【Studio Ghibli】The Wind Rises and Manpei Hotel | Complete Sacred Site Pilgrimage Guide
The Manpei Hotel, known as the model for the Kusaka Hotel that appears in Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece “The Wind Rises,” is a classic hotel located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. This historic hotel, with over 130 years of history, continues to captivate many people not only as a film set but also as one of Japan’s most representative hotels. In this article, we will provide a detailed introduction to the charm and ways to enjoy the Manpei Hotel for Ghibli fans and those considering a sacred site pilgrimage.
What is Manpei Hotel | A Classic Hotel Weaving 130 Years of History
From Founding to Present
The Manpei Hotel was founded as the Kameya Hotel in Meiji 27 (1894). In fact, its history goes back even further, beginning with Saburouemon Sato opening an inn called “Kameya” during the Edo period in 1764. Over approximately 130 years since its founding, this hotel has walked through the ages alongside Karuizawa and is called one of the “Three Classic Hotel Triumvirate” alongside the Nikko Kanaya Hotel and Hakone Fujiya Hotel.
In October 2024, after completing large-scale renovation work spanning approximately one and a half years, the hotel held its grand reopening, evolving into a facility that maintains the nostalgic charm of bygone days while offering modern comfort.
Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property
The main building, Alps Wing, is designated as a national registered tangible cultural property, and its historical value and architectural beauty are well worth seeing. The solid wooden building conveys the atmosphere of Taisho-era romance to the present day as a precious structure.
Beloved by Celebrities
The Manpei Hotel has been loved by many notable figures across the ages. In the Meiji era, Heihachiro Togo; in the Taisho era, Saisei Muroo and Tatsuo Hori; in the Showa era, Yukio Mishima; and world-renowned artist John Lennon all stayed here. Room 128 of Alps Wing, where John Lennon stayed with his family, is known as a special room visited by many fans even today.
The Deep Connection Between “The Wind Rises” and Manpei Hotel
Model for the Kusaka Hotel in the Film
The Kusaka Hotel that appears in “The Wind Rises” (released in 2013), directed by Hayao Miyazaki, is based partly on the Manpei Hotel. In the film, it is depicted as an important stage where the protagonist, Jiro Horikoshi, and Naoko Satomi have a fateful reunion.
The exterior of the hotel in the film depicts the Taisho era, so it differs from the current appearance of the Manpei Hotel. However, the classic atmosphere and Western-style interior design of the main dining room evoke the world of the film.
Connection to the Novel “The Wind Rises”
The novel “The Wind Rises” by Tatsuo Hori, which is the source material for the film, also has deep ties to the Manpei Hotel. The final chapter of the novel is said to have been written at Yasunari Kawabata’s villa in the Valley of Happiness behind the Manpei Hotel.
What is particularly noteworthy is the fact that Tatsuo Hori himself met Ayako Yano, who became his wife, at the Manpei Hotel. This romantic episode, where the novel and reality intersect, has become a major attraction for literature fans visiting the Manpei Hotel.
Space Overlapping with Movie Scenes
In the Main Dining Room, you can experience an atmosphere reminiscent of the scene in the film where foreign guests stuff cress into their mouths. Dining in this space, filled with the scent of Taisho-era romance, feels like stepping into the world of the film.
Manpei Hotel Accommodations | Characteristics of Three Buildings
The Manpei Hotel has three buildings, each with different appeal.
Alps Wing
Alps Wing is the main building designated as a national registered tangible cultural property. The solid wooden structure retains strong traces of the Taisho era, allowing guests to experience the very essence of a classic hotel. Room 128, where John Lennon stayed, is particularly popular.
In the 2024 renovation, while maintaining the historic appearance and atmosphere, facilities including bathrooms were completely renewed, significantly improving comfort.
Atago Wing
Atago Wing is a building that fuses modern facilities with traditional atmosphere. While a relatively new building, it features interior design that evokes the traditions of the Manpei Hotel.
Usui Wing
Usui Wing includes guest rooms newly created during the 2024 renovation. Particularly noteworthy is the newly established guest rooms where the Shiozawa hot spring can be enjoyed. It becomes a luxurious space where you can relax in hot spring baths while feeling the nature of Karuizawa.
Manpei Hotel Dining | Savoring Traditional Flavors
Main Dining Room
The Main Dining Room is a space that symbolizes the history of the Manpei Hotel. Under the “Manpei Hospitality” passed down since its founding, refined French cuisine is served.
The high ceilings and substantial interior design convey the atmosphere of Taisho-era romance to the present day, allowing guests to enjoy meals while feeling the world of “The Wind Rises.” The seasonal menus feature dishes that make use of local Nagano ingredients.
Cafe Terrace
The Cafe Terrace is a place where you can enjoy the atmosphere of the Manpei Hotel more casually. Since it can be used by non-guests, it is an easy spot to visit when on a sacred site pilgrimage.
Signature Apple Pie
When you visit the Manpei Hotel, you must try the traditional apple pie. This apple pie, which John Lennon is said to have loved, is characterized by the exquisite harmony between the crispy pie crust and the sweet and sour apples.
Simply enjoying apple pie and coffee at the Cafe Terrace allows you to fully savor the atmosphere of the Manpei Hotel. Since you can visit casually without making a restaurant reservation, it is recommended to stop by during a sightseeing tour.
Enjoying Sacred Site Pilgrimage | Must-See for Ghibli Fans
Exterior Photography Spots
The exterior of Alps Wing evokes the Kusaka Hotel from “The Wind Rises.” Particularly, the setting surrounded by forest overlaps significantly with scenes from the film and is popular as a photo spot. Photography from the front entrance area is recommended.
