We loved the architecture of the hotel, the rustic chic ambience, the Victorian style with a Japanese touch, and the surrounding nature. It's certainly worth staying!

According to the lady at the reception, customers can only make reservations for dinner at the hotel restaurant for the following evening. Even so, that evening (when we did our check-in) we thought we could have something to eat at the hotel bar, since it was still open (it was a bit after 8:00 pm). But they were no longer serving any kind of food, only wine. We were taken by surprise, and then it was late to search for a nearby restaurant because they close early, and so do convenient stores. So we just ate what we had with us that evening.

The breakfast, private hot baths, garden and the free drinks at the lounge. I didn't expect to like this place so much but it's extremely charming. It's got a gothic feel to it. We booked the Superior and Standard twin room and the difference in size is massive. Suggest to go with Superior if u can. There's a computer to make reservations for your private baths, be sure to book early as slots filled up fast in the afternoon. The breakfast food has a wide variety, was fresh, healthy and absolutely delicious! There are also bikes for rent available, lots of parking space and a huge garden front and back (behind restaurant) for you to roam about. The private open air baths is a real treat. One of the best surprisingly and we've stayed in a a few ryokans. The bath salts in the room was a nice touch too (for those who rather soaked in the room) We had a wonderful stay!

Service was friendly and polite, but felt it could be abit warmer. Room decor felt a tad dated but overall it didn't affect our experience of the stay.

Our stay at Longing House was a wonderful mix of comfort and charm. Staying in the new Annex felt like sleeping in a cozy log cabin, with warm wooden interiors, traditional tatami floors, and the most heavenly futon beds—we slept so well! One of the highlights was the private open-air bath. While not an onsen, it was still a lovely experience, offering a peaceful soak under the sky. Each room gets to book a time slot per day, with late-night and early-morning slots available on a first-come, first-served basis—so plan accordingly! Instead of dining at the hotel, we preferred to explore Karuizawa’s vibrant food scene. We loved wandering through the neighborhood, discovering charming bakeries and local eateries. The mix of modern design and traditional Japanese architecture made exploring the town even more enjoyable. Overall, Longing House provided a cozy, relaxing stay, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Would highly recommend it for those looking for a peaceful retreat with easy access to great food and beautiful surroundings!

We absolutely love the size of the room. It was huge and the bed was very comfortable too. Decorations of the hotel were tastily done and it just gave us a very comfortable feeling. The restaurant breakfast is a must to try because the ingredients, the bread are just fantastic. They individually made the bun and the ambience was so comfortable. We stayed for 2 nights and we went for their breakfast for two morning. They do also have nice dinner bar also and feel free to try them too. But the breakfast was the highlight.

The price is a little steep, but it’s probably because we booked quite late and it was also peak season.

Just perfect gorgeous our girlie s trip just abit away from ginza old town..but is a very cute and unique hotel..oh one point on China doll japanese hair receptionist was not that nice nor helpful.the rest are absolute amazing especially the guy from front desk and he worked at the wine bar as chef..amazing service and food..

Could tell the hotel receptionist do not welcome us..the one I mentioned above. I myself in hospitality for more than 10 yrs in Singapore and well trained in Shatec..abit disappointed wt that gal service.

The hotel was really pretty. Not too far from the station but we took a cab to get there, having missed the shuttle. Given the proximity to the train station, it wasn't expensive. We got a nice welcome with a fireplace in the lobby. Our room was nice, although smaller than we expected. We did manage. It also had a nice small balcony with a nice view of the courtyard behind the hotel as it snowed. The restaurant was the highlight. The setting was romantic, the food top-notch and we did have a nice time. They also have a shuttle at checkout time that took us back to the train / Shinkansen station. It's a free shuttle that leaves at set times and I would highly recommend it, particularly if it is raining or snowing.

Rooms were smaller than expected. But manageable.

Property felt like a Swiss Chalet in Karuizawa but the rooms felt like "Glamping". An interesting concept. Rooms were clean but dated. The website advertises newly renovated rooms but we obviously didn't pay the premium for these rooms so I understand you get what you pay for.

We had 2 meals...dinner at the Wine Tavern and the breakfast buffet. The dinner was horrible...tasteless and overpriced. The "healthy breakfast buffet" was enjoyable because I personally like vegetables and healthier options. The homemade milk bread was FABULOUS!!! The public baths were an interesting concept. You had to use a computer near the front desk to book a reservation for the many baths scattered throughout the property. My husband is a furo freak and normally will soak 3x per a 1 night stay but he only went once because he said it wasn't very hot or enjoyable.

The hotel is classical and has a forest and garden. The rooms have a bath tub in the bathroom but the hotel has many individual small outdoor Onsen which is called Rotenburo. Some of them have Ganbanbuto. They were so nice. And the restaurant has terrace table. To have breakfast in the terrace or outside was really nice because even summertime , the temperature is not hot , feeling fantastic.

The hotel building made from woods. So I sometimes heard noise from other rooms or somewhere. There are some buildings combine together so it’s sometimes little bit far to go to restaurant and front or something. There’s no elevator, so it’s inconvenient for older people or the people who have babies. We stayed in the newer building but actually not so new and it’s in the forest so not so clean, I mean they clean but there were spiderwebs in the ceiling.

Karuizawa Hotel Longing House is a hidden gem that I highly recommend. The personal indoor hot springs are a standout feature, and the option to reserve a mini personal bath online is a must-try (make sure to book in advance!). The castle-style architecture is perfect for a day of photography, and the hotel even offers bicycles for guests to borrow. Karuizawa is a wonderful vacation destination, but I suggest arriving early as some areas lack streetlights at night. The hotel's close proximity to a 7-11 convenience store is a convenient bonus. If you have the time, I highly recommend extending your stay to indulge in the delectable cuisine at the independent restaurant. https://fb.watch/lAEcnL6R3D/?mibextid=qC1gEa

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We went to stay your hotel with my family coming from the States and they booked the oldest room whereas I booked a newer one. For my room, everything is ok but my relative one is too old and the lock in room 208 was broken. Dinner and breakfast is nice and tasty.