Anantara Karuizawa Retreat Hotel to Open in 2030 as New Base for Tokyo Getaways

Tucked into the wooded highlands of Nagano, Karuizawa is getting ready to welcome the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat, a new hotel that plans to open its doors in 2030. The hotel will feature 51 suites and villas on a forested site with views of Mount Asama. Sitting just a short walk from Karuizawa’s bullet train station, the hotel connects directly to Tokyo and nearby cities, making it an easy jumping-off point for anyone craving some time in the trees and fresh air.

This marks the first Anantara property in Japan and reflects a trend of expanding travel options beyond the country’s major urban centres. Karuizawa has long been favoured for its cooler climate, open landscapes and slower pace. With a growing number of visitors seeking quieter destinations, the addition of a new hotel supports the shift toward more accessible regional travel without the need for extended journeys.

Within walking distance of the future hotel, visitors can reach Kumoba Pond, a quiet area surrounded by trees and walking paths, popular for its seasonal foliage and reflection views. Also nearby is the Kyukaruizawa Tennis Club, one of the oldest courts in the area, still in use today and set in a leafy environment where travellers can watch or casually play during the warmer months.

A short stroll from the town’s centre leads to Harunire Terrace, where a wooden path runs beside the river, weaving through elm trees and passing by a cluster of low-key cafés and local shops tucked between the greenery. Another option is Karuizawa Taliesin, a spacious park by Lake Shiozawa with open lawns, walking areas and pedal boat rentals, used by locals and visitors for relaxed afternoons without the need for guided tours or fixed schedules.

The arrival of Anantara Karuizawa Retreat gives travellers one more place to stay in a town where weekend escapes and time spent in nature have already become part of the routine. With rail access, walkable attractions and no need for complex planning, Karuizawa continues to appeal to those seeking simplicity, comfort and fresh mountain air within reach of the city. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down without feeling disconnected.