Ryokan in Karuizawa

軽井沢

A highland resort at about 1,000 metres, 65 to 80 minutes from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen. Missionaries made it a summer retreat in the late 19th century, and it is still where Tokyo goes to escape the heat. The Hoshino hot spring is in the woods at Naka-Karuizawa.

Choosing an area in Karuizawa

Kyu-Karuizawa 旧軽井沢
The old resort north of the station, around the shopping street of Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza.
Naka-Karuizawa 中軽井沢
One stop west, with the Hoshino hot spring in the forest.

Karuizawa through the year

Spring春
March to May
Cherry trees bloom late at this height, usually at the end of April and into early May.
Summer夏
June to August
At 1,000 metres the town stays cooler than the cities on the plain; hiking, cycling and golf.
Autumn秋
September to November
Autumn colours usually from mid-October to early November.
Winter冬
December to February
Skiing and ice skating.

The ryokan

Hoshinoya Karuizawa 星のや軽井沢
Seventy-seven villas in the Hoshino area of Naka-Karuizawa, about 80 minutes from Tokyo by Shinkansen and then a short taxi ride. Hot-spring water flows freely at the Hoshino Onsen Tombo-no-yu bathhouse and in a Meditation Bath kept for staying guests; the tubs in the villas use tap water.
Onsen
YesFree-flowing, in the bathhouse
Bath in your room
Every roomA bathtub in every villa
Tattoos
AllowedNot restricted
See rooms and rates at Hoshinoya Karuizawa