Karuizawa Prince Hotel (Nagano Prefecture)

Karuizawa Prince Hotel (Nagano Prefecture) Complete Guide | Comprehensive Comparison of All West, East, and The Prince Facilities

Located in Karuizawa Town, Nagano Prefecture, Karuizawa Prince Hotel is Japan’s leading resort hotel boasting excellent access of approximately 70 minutes by Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo Station. Within its vast grounds, three hotels with different concepts—”West,” “East,” and “The Prince Karuizawa”—are developed, offering high-quality resort experiences tailored to individual styles of stay while enjoying nature throughout the four seasons.

This article provides comprehensive information necessary for those considering staying at Karuizawa Prince Hotel, covering the characteristics of each facility, room types, hot springs, restaurants, activities, nearby tourist attractions, and precautions when booking.

What is Karuizawa Prince Hotel? Characteristics and How to Choose Between the Three Facilities

Karuizawa Prince Hotel is not a single hotel but a collective term for multiple accommodation facilities developed within a vast resort area. Each facility targets a different concept and guest demographic, and it is important to choose based on your purpose of stay.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel West: Naturally-Inclined Resort with Renovation

Karuizawa Prince Hotel West, which completed a full renovation in 2021, is a facility that emphasizes harmony with nature. Twin rooms with terraces nestled in rich forests and a new hot spring facility “MOMIJI HOT-SPRING” have opened, providing a more refined resort experience.

Despite its prime location just 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station South Exit or about 10 minutes on foot, guests can spend time in a quiet forest—the greatest appeal. Various room types accommodate couples, families, friend groups, and a wide range of visitors.

Karuizawa Prince Hotel East: Comprehensive Resort with Rich Activities

Karuizawa Prince Hotel East, adjacent to Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza with approximately 240 shops, is ideal for those who want to fully enjoy shopping and activities. The “Mori no Hot Spring & Spa” provides high-quality relaxation experiences that nurture beauty and health.

Guest rooms center on cottage-style accommodations scattered throughout a quiet forest, recommended for those prioritizing privacy. Golf courses, tennis courts, and ski slopes in winter are available, offering an environment to spend active time year-round.

The Prince Karuizawa: Ultimate Luxury Experience

The Prince Karuizawa, which will further upgrade with a new executive lounge in July 2025, is the most luxury-oriented facility within the Karuizawa Prince Hotel Group. With sophisticated interiors and attentive service, it provides a space suitable for special anniversaries and stays with treasured companions.

Guest rooms offer expansive views of Karuizawa’s nature through the seasons, allowing peaceful and refined time. The restaurants also offer authentic French and Italian cuisine using carefully selected ingredients, satisfying those seeking gourmet stays.

Detailed Room Types at Karuizawa Prince Hotel West

Karuizawa Prince Hotel West offers diverse room types suited to different styles of stay. Here we introduce representative rooms in detail.

West Twin Room: Open Feeling with Garden View and Terrace

The newly introduced West Twin Room in the renovation is designed to maximize the sensation of Karuizawa’s rich nature. From the spacious terrace, guests can view the garden that changes its appearance with the seasons, perfect for morning coffee time or evening relaxation.

With approximately 30-35 square meters of floor space, it is appropriately sized for two guests. The beds feature high-quality mattresses providing comfortable sleep. The terrace is furnished with chairs and a table, allowing guests to spend private time feeling Karuizawa’s refreshing air.

Junior Suite Room: Luxurious Stay in 43 Square Meter Spacious Area

The Junior Suite Room, boasting 43 square meters, is ideal for those seeking a stay with ample space. Its design gently separates the living space and bedroom, accommodating extended stays and family use.

Large windows allow abundant natural light from Karuizawa to flood in, creating a bright and open space. A sofa and desk are placed, enabling guests to spend resort stays enjoying work or reading at their leisure. The bathroom is also spacious, allowing for leisurely bathing.

Cottage: Private Space to Spend Without Concern

Independent cottage-type rooms are popular with those wanting to enjoy time alone without worrying about surroundings. Cottages scattered throughout the forest provide a special sense as if staying in a private villa.

