Kyukaruizawa Kikyo, Curio Collection by Hilton — Hotel in Karuizawa

I booked a superior room as a Hilton diamond member. I was upgraded to a premium room the day before check in. Usually this doesn’t sound like much however the premium room is quite spacious! The room essentially has a living room and bedroom. What’s really surprising is that the entire minibar is complimentary and could be replenished, something I’ve only encountered at a couple of 5 star hotels elsewhere. This included some hard drinks as well as some delicious prepared snacks. In a way, this is necessary as there are no convenience stores in the neighborhood and you’ll have to go to Karuizawa station past a certain hour in the evening. ||The hotel itself is only 3 floors high and has a very boutique feel. The service level was great and all the staff I encountered were friendly and helpful. Diamond members are entitled to a cocktail hour at the hotel restaurant that includes some snacks and drinks. This is nothing more than a snack so if you’re hungry for a meal I’d suggest the actual restaurant or going outside the hotel. I really enjoyed breakfast service at the hotel restaurant. ||The public bath is one of the best I’ve experienced thus far in Japan! Hot bath, cold bath, scented sauna, never crowded, and more amenities than any other public bath I’ve been to! ||The hotel is located in Old Karuizawa which features some shops around the main street as well as a “Ginza” area however once beyond the main road it’s a very quiet area. As I mentioned previously, there are no convenience stores or any other stores that would be open late in the evening in the area. If you need such you’ll have to go to the station. There’s also a mall and resort south of the station. The hotel features a “shuttle” service to Karuizawa Station however it’s really more of a private car they keep in the parking lot. It runs on demand meaning that you’ll need to let the staff know when you need to use it. ||Some nights can get a bit expensive however if you’re planning on staying in Karuizawa I’d...

I booked a superior room as a Hilton diamond member. I was upgraded to a premium room the day before check in. Usually this doesn’t sound like much however the premium room is quite spacious! The room essentially has a living room and bedroom. What’s really surprising is that the entire minibar is complimentary and could be replenished, something I’ve only encountered at a couple of 5 star hotels elsewhere. This included some hard drinks as well as some delicious prepared snacks. In a way, this is necessary as there are no convenience stores in the neighborhood and you’ll have to go to Karuizawa station past a certain hour in the evening. ||The hotel itself is only 3 floors high and has a very boutique feel. The service level was great and all the staff I encountered were friendly and helpful. Diamond members are entitled to a cocktail hour at the hotel restaurant that includes some snacks and drinks. This is nothing more than a snack so if you’re hungry for a meal I’d suggest the actual restaurant or going outside the hotel. I really enjoyed breakfast service at the hotel restaurant. ||The public bath is one of the best I’ve experienced thus far in Japan! Hot bath, cold bath, scented sauna, never crowded, and more amenities than any other public bath I’ve been to! ||The hotel is located in Old Karuizawa which features some shops around the main street as well as a “Ginza” area however once beyond the main road it’s a very quiet area. As I mentioned previously, there are no convenience stores or any other stores that would be open late in the evening in the area. If you need such you’ll have to go to the station. There’s also a mall and resort south of the station. The hotel features a “shuttle” service to Karuizawa Station however it’s really more of a private car they keep in the parking lot. It runs on demand meaning that you’ll need to let the staff know when you need to use it. ||Some nights can get a bit expensive however if you’re planning on staying in Karuizawa I’d...

Update March 17, 2025 Unexplained snow storm this week. Felt cold but air is fresh. Hotel is one of the best: service, breakfast selection, clean room & drinks in the room. Dinner menu needs to change: almost the same last two years. I still love this hotel with their great hospitality.

Visit this hotel again in May after Golden Week. Hotel still provides the best service and breakfast. If you are a vegetarian, you can enjoy fresh local vegetables in the morning and delicious local yogurt every morning. Lots of free drink in the room that I cannot finish 30%.

I only hope they can change dinner menu & happy hours snack.

I will come back in fall.

May 10th.

The hotel offers many services 1 free pick up & drop off from/to station. Please call them or email info@kyukaruizawa-kikyo.com 2 front desk, restaurant staff and drivers are super helpful & friendly. 3 the public bath is not natural hot spring. It can take ~15 to 20 people at the same time. Clean & switch male & female pool daily. 4 breakfast is very good. It is buffet + one main order. They all use location ingredients which is nice. French toast is fantastic. 5 happy hours from 5PM to 7:45PM. Offers local beer, wine and whiskey (Nagano area). Finger food is little weak (nuts + some small things). I ordered one dish or two dishes. Hamburger & fry are average. Beef & rice + steam veggies are excellent (local ingredients). 6 room is huge and excellent shampoo & location + free drinks in the mini bar. I can’t consume all of them ( one bottle of tea + two bottles of water are enough). Coffee is average & should get better beans. Definitely I will...