Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa, Karuizawa

Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa - A 4-star hotel with open-air hot springs, Italian-Japanese dining, and bicycle rentals

Open-air natural hot spring baths with silky water imported from Hanamaki in Iwate, called Bihada-no-Yu, are a standout feature at Le Grand Kyu Karuizawa. The hotel offers 43 guestrooms, each equipped with refrigerators, minibars, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms featuring deep soaking bathtubs and rainfall showerheads. Restaurant Arpeggio serves continental cuisine blending Italian and Japanese influences, complemented by seasonal dishes prepared with fresh produce from Shinano highlands. Guests can rent bicycles to explore the area, including nearby Myogi-Arafune-Sakukogen Quasi-National Park and Joshin'etsu-kogen National Park. The property is minutes from Karuizawa New Art Museum and Ginza Shopping Street, with 45 parking spaces available for those arriving by car. An indoor public bath, a terrace-facing café, and free Wi-Fi throughout the property add to the amenities.

Pros

The open-air hot springs feature imported Bihada-no-Yu water from Iwate's Hanamaki area.

Restaurant Arpeggio offers a unique blend of Italian and Japanese continental cuisine.

Free bicycle rentals provide easy access to nearby parks and attractions.

The spacious rooms include deep soaking bathtubs, rainfall showerheads, and minibars.

Cons

Dinner reservations require selecting a fixed timeslot (05:30 PM, 06:00 PM, or 07:00 PM).

The hot springs use reheated purified water rather than fresh spring sources.