Cottages come in multiple types, accommodating from two guests to groups of up to six. Some cottages feature kitchens, recommended for extended stays or those wishing to enjoy self-catering. Private terraces and balconies allow guests to exclusively enjoy Karuizawa’s nature as it changes with seasons.

Rooms and Facilities at Karuizawa Prince Hotel East

Karuizawa Prince Hotel East features primarily cottage-style guest rooms scattered throughout the forest, characterized by a privacy-focused design.

East Room Types

East’s rooms are primarily cottage types, with twin, double, and spacious family-oriented room types available. Each cottage is positioned within the forest, with windows opening to verdant views.

Room interiors are unified with wood-tone furnishings, creating a resort-filled atmosphere. Basic facilities include Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and refrigerators; with humidifiers and air purifiers also provided, supporting comfortable stays.

Mori no Hot Spring & Spa

One of Karuizawa Prince Hotel East’s major attractions is “Mori no Hot Spring & Spa.” At the natural hot spring open-air bath and large bathhouse, guests can spend relaxed time viewing the forest landscape.

The spa area offers diverse menus including aroma treatments and body care, allowing guests to heal from daily fatigue. With saunas and jacuzzis also equipped, comprehensive wellness experiences nurturing beauty and health are possible. Usage hours vary by facility; confirming at the time of booking is recommended.

Ultimate Relaxation at Hot Spring Facility “MOMIJI HOT-SPRING”

“MOMIJI HOT-SPRING,” a hot spring facility newly established in 2021 at Karuizawa Prince Hotel West, boasts an open-air bath surrounded by forest.

Hot Spring Quality and Benefits

The natural hot spring welling from beneath Karuizawa is weakly alkaline and gentle on skin, with expected skin-beautifying effects. Said to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, and fatigue recovery, it is ideal for healing travel fatigue.

Charm of Open-Air and Indoor Baths

The open-air bath is situated within the forest, allowing guests to bathe while sensing nature through the four seasons. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer deep green, autumn crimson leaves, and winter snow scenes—each season offers different appeal. The spacious indoor bath ensures comfortable hot spring enjoyment regardless of weather.

Hot spring usage hours typically operate from 6 a.m. until late evening, though temporary closures may occur during cleaning; confirming the latest information at the front desk is recommended.

Restaurants and Dining Experiences Within the Hotel

Each facility at Karuizawa Prince Hotel features diverse restaurants where guests can enjoy breakfast and dinner according to accommodation plans.

West Restaurants

Karuizawa Prince Hotel West features multiple Western-focused restaurants. Breakfast buffets offer abundant choices including fresh vegetables and fruits from Nagano Prefecture, freshly baked bread, and Japanese menu items.

Dinners feature French and Italian course meals at certain restaurants, with dishes made from Shinshu ingredients delivering seasonal flavors. Wine lists are also extensive, offering the pleasure of selecting bottles matching courses.

East Restaurants

Karuizawa Prince Hotel East offers diverse cuisine genres including Japanese, Western, and Chinese. Particularly popular is the teppanyaki restaurant, where guests experience the live sensations of chefs cooking before them.

Breakfast consists of Japanese and Western buffet style, featuring menus utilizing local ingredients. Perfect for Karuizawa’s crisp mornings, guests enjoy healthy and delicious breakfast.

The Prince Karuizawa Dining

The Prince Karuizawa enables more refined dining experiences. In the authentic French restaurant, guests savor artistic cuisine created from carefully selected ingredients and delicate cooking techniques.

The executive lounge, opening in July 2025, will offer light meals and drinks exclusively for guests, promising more refined staying experiences.

Enjoying Activities at Karuizawa Prince Hotel

Karuizawa Prince Hotel provides various activities throughout the four seasons.

Golf

Karuizawa Prince Hotel features full-scale golf courses. Positioned at approximately 1,000 meters elevation, the course is refreshingly cool even in summer. Designed for enjoyment by beginners through advanced players, rounds can be played while sensing Karuizawa’s nature.

Tennis

Multiple tennis courts are available for family and friend tennis. Racket and shoe rentals are possible, allowing visits empty-handed.

Skiing and Snowboarding (Winter Season)

During winter, Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort opens. With diverse courses from beginner to advanced levels, it is ideal for family skiing debuts. The ski area is accessible by free shuttle bus from the hotel, and skiers can heal in the hotel’s hot spring afterward.

