inside NO HOTEL KITAKARUIZAWA IRORI
Nestled in a 20,000 square meter forest in Gunma Prefecture Japan, NO HOTEL KITAKARUIZAWA IRORI officially opened to guests this summer. With floor-to-ceiling windows and high sidelights, the retreat is an oasis of Wood And Glass; its name recalls the distinctive irori, a traditional Japanese fireplace that forms the centerpiece of this hidden property. It also houses two cozy bedrooms (with eight beds) and two bathrooms, as well as a living and dining area, all of which offer expansive views of the surrounding forest.
all images © Kenta Hasegawa
Replica of the traditional sunken fireplace of Japan
The central meeting room at NOT A HOTEL KITAKARUIZAWA IRORI invites intimate gatherings; guests can reserve private dinners featuring Irori cuisine, complete with flickering flames and a forest backdrop. One of the two buildings is a pet-friendly model with a dog run. The Irori is complemented by a living-dining area that is designed as an open, airy space within the retreatwhich extends through floor-to-ceiling windows to the terrace; the large dining table can comfortably seat up to eight people.
NO HOTEL KITAKARUIZAWA IRORI is located in the middle of a 20,000 square meter forest in Japan
Meditation rooms and invigorating open-air baths
The bedrooms are equipped with a large desk, creating the perfect environment for quiet reflection or focused work. As for the bathrooms, they were specifically built for ultimate relaxation in this retreat. Guests at NOT A HOTEL KITAKARUIZAWA IRORI can enjoy the stone bath carved out of a large rock and filled with invigorating natural hot spring water. Open the doors and the bathroom becomes a semi-open bath surrounded by forest. The bathing area also features a sauna, cold bath and outdoor relaxation area.
a gathering space inspired by Japan’s traditional sunken fireplace
The newly opened Japanese retreat can be reached in two ways. As the first option, guests can take a train from Tokyo to Karuizawa Station (journey time 75 minutes) and continue the rest of the journey by car (journey time approximately 35 minutes). Alternatively, they can drive non-stop from Tokyo and reach the site in 170 minutes. Bookings are currently no longer possible for the summer.
an oasis of wood and glass
Open the doors and the bathroom becomes a semi-open bathroom
