5-Star Hotels in Nagano Prefecture, Japan

I brought my own snowboard to Karuizawa. It's a 70-minute Shinkansen ride from Tokyo Station to JR Karuizawa Station. The Shinkansen luggage racks have straps to secure snowboards. After exiting the station, head to the hotel service center (open until 7 PM) located on the far right of the 7/11 convenience store at the South Exit (Pic 7). You can drop off your luggage there and then explore the Plaza unencumbered. Take the brown hotel shuttle bus to B21, where The Prince is located, every hour on the hour and half-hour. Your luggage will already be in your room, but snowboards are not allowed inside. Each day, I'd take my own snowboard on the brown bus to the gondola at the East Building. You can buy ski passes and rent equipment there. Ski pass prices are shown in Pic 6. Only guests staying in the East Building can use the hotel's lockers for ski equipment. The West Building also has a gondola, but it requires a short walk. You can't enter the hotel wearing ski boots, but the Makibi restaurant seems to be an exception. After skiing, take the green bus back to the hotel. Of the two onsen, Hongye Bisen has newer facilities and better views from the outdoor bath. All Prince Hotel restaurants require reservations made via QR code. Pics 4 and 5 show the breakfast at the main building, which is high quality and delicious. From 10 AM to 8 PM, you can enjoy unlimited soft drinks in the bar area. Finally, use the luggage delivery service when checking out. I think The Prince offers the best value for money.

The environment was elegant, but the room facilities were worse than last year. The shower faucet had a weak water flow, and it was a bit cold at this time of year. Bed bugs were frequently found in the room. The two bottles of drinking water provided were tap water. I also had an allergic reaction to the blankets. A week after returning from Karuizawa, I still have red spots on my skin that haven't gone away.

Located approx 20min walk from the station, but close to the old Ginza street. The rooms are a little old but well maintained. There is an indoor and outdoor onsen on the third floor and breakfast is very good.

Staying at Shoho in Matsumoto was an unforgettable experience that truly deserves five stars. Nestled amidst the serene landscapes of Nagano Prefecture, this hotel seamlessly blends traditional Japanese elegance with modern luxury. From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were enveloped by a warm and inviting ambiance that set the tone for the rest of our stay. Our room was a perfect sanctuary—spacious, meticulously clean, and adorned with subtle touches of Japanese artistry. The panoramic views of the Japanese Alps from our window were nothing short of breathtaking, especially when the mountains were bathed in the soft glow of sunrise. The traditional tatami flooring and comfortable futon bedding provided an authentic experience without sacrificing comfort. One of the standout features of Shoho is its exceptional onsen facilities. Soaking in the natural hot springs while gazing at the picturesque scenery was incredibly rejuvenating. The rotenburo (outdoor bath) offered a tranquil escape where the stresses of daily life simply melted away. The hotel's attention to detail extended to these spaces, with beautifully crafted woodwork and stone elements enhancing the overall atmosphere. Culinary delights awaited us at every meal. The kaiseki dinner was a masterpiece—a multi-course feast that highlighted seasonal and local ingredients. Each dish was artfully presented and demonstrated a profound respect for Japanese culinary traditions. The breakfast buffet was equally impressive, offering a wide array of both Japanese and Western options to suit all palates. The staff at Shoho went above and beyond to ensure our stay was exceptional. Their genuine hospitality was evident in every interaction, from assisting with our luggage to offering insightful recommendations on local attractions. Despite any language barriers, their kindness and professionalism shone through. The hotel's location is ideal for exploring the rich cultural heritage of Matsumoto. We were just a short drive from the iconic Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's most beautiful original castles. Strolling through the historic Nakamachi Street with its classic white-walled storehouses turned boutique shops and cafes was a delightful way to spend an afternoon. In addition to its proximity to cultural sites, Shoho serves as a great base for nature enthusiasts. The nearby Kamikochi Valley offers stunning hiking trails that showcase the unspoiled beauty of the Japanese Alps. Returning to the comfort of the hotel after a day of exploration was something we looked forward to, especially knowing a soothing onsen soak awaited us. In summary, Shoho encapsulates the essence of Japanese hospitality. Every aspect of our stay was thoughtfully curated to provide comfort, relaxation, and cultural enrichment. We left feeling deeply refreshed and with a greater appreciation for the wonders of Matsumoto. Shoho is more than just a place to stay—it's an experience that lingers long after you've departed. We wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking an authentic and luxurious retreat in Japan.

The only five in the area Transfer to three ski lifts, as well as to railway and bus stations Call a taxi Equipment is stored and brought The rooms are large, if you don't take the cheapest one Jacuzzi bath and shower Separate bathroom amenities that are changed every day Tea and treats in the Hall with a fireplace Several cafes nearby Of the minuses Not tasty food in local restaurants and overpriced It’s cool in the Hall with a fireplace because the entrance doors are often opened and the fire is weak or absent There is a bit of staff shortage - if the fireplace was burning strong and constantly it would be ideal

The room was spacious and the facilities were well-maintained. The hotel service was excellent, and they offered frequent shuttle services to the JR station every day. The breakfast was also great, with a good variety of vegetables and fruits!

There are three rooms in the two-story villa, one of which has four beds and the other two beds. Each room has a bathtub. The open-air hot spring in the room is very small and can only accommodate one person, but the bathroom has a large jacuzzi and a TV. The vacation is really great. The ski resort is very close, and you can play at the age of three. Aolai has a few big names that are still expensive. The sukiyaki pot and teppanyaki in the hotel are great. If you bring children, it is more suitable than Hoshino, and Hoshino Hot Spring can not go. The hot spring in the hotel is already very good. There is a big supermarket, Delice, which is 15 minutes by taxi. You can buy things and cook in the room. The cooking in the room is very convenient. The waiter can wash the dishes. It is perfect.

Service was in general good. Most staff can speak English and were very helpful.  We booked their teppanyaki restaurant but due to a member being sick, we cancelled it one day ahead.  However, we were then being told that there is a 50% charge which was not explained to us when we made the booking.  After some back and forth, they finally agreed to waive it.  Appreciated that but it was a hassle.  The apartment is nice and juices and water were included in the fridge.  There's no onsen nor swimming pool nor a gym in the hotel.  Breakfast was good with lots of varieties.  Location is excellent within walking distance to the Main Street in Echoland where most restaurants are.  Hotel provides shuttle buses to Happo One and Hakuba 47.  

We stayed for two nights on a family trip. The hotel is a luxurious establishment with three hotels, a chapel, and a wedding reception hall on a vast site of 230,000 square meters, and we thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing time. The breakfast buffet and French dinner were delicious, and the service was excellent. There was also a large hot spring bath, and there was plenty of greenery, so it was a pleasant walk. I recommend staying two or even three nights instead of just one.

I stayed on the lake side of the 7th floor of the annex building, a renovated Japanese-Western style room. It was a tatami mats and twin beds, and a round low table and cushion by the window. It is a renovation that feels old here and there, and it is better not to see the bath in the room even if you do not use it. I don't use it, but it is a Showa bathroom. There are many families with small children, so it may be good if you are a family with babies that are difficult to travel. We were two middle-aged couples, so everything didn't go well. Next time, I will make a quiet room where I can eat quietly and make a bath hotel that doesn't run around. We stayed without checking well, so it can't be helped. The hotel itself is actively engaged in employment of foreigners, employment of disabled people, employment of locals, and I think we are very researching the menu of Viking dishes. Is it a hotel around Lake Shirakaba alone?