Cycling

Touring Karuizawa’s crisp highlands by cycling is also recommended. Rental bicycles are available at the hotel for visiting nearby tourist attractions. Particularly pleasant from spring through fall, cycling fully immerses guests in Karuizawa’s nature.

Shopping

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, Japan’s largest outlet mall, houses approximately 240 shops. Renowned domestic and international brands offer fashion, miscellaneous goods, and sporting equipment, providing diverse shopping. The hotel is within walking distance or accessible by shuttle bus, enabling comfortable shopping even in rain.

Tourist Attractions Near the Hotel and Access

Numerous famous Karuizawa attractions surround Karuizawa Prince Hotel.

Kyuu-Karuizawa Ginza

Karuizawa’s main street, Kyuu-Karuizawa Ginza, is a popular area lined with fashionable cafés, restaurants, and miscellaneous goods shops. Approximately 10 minutes by car or easily accessible by bicycle from the hotel. Ideal for souvenir shopping including Karuizawa jam, bread, and craft beer.

Shiraito Waterfall

Shiraito Waterfall, a natural scenic spot representing Karuizawa, is a beautiful waterfall cascading 3 meters high across 70 meters width. Particularly spectacular during fresh greenery and autumn foliage seasons, attracting many tourists. Approximately 30 minutes by car from the hotel.

Kumoba Pond

Also called “Swan Lake,” Kumoba Pond is a fantastic spot where seasonal beauty reflects on the water surface. Particularly breathtaking during autumn foliage season, it is popular for photography. A walking path surrounds the pond, completable in approximately 20 minutes.

Karuizawa Taliesin

A complex resort facility centered on Shiozawa Lake, featuring art museums, restaurants, shops, and boat landings. Scattered throughout expansive grounds, guests enjoy art appreciation and café time.

Harunire Terrace

Located in the Hoshi no Ya area, Harunire Terrace is a fashionable commercial facility surrounded by over 100 elm trees. Restaurants, cafés, and miscellaneous goods shops create a refined Karuizawa atmosphere.

Access Information and Transportation

Access by Train

From Tokyo Area

• Approximately 70 minutes from Tokyo Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen to Karuizawa Station
• Approximately 3 minutes by free shuttle bus from Karuizawa Station South Exit, or approximately 10 minutes on foot

From Nagano Area

• Approximately 30 minutes from Nagano Station by Hokuriku Shinkansen

Shinkansen operates several times per hour, providing very convenient access. From Karuizawa Station to the hotel, free shuttle buses run regularly, ensuring safety even with heavy luggage.

Access by Car

From Tokyo Area

• From Kan’etsu Expressway/Fujioka JCT to Joshin’etsu Expressway
• Approximately 11km, approximately 15 minutes from Usui Karuizawa I.C.

From Nagano Area

• Approximately 30 minutes from Komoro I.C. on Joshin’etsu Expressway

The hotel provides extensive parking free for guests. During winter, studless tires or chains may be required; confirming road conditions beforehand is recommended.

How to Choose Accommodation Plans and Booking Points

Karuizawa Prince Hotel accommodation plan rates fluctuate by season, day of week, and room type. Here are points for wise booking.

Utilizing Early Booking Discounts

Many accommodation plans offer discounts for early bookings—30 days, 60 days, or 90 days in advance. Booking early once travel plans solidify enables economical stays.

Comparing Plans with and without Meals

Plans exist with breakfast, breakfast and dinner, or room-only options. Meal plans benefit those utilizing hotel restaurants, while room-only plans suit those preferring to explore surrounding restaurants.

Checking Seasonal Limited Plans

Seasonal limited plans appear for spring greenery, summer refuge, autumn foliage, and winter skiing. Plans bundled with activities or special dinners often provide better value than standard offerings.

Comparing Official and Booking Sites

Official site bookings sometimes include member-exclusive benefits and point rewards. Meanwhile, reservation sites like Jalan.net, Rakuten Travel, and Ikyu.com offer unique coupons and point returns; comparing multiple sites is advisable.

Confirming Cancellation Policy

Cancellation policies vary by plan. Generally, cancellation charges commence 7 days before stay dates, though some plans charge from 14 or 21 days prior. Always confirm when booking.

