Hoshinoya Karuizawa

Location: Google Maps

HOSHINOYA Karuizawa doesn’t announce itself as a hotel. It feels more like a carefully composed village, shaped by forest, water, and time. The architecture follows the land’s contours, connected by stone paths and streams that recall traditional rural settlements.
What we find remarkable is the restraint. Buildings remain low, materials feel grounded, and nothing competes for attention. Movement through the site is slow and intuitive — crossing small bridges, hearing water before seeing it, catching glimpses of others without ever feeling crowded.
Inside the villas, the design continues this philosophy. Views are framed, not exaggerated. Light is soft and indirect. Everything encourages stillness.

If we were recommending this to a friend, we’d say: come here when the city feels too loud. Karuizawa has long been a retreat for creatives, and HOSHINOYA understands why. This is architecture not as statement, but as shelter.