Best Boutique Hotels in Karuizawa

Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa Japan

One night isn’t enough when staying at Twin-Line Hotel Karuizawa. This boutique-style stay strikes the perfect balance between modern design and thoughtful comfort. Let’s talk rooms. Modern, spotless, and more stylish in person than they look online. Each room includes a desk, flatscreen TV, and a private bathroom with premium amenities, like bath salts and high-quality toiletries.

But what really makes the experience pop is the extras: complimentary drinks and snacks, a cozy fireplace lounge, and a rental selection with everything from foot massagers to beauty tools. They even lend out bikes.

The restaurant is Spanish-inspired and serves beautifully plated dishes for dinner. Breakfast offers a mix of European and Japanese favorites. Vegetarian options are limited, but the staff goes out of their way to help where they can.

They host a free-flow snack and drink session every evening from 9:15 to 10:30 p.m. It’s a guest favorite and a great chance to unwind or meet other travelers.

Good to know: The photos online don’t do this place justice. Trust us!

What about the Location?

You’re right where you want to be. A short 7-minute walk from Karuizawa Station, close to the charming Kyukaruizawa Ginza Street, and just a few steps from Kumoba Pond. The area is walkable, scenic, and perfect for travelers who want to explore without a car.

Fufu Karuizawa Yokou No Kaze

Each room at Fufu Karuizawa Yokou No Kaze includes air-conditioning, a private bathroom, tea and coffee setup, and even a private onsen in many cases. The atmosphere is quiet and personalized, you’ll find nice touches like high-quality robes and winter coats. The à la carte breakfast and beautifully plated Japanese dinners receive high marks, but if you’re vegan, you should know in advance that the menu lacks flexibility for dietary preferences.

Parking is available, and the 24-hour front desk is ready to help. The hotel incorporates real greenery inside the rooms, adding a refreshing natural element that we are sure will help you relax from the moment you check in.

This is a quiet, high-end spot best suited for couples or small groups looking to unwind.

What about the Location?

Located about 5 km from Karuizawa Station and within walking distance of the Hiroshi Senju Museum and Karuizawa Taliesin, the hotel is close to key attractions, but not very connected, there’s no shuttle service, so plan transportation in advance.

Eau Sol Vert Karuizawa Club

Eau Sol Vert Karuizawa Club offers a mix of hotel comfort and self-catering freedom. This place is perfect if you want space, privacy, and flexibility. The suites are spacious, modern, and many include fully equipped kitchens, great for cooking your own meals, though you’ll want to bring groceries since the on-site minimarket is limited and a bit expensive.

Rooms are well-furnished and full of thoughtful amenities like a sauna, hot tub, public bath, and even a snooker table. This place is not just a hotel, it’s also part of a golf club. You can book a round on a beautiful course right on site, complete with cart and rental clubs, which is a rare and memorable bonus.

Breakfast is another standout, especially the Western à la carte option. Lots of people claim it is the best they’ve had in Japan. Just note that dinner isn’t available, so plan ahead. Free parking is available, and Wi-Fi works well throughout the property.

Good to know: Staff don’t speak much English, but they are kind and proactive, always using apps to translate.

What about the Location?

Located about 20 minutes from Karuizawa’s center and close to ski areas, it’s a quiet retreat that still keeps you near the action. If you’re visiting in winter, keep in mind that the road to the hotel can be icy and narrow, so snow tires are a smart move.

Hotel Wellies

Hotel Wellies isn’t your typical Japanese hotel, it’s a quirky British-style B&B tucked away on a quiet tree-lined street just 10 minutes from Karuizawa’s top spots. What makes it different? The vibe!

You’ll walk into what feels like a country inn in the UK. Think tartan touches, English books, local craft beer, and homemade black pudding. That’s right: the owner cures his own bacon and serves it up with fresh scones and tea. You won’t get that combo anywhere else in town.

Rooms are spacious, clean, and come with views of the greenery, some even face Mount Asama. You get a TV, a fridge, and solid WiFi. Bathrooms are private and stocked with essentials. There are some roomy suites, and families love them. They offer enough space for six people with luggage and still feel comfy.

Chris, the British owner, and his team go way beyond the usual service. Chris wrote a book about his travels in Africa, you can buy it at the front desk. He’s full of stories, and they make the whole experience feel more like staying with a very capable friend than a typical hotel.

There’s free parking and rental bikes are available. The location’s quiet, but still close to the ski slopes, shopping mall, and scenic spots.

The dinner is optional but worth it, just book ahead, as times are fixed.

Good to know: Most rooms are accessible by stairs only, so if you're bringing luggage, it's smart to pack light or use smaller bags for convenience.

What about the Location?

SHISHI-IWA-HOUSE Karuizawa

Fewer than 1% of hotels in Japan are designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects. SHISHI-IWA-HOUSE is one of them. Hidden in the quiet forests of Karuizawa, this luxury boutique hotel blends minimalist Japanese aesthetics with serious architectural heritage. There are three buildings, and each one is unique. Fewer than 12 rooms per house. It’s intimate, and calm.

Every room features custom-made furniture, many by Shigeru Ban himself. Forest views flood in through wide glass panels. Mornings start with a refined Japanese breakfast at Shola. In the afternoons you can enjoy the bathhouse, the art-filled library, or a quiet moment by the outdoor fireplace.

The property does sit near a road, but the surrounding trees and thoughtful design quickly make you forget.

Good to know: The hotel organizes art and architecture tours of all three houses. It’s a rare chance to walk through a living gallery guided by the team behind its concept.

What about the Location?

Located in Naka-Karuizawa, the hotel is about 7km from Karuizawa Station and 84km from Matsumoto Airport. Free private parking and bicycle access make exploring easy.