Staying with Children and Families

Karuizawa Prince Hotel is family-friendly.

Children’s Rates and Bed-Sharing

Most plans offer children’s rates for elementary school-aged children. Preschoolers may stay free or at reduced rates if bed-sharing; however, rates vary by meal and bedding inclusions. Confirming details at booking is important.

Family-Friendly Rooms

Spacious cottage-type rooms are ideal for family relaxation. Rooms with multiple beds or living spaces allow children to move freely without concern for surroundings.

Kids Amenities and Services

Services include baby bed and guardrail rentals, children’s amenities, and high chairs. Pre-requesting these ensures smooth arrangements.

Extended Stays and Workation Use

Recently, extended stays and workation use at Karuizawa Prince Hotel have increased.

Wi-Fi Environment and Work Spaces

All guest rooms feature high-speed Wi-Fi with desks, providing environments suitable for remote work. Selecting wider Junior Suite rooms enables more comfortable work.

Multi-Night Plan Utilization

Multi-night plans allow economical extended stays. Combining work and vacation in workation style allows efficient work while enjoying Karuizawa’s nature.

Coworking Space

Some facilities provide lounges and coworking spaces available to guests, enabling work outside rooms while taking mood-changing breaks.

Reviews and Reputation of Karuizawa Prince Hotel

Guest reviews frequently highlight the following evaluations.

High Evaluation Points:

• Excellent access from Karuizawa Station
• Vast grounds and rich natural environment
• Clean, comfortable renovated guest rooms
• Well-equipped hot spring facilities
• Proximity to shopping malls
• Courteous staff response

Areas Requesting Improvement:

• Congestion during peak seasons (particularly at restaurants and check-in)
• Views from certain rooms
• Extended travel times across sprawling facilities

Overall, the hotel receives high ratings for natural environment, accessibility, and facility completeness. Particularly, the renovated Karuizawa Prince Hotel West is highly praised for new facilities and refined design.

Charm of Karuizawa Prince Hotel Through the Four Seasons

Karuizawa Prince Hotel possesses different appeals across each season.

Spring (April–June): Fresh Greenery and Refreshing Weather

Spring Karuizawa is a budding season. Forests envelop in pale green, and guests enjoy walking and cycling in clear air. Golden Week brings crowds, but mid-May onward remains relatively calm, enabling relaxed stays.

Summer (July–August): Karuizawa as Summer Refuge

At approximately 1,000 meters elevation, Karuizawa remains cool and comfortable even in summer. While Tokyo suffers heat waves, Karuizawa maintains approximately 25°C temperatures. Ideal for tennis and golf activities, popular with families.

Autumn (September–November): Spectacular Autumn Foliage

Autumn Karuizawa is renowned for autumn foliage beauty. From mid-October through early November, surrounding forests transform into red and yellow, spreading spectacular views. Enjoying hot springs while viewing foliage provides luxurious moments.

Winter (December–March): Skiing and Snow Scenery

Winter Karuizawa enables skiing and snowboarding. Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort features beginner-to-intermediate courses, popular with families. Snow-blanketed forest scenery is fantastical, allowing guests to fully embrace quiet winter resort stays.

Conclusion: Experience the Ultimate Resort at Karuizawa Prince Hotel

Karuizawa Prince Hotel, with approximately 70-minute access from Tokyo and environments allowing four-season nature enjoyment, coupled with complete facilities and activities, is beloved by many as Japan’s leading resort hotel.

The newly renovated Karuizawa Prince Hotel West’s new guest rooms and hot spring facilities, activity-rich Karuizawa Prince Hotel East, and The Prince Karuizawa’s ultimate luxury experience each hold different appeals, selectable according to stay purposes.

Romantic weekends with couples, family summer vacations, golf trips with friends, solo workations—whatever stay style, Karuizawa Prince Hotel delivers experiences exceeding expectations.

While accommodation plan and room type rates fluctuate seasonally, utilizing early booking and seasonal limited plans enables economical stays. Comparing latest information and plans on official and various reservation sites helps find optimal accommodation.

Karuizawa’s rich nature, refined hot springs, delicious dining, diverse activities—all complete at Karuizawa Prince Hotel await an unforgettable resort experience.