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FUFU has two properties in Karuizawa, and they are deliberately different: one bright and modern with Japanese-French cooking, one darker and quieter with fireplaces and Japanese cuisine. The group sells a three-night relay across both, and it is the best way to understand the town — because Karuizawa is not one place, it is a highland forest with an old village inside it.
Here is the difference, the relay, how to get there, and who should skip Karuizawa entirely.
The two properties
| FUFU Karuizawa "Wind in the Sunshine" | Bright colour schemes, greenery year-round, sustainable amenities; Japanese-style French restaurant Plaiga; natural hot spring bath with heat rocks in every room; spa and private herbal bath with sauna |
| FUFU Kyu-Karuizawa "Restful Forest" | Darker, quieter interiors; fireplace in every room; silky in-room natural hot spring bath; Shinshu-style Japanese restaurant Karuizawa Shion, with griddle dishes on request; bar and lobby lounge |
The practical difference: Karuizawa is the lighter, more contemporary stay, good for summer and for families. Kyu-Karuizawa (old Karuizawa) is the forest retreat near Kumoba Pond — better for couples, autumn, and anyone who wants a fireplace and quiet.
The three-night relay
One night at FUFU Karuizawa, two at Kyu-Karuizawa — or the reverse. Three nights is the right number here because Karuizawa is a place you slow into: a morning at Kumoba Pond, an afternoon walking the old town's lanes, a day out to Shiraito Falls or the Usui Pass.
Two nights works if you are breaking a Tokyo–Kyoto journey. One night does not — you would arrive, eat, sleep and leave without seeing the forest.
Getting there
Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Karuizawa is about 70 minutes — one of the easiest escapes from the city in Japan. From the station, both properties are a short drive; a car is useful for Shiraito Falls, the Usui Pass and the mountain roads, but not essential inside the town.
What to do
- Kumoba Pond — the small lake beside Kyu-Karuizawa; best early, when the water is still.
- Old Karuizawa (Kyu-Karuizawa) — lanes, churches, cafes, and the shopping street that has been there for a century.
- Shiraito Falls — a wide curtain of spring water; a short drive and a short walk.
- Usui Pass — the old railway route, now a walking and cycling path with bridges and tunnels.
- Mount Asama — the volcano that dominates the skyline; viewpoints rather than the summit for most visitors.
When to go
Summer is the reason Karuizawa exists as a resort — it sits around 1,000 m and is noticeably cooler than Tokyo, which is why the city empties into it in August. Autumn is the best season for colour and quiet. Winter is cold, clear and very still, with fireplaces earning their place.
Who it suits
Couples and families who want a cool-weather break from Tokyo; anyone combining a city trip with two or three nights of forest. It also works well for older travellers: the town is gentle, the properties are compact, and the Shinkansen does the work.
Who it does not suit
Anyone who wants temples and old capitals — that is Kyoto, not Karuizawa. And anyone with only one spare night: the transfer time and the check-in make a single night pointless.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between FUFU Karuizawa and FUFU Kyu-Karuizawa?
Karuizawa is brighter and more contemporary with Japanese-French dining; Kyu-Karuizawa is a darker forest retreat with fireplaces and Shinshu-style Japanese cuisine.
Do the rooms have private hot springs?
Yes — both properties have natural hot spring baths in every guest room.
How far is Karuizawa from Tokyo?
About 70 minutes by Hokuriku Shinkansen.
How many nights should we stay?
Three for the full relay; two if you are breaking a journey between Tokyo and Kyoto.
Plan the stay
Tell us your dates and whether you want one property or the relay, and we will tell you which to book first. Planning is free and there is no obligation.
See our routes in our Japan private tours, compare Karuizawa hotel rates if you want a baseline, or message us on WhatsApp.
BLISS TRAVEL plans private tours in Japan, China, Taiwan, Australia, New Zealand and Europe. Property details follow FUFU's official information; this article is planning guidance, not a quotation, and contains no prices.
🏨 Check current rates: FUFU Karuizawa on Trip.com · FUFU Kyu-Karuizawa on Trip.com
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