Karuizawa, Japan
Renovated
2023
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Wellness LocalOutside the door
The house
Shishi-Iwa HouseArchitectural forest grove
Curving timber pavilions weave gently between hundreds of forest trees, connecting shared living salons, library mezzanines, and quiet woodland paths.
“the two-storey, ten-room boutique hotel is a calm retreat of shaded courtyards, enclosed gardens and vast rooms.”
What it’s good at
Exceptional
Architectural sanctuary of undulating timber pavilions and charred cedar sukiya structures nestled within the forest canopy.
Notable
Traditional shiatsu bodywork, a secluded hinoki bathhouse, and aromatic cypress soaking tubs in each forest pavilion.
Notable
Hyper-seasonal Nagano cuisine, artisanal tea ceremonies, and immersive forest bathing beneath Mount Asama.
What they say
One Michelin Key
Michelin
Also in Wallpaper*.
the three houses are divided into stunning, quietly luxurious guest rooms in both Western and tatami styles.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Set in the quiet foothills below Mount Asama, the retreat sits minutes from volcanic trails, Sengataki waterfalls, and Karuizawa town.
The rooms
Screen-free interiors frame canopy views through disappearing glass walls, pairing custom blond-wood furniture with fragrant hinoki cypress soaking tubs.
The hinoki bathhouse
Sunken hot pools sit within the aromatic cypress bathhouse, where corner windows look out into the quiet woodland.
Restaurant
Shola
Chef Masashi Okamoto prepares French-Japanese dishes using seasonal Nagano produce beneath the high timber trusses.
At the table
Elevated timber walkways lead out to covered dining terraces, where tables gather beside a white brick fireplace.
How it began
Pritzker laureates Shigeru Ban and Ryue Nishizawa designed three distinct architectural retreats, prefabricated to preserve the surrounding mountain woodland.
Good to know
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Shishi-Iwa House Karuizawa
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Karuizawa
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.