Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what? I’ve stayed at a lot of places in Karuizawa over the years, but the Kyukaruizawa Kikyo honestly surprised me – and I mean that in the best way possible. When Hilton took over this property for their Curio Collection, they actually managed to keep that intimate Japanese ryokan feeling while adding the kind of service polish you’d expect from a 5-star place. It’s tucked away in the Kyukaruizawa area, which most tourists skip entirely (their loss), about a 10-minute drive from the main Karuizawa station chaos.

The building itself feels like someone’s wealthy uncle’s mountain retreat – all natural wood and stone, with these massive windows that frame the surrounding forest. I stayed there in late autumn, and honestly, waking up to those maple trees outside my window was worth the trip alone. The rooms are spacious by Japanese standards, with this perfect blend of traditional tatami elements and modern comfort. What really got me was the attention to detail – heated bathroom floors (trust me, you’ll appreciate this in winter), locally-sourced toiletries that actually smell like the surrounding cedar forests, and these incredibly comfortable futon-style beds that somehow don’t leave you with a sore back. The onsen facilities are smaller than what you’d find at the big resort hotels, but that’s actually a good thing – I never had to wait or deal with crowds, even during peak foliage season.

Here’s what I really love about this place: the staff genuinely knows the area. When I mentioned wanting to avoid the tourist traps around Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza, the concierge pointed me toward this incredible hiking trail near Kumoba Pond that I never would have found otherwise. The restaurant focuses on local Shinshu ingredients – their soba is made from buckwheat grown literally 20 minutes away, and the kaiseki dinner changes based on what’s seasonal and available. It’s pricier than your average mountain hotel, sure, but the 9.0 rating isn’t just fluff – you can feel the quality in everything from the way they handle your luggage to the fact that your room is always perfectly climate-controlled. The location puts you close enough to hit the outlets and Karuizawa’s main attractions if that’s your thing, but far enough away that you actually feel like you’re in the mountains. Parking is included and easy (no small feat in this area), check-in was seamless, and the only minor downside is that the walls could be slightly thicker – though honestly, most guests here are pretty respectful anyway. If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese mountain experience without sacrificing comfort, this place nails it.