Indigo Karuizawa

Explore

Hotel

Karuizawa, Japan

Project

Indigo Karuizawa

Project Type

Hotel

Operator

IHG

Project Manager & QS

Design Architect

Local Architect

Interior Designer

Aston Design

Structural Consultant

Mep Consultant

Lighting Consultant

Landscape Consultant

Procurement Consultant

Food Services Consultant

A Riverside Retreat

Using locally-sourced karamatsu wood and traditional Japanese craftsmanship, the resort connects deeply to its natural and cultural roots, creating a place where guests can unwind and be inspired by their surroundings. Located beside the Karuizawa Golf Club, the resort’s 155 rooms and three grand pavilions reflect a harmonious blend of modern luxury and local traditions. The thoughtful integration of sustainable materials and artistic elements ensures every detail tells a story, offering a tranquil yet invigorating escape for visitors.

A Riverside Retreat

A Harmony of East and West

The resort captures the essence of Karuizawa, a place known for its natural beauty and eclectic history. Drawing from its past as a summer retreat for Western missionaries and royalty, the design blends local Japanese elements with sophisticated, modern touches, reflecting the harmonious coexistence of these influences throughout the property.

Inspired by the region’s rich cultural history, the design of Hotel Indigo Karuizawa merges traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary global influences.

The Artist’s Enclave

At the heart of the resort’s design is the concept of an ‘Artist’s Enclave,’ where each of the four wings represents a key component of the resort: the entrance hall (Lobby), the dining chamber (Restaurant), the bathhouse (Spa & Onsen), and the master’s residence (Guestrooms). This unique interpretation of traditional courtyard housing reflects the local artistic heritage while providing a cohesive experience for the guests.

Each pavilion of the resort tells a story through its design, inspired by Karuizawa’s creative legacy and artistic spirit.

A Living Connection with Nature

The lobby pavilion’s soaring wood trusses evoke the feeling of walking through a forest, while bespoke carpets are inspired by the Japanese word ‘kogorebi’ – sunlight filtering through trees. The use of locally sourced materials, like Asama basalt in the lounge and custom artwork by Saeki Kazuko, enhances the connection with nature, inviting guests to pause and appreciate the surrounding beauty.

The resort’s design intricately weaves nature into its architecture, creating spaces that allow guests to feel connected to the environment.

The Restaurant: A Multi-Functional Dining Experience

Kagaribi, the resort’s only dining venue, features an open-fire cooking concept inspired by Italian cuisine. The design of the space, which includes a striking show kitchen and an intimate bar counter, ensures flexibility for different meal periods and events. The restaurant transitions seamlessly from a relaxed breakfast venue to a lively lunch setting and into an intimate dinner space, reflecting the diverse needs of both in-house guests and locals.

From breakfast to dinner, Kagaribi offers an ever-changing atmosphere that transforms to suit the needs of the guests throughout the day.

The Spa: A Journey of Tranquility

A unique feature of the spa is the sculptural stair, crafted from laminated ‘Sugi’ wood, which appears to float above the space. The stone walls of the onsen are clad in chiselled granite, further adding to the resort’s connection to the land’s volcanic history. This tranquil space, combining wood and stone, invites guests to relax and reconnect with both their surroundings and themselves.

The design of the spa at Hotel Indigo Karuizawa creates a sanctuary of calm and renewal, reflecting the powerful natural forces of Mount Asama.

Guestrooms: An Artist’s Chamber

Drawing inspiration from the ‘Sasayaki no Komichi’ – the famed ‘Lover’s Path’ in Karuizawa – the corridors leading to the rooms feature custom carpets that evoke the natural beauty of the area. Inside, each room is designed as an artist’s chamber, complete with unique, handcrafted elements such as a minibar reimagined as a traditional artisan’s toolbox and screens crafted from ‘mizuhiki,’ twisted rice paper cord, that reflect the cultural heritage of the region.

The guest rooms reflect the serene beauty of Karuizawa, designed to offer a creative, peaceful retreat for each guest.

Aston Design’s interior design studio primarily focuses on the hospitality industry with specialist disciplines in the commercial, wellness and residential sectors.