Bar"—a secluded sanctuary tucked away in the forest—entirely for themselves, limited to just one group per day. Surrounded by a serene natural landscape, couples and families can create lasting summer memories. The package features a private cake-decorating experience and a unique opportunity to share heartfelt messages on traditional "Uchiyama paper" (*3), a beautifully crafted regional Japanese paper. Guests will receive their handwritten messages alongside a commemorative photograph taken that evening, presented as a bespoke keepsake album. Enveloped by the evening air of the forest and the sound of nearby flowing streams, this package offers a blissful, extraordinary space to deepen lifelong bonds.
*3: Uchiyama paper
Activity Overview
Period: July 1 – August 31, 2026
Time: From 9:00 PM
Price: JPY 24,200 per group (includes tax and service charge, accommodation fee separate)
Package Includes: Private rental of Mori no Hotori Cafe & Bar, original celebratory cake, champagne, and a commemorative photograph album
Reservations: Required via the official website at least 7 days in advance
URL: https://hoshinoresorts.com/en/hotels/hoshinoyakaruizawa/activities/
Environmental Architecture of HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
The environmental design of HOSHINOYA Karuizawa incorporates traditional architectural wisdom to create a comfortable indoor environment with minimal reliance on mechanical cooling systems. One example is the use of “Furo,” ventilation structures that promote natural airflow throughout the guest pavilions.
About HOSHINOYA Karuizawa
Located at the foot of the Karuizawa Bird Sanctuary, HOSHINOYA Karuizawa is a village-style resort where guests stay in detached pavilions surrounding a cascading stream. Private terraces allow guests to feel the shifting seasons and the vibrant nature of the Karuizawa forest. This is a destination designed for long-term stays, offering a true sense of respite.
- Location: Hoshino, Karuizawa-machi, Nagano 389-0194
- Rooms: 77
- Check-in: 3:00 PM / Check-out: 12:00 PM
- Rate: Starting from 170,000 JPY per night (per room, includes tax and service charge; excludes meals)
- Access: Approximately 15 minutes by car from JR Karuizawa Station. A private shuttle bus is available from Naka-Karuizawa Station.
About HOSHINOYA
Luxury hotel embodying the true characteristics of land, history, and culture
HOSHINOYA is an accommodation with distinct themes, conceptualized from each location's land, history, and culture. Woven into these distinct themes is our attention to detail in every aspect from the design to hospitality; contributing to the creation of a one-of-a-kind world of HOSHINOYA. The brand celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025 and is set to expand with the openings of HOSHINOYA Nara Prison in 2026 and HOSHINOYA Asuka in 2027. Enrich the heart with the epiphanies of travel through a unique stay experience."
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