Hotel Cypress Karuizawa

The room size was amazingly big, we have plenty space for four of us. Because good distance from Karuizawa station, so very quiet setting, and relaxing atmosphere. The public bath was amazing too, really enjoyed it.

For a family of four, we had a big room that could accommodate 4 big beds and yet there was still lots of space - A living room with sofa and TV, and a kitchenette. There was a also a balcony that my boys enjoyed going out to enjoy the wintry weather. The room was clean and provided the usual basic amenities one expects of a good Japanese hotel. The hotel had a public bath in the basement which we didn't use and provided complimentary drinks in the afternoon at its cafe/restaurant (coffee, tea, juices). The building is situated further from where the crowd is (that would be train station/ Prince hotel area) thus quiet surrounding was much appreciated. There is a MacDonalds and a bakery just across the main road as well, just for those moments when one needs something else other than the wonderful Japanese food. Also, there is Lawsons and Family Mart 7 mins walk away (just between station and hotel).

Love the space of the room and the little kitchen to heat up simple food and make warm drinks. There is a Mcdonald, bakery and a big supermarket a short walk away. Osen facilities and lounge wear provided. Yayy! Free car park. Best to rent a car to explore Kaurizawa sights.

The hotel has an airy atmosphere with a great reception hall that looks out over an inner garden, and with large guestrooms. The location is in a tree-lined (and villa-lined) street that leads up to the park and the old Karuizawa centre, which can be walked to or you rent a bike from the hotel. Karuizawa is an odd place to go for Europeans like me, as it tries to give off this German/Swiss feel and that’s not what you expect from going to Japan. But the nature is beautiful (next to the Japanese ‘Alps’), and I assume that skiing could be very good here. The Modern Room I had booked was more like an apartment, with a kichenette, seating space, desk and bar-seating and could easily sleep a family with 2 young children. The public bath was amazing, and it offered wooden outdoor baths, which are not seen often in these kind of places. The hotel is slightly outdated if you compare it to the newest hotels around, but I thought it added to the atmosphere of a bit of ‘grandeur’ - add to that free drinks in the afternoon (delicious smoothies, teas, and wine over the weekend) and very nice staff, and you can definitely expect to have a good time here.

The lounge provides good refreshment when we arrived. The spread was generous and it was a nice place to take a rest upon arrival in the cold autumn. Especially the spinach fruit smoothie, it was simply marvelous! In addition, the room was big and comfortable for two people. It is a bonus when the Delicia Supa is within walking distance. It is a good place for us to re-stock our snacks and drinks. Overall, it was a pleasant experience in Cypress Hotel. Thank you very much for your hospitality!