Villa Resort "Oreno Bessou Asama Sorayama-bo" with Views of Mt. Asama Grand Opens! | TRAVEL
TRAVEL | Asama Sorayama-no-no
A Private Villa Resort in Kita-Karuizawa for Enjoying the Outdoors
Amidst the pandemic, camping, which allows for avoiding the three Cs in nature, has surged in popularity. As travel styles that blend the openness of camping with the comfort of hotel stays gain attention, the private villa resort "Oreno Bessou Asama Sorayama-bo" opened on April 26th (Monday) in Kita-Karuizawa, Naganohara Town, Gunma Prefecture.
Text by HASEGAWA Aya | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Packed with Ideas Perfect for Post-Pandemic Safe and Secure Travel
While Karuizawa might bring to mind Nagano Prefecture, Kita-Karuizawa is actually (officially?) part of Gunma Prefecture. It's a little over a 30-minute drive from Karuizawa Station. The resort is described as being "created in untouched, vast nature with views of Mt. Asama," and its scenery is truly remarkable! The villas are built on a gentle slope, and from every one, the majestic Mt. Asama looms directly ahead. For getting around the property, three-seater tuk-tuks and eight-seater electric carts are available (※ Tuk-tuks can be rented for ¥3,000 per hour).
Polaris
Terrace of Polaris
Sirius
Cassiopeia
The villas, inspired by the "mountain ranges," are divided into three categories: seven Presidential Suites "Polaris" (capacity 8), five Superior Suites "Sirius" (capacity 6), and four Deluxe Suites "Cassiopeia" (capacity 4). The design was overseen by world-renowned designer Junko Koshino, who created spaces that blend a modern atmosphere with black as the base, and the warmth of wood. The roofs are made of white tent material, the same used for the Tokyo Dome. This gently brings sunlight into the rooms and, with its double-layer structure, enhances insulation.
The view bath, where you can gaze out at the surrounding scenery, is also a delightful feature. All water from the facility's taps is mineral-rich natural water, making it not only delicious to drink but also allowing you to bathe in natural hot water.
All guest rooms feature spacious wooden decks, equipped with fire pits and barbecue grills. You can lose track of time simply gazing at the ever-changing Mt. Asama with a glass of wine in hand, or enjoy stargazing at night.
The "Polaris" rooms include a jacuzzi-style bathtub and a sauna. Cooling off on the wooden deck after a sauna session is an exquisite experience. Furthermore, "Polaris" rooms are equipped with a projector and screen, allowing for private movie viewings. All bath amenities are organic. The kettles and microwaves are by Balmuda. The commitment to quality extends to the bedding, with Nishikawa duvets and Airweave pillows and mattresses.
Dog Run
Guests can also stay with their dogs (for an additional fee). "Polaris" has a private dog run for each room, while "Sirius" and "Cassiopeia" have shared dog runs.
In consideration of the current times, contactless services are also a priority. Villa access is entirely contactless, using a password sent via email beforehand. Check-out is handled via a terminal in each room. Towels and amenities are also individually packaged.
Lounge
The lounge building, originally intended as the front desk, is now open exclusively for guests. It offers complimentary organic coffee, tea, and local fruit juices, and also functions as a book lounge.
Meals feature seasonal highland vegetables from Kita-Karuizawa and carefully selected ingredients from across Japan. In the summer, dinner includes Matsusaka beef and seafood BBQ delivered directly from the fishing port, enjoyed in your villa. From November to March, winter offerings include hot pot dishes made with premium ingredients such as select Hida beef shabu-shabu and spiny lobster.
Breakfast is served at "Tenku DINING," the restaurant in the Spa & Dining building. It's a half-buffet style where you can choose between a Western or Japanese breakfast. You can select from Western and Japanese dishes made with fresh highland vegetables from Tsumagoi, natural yeast bread from a local Gunma bakery, and other carefully selected ingredients from around the country.
Tenku Spa
Sauna
The Spa & Dining building also houses "Tenku Spa," which uses Asama natural water. Like "Tenku DINING," it is open to non-guests as well. "Tenku Spa" features an open-air jacuzzi where you can enjoy views of the magnificent Mt. Asama, and a natural cypress-scented sauna.
Summer BBQ Menu
An outdoor lunch with a magnificent landscape before you is simply the best!
Reputation-Worthy Pizza
At "Tenku DINING," lunch offers Western-style dishes that luxuriously use local Kita-Karuizawa ingredients, such as pizza with two kinds of mushrooms from Kuni and a genovese pasta with two kinds of tomatoes. The outdoor terrace, where you can also enjoy BBQ menus with Tsumagoi cabbage and high-grade beef depending on the season, is also a must-see.
"Asama Sorayama-no-no," a sophisticated private space born amidst untouched nature, is the perfect place to spend comfortable, unconstrained time embraced by the natural surroundings.