Dining Experience at Main Dining Room
The most strongly felt scene from the film is dining in the Main Dining Room. By enjoying a meal in this space filled with Taisho-era romance while feeling echoes of that time, you can re-experience the time Jiro and Naoko spent together.
It is recommended to make a restaurant reservation in advance. Especially on weekends and during tourist seasons, it gets crowded, so early reservation is necessary.
Light Meals at Cafe Terrace
Even if you are not staying overnight, you can experience the atmosphere of the Manpei Hotel by enjoying apple pie or coffee at the Cafe Terrace. Since no reservation is required and it can be used casually, it is a spot you must visit when on a sacred site pilgrimage.
Nearby Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
When you visit the Manpei Hotel, try visiting nearby “The Wind Rises” related spots.
- Valley of Happiness: Located behind the Manpei Hotel, this is where Yasunari Kawabata’s villa, where the final chapter of the novel “The Wind Rises” was written, once stood
- Karuizawa Forest: The beautiful forest scenery that appears in the film is the nature of Karuizawa itself
- Old Karuizawa Ginza: A shopping street retaining a retro atmosphere where you can feel Taisho-era romance
Access Information | From Karuizawa Station to Manpei Hotel
Basic Information
- Address: 〒389-0102 Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture 925
- Phone: 0267-42-1234
Access by Train
Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen is the nearest station. It is approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from Tokyo Station. From Karuizawa Station to the hotel, it takes about 5 minutes by taxi or about 20 minutes on foot.
The hotel also offers a shuttle service, so it is recommended to confirm this when making accommodation reservations.
Access by Car
Approximately 15 minutes from “Usui Karuizawa IC” on the Joshin-etsu Expressway. The hotel is equipped with a parking lot.
Points on Hotel and Restaurant Reservations
Room Reservations
It is most recommended to make reservations at the Manpei Hotel through the official website. Guest rooms at Alps Wing are particularly popular and early reservation is necessary. Room 128, where John Lennon stayed, is especially popular, and reservation is recommended several months in advance.
Tourist seasons (summer and autumn foliage season) are particularly crowded, so consider making a reservation three months in advance.
Restaurant Reservations
If you wish to dine at the Main Dining Room, advance restaurant reservation is essential. While non-guests can also use it, reservations fill up quickly on weekends and holidays.
No reservation is required for the Cafe Terrace, but waiting times may occur during peak hours.
Highlights of 2024 Renovation
Birth of Guest Rooms with Shiozawa Hot Spring
The most notable feature of the grand reopening in October 2024 is the creation of guest rooms where the Shiozawa hot spring can be enjoyed. It is now possible to experience the luxury of enjoying a hot spring in a private space while overlooking the nature of Karuizawa.
Complete Overhaul of Bathrooms
While maintaining the atmosphere of the historic building, all bathrooms and toilets have been completely renewed. A connection between classic exterior and modern comfort has been realized, creating an ideal accommodation environment.
Fusion of Tradition and Evolution
The renovation of the Manpei Hotel is not merely a facility update. It is characterized by protecting 130 years of history and tradition while evolving to meet the needs of modern guests. While inheriting the spirit of “Manpei Hospitality” since its founding, it has been reborn as a classic hotel for a new era.
Recommended Plans for Ghibli Fans
1 Night 2 Day Sacred Site Pilgrimage Plan
Day 1
- Morning: Arrive at Karuizawa Station, explore Old Karuizawa Ginza
- Afternoon: Check in at Manpei Hotel, explore the building
- Evening: Explore around the Valley of Happiness
- Night: Dinner at Main Dining Room
Day 2
- Morning: Explore the forest around the hotel
- Lunch: Apple pie and coffee at Cafe Terrace
- Afternoon: Check out and enjoy Karuizawa sightseeing
Day Trip Sacred Site Pilgrimage Plan
Even if staying overnight is difficult, you can fully enjoy a day trip.
- Apple pie and coffee at Cafe Terrace
- Photography of exterior
- Explore the nearby Valley of Happiness
- If possible, lunch at Main Dining Room (requires reservation)
Notes When Visiting Manpei Hotel
About Clothing
For dining at the Main Dining Room, dress that is not too casual is preferred. Wear smart casual such as a jacket or one-piece dress.
Photography Etiquette
Photography inside the building is possible, but consideration for other guests is necessary. Particularly in the Main Dining Room, be careful not to capture other guests dining in your photos.
Importance of Reservations
As this is a popular hotel, reservations for both accommodation and restaurant are essential. Particularly during tourist seasons and weekends, make reservations as early as possible.
To Fully Enjoy the Charm of Manpei Hotel
Learn the History
Preparing in advance by learning about the history of the Manpei Hotel, Tatsuo Hori’s novel “The Wind Rises,” and the film will allow you to enjoy it more deeply. Detailed history is posted on the hotel’s website.
Charm of Each Season
The Manpei Hotel has charms that vary with the seasons.
- Spring: Beautiful new greenery in the forest
- Summer: Coolness as a summer retreat
- Autumn: Spectacular autumn foliage
- Winter: Snowy landscape and Christmas decorations
Suggestion for Extended Stays
If you have time, a stay of two nights or more is recommended. By spending relaxed time while enjoying the nature of Karuizawa, you can experience the world of “The Wind Rises” more deeply.
Summary | Manpei Hotel Loved Across the Ages
The Manpei Hotel continues to captivate many people not only as a sacred site for Studio Ghibli’s “The Wind Rises” but also as a classic hotel with 130 years of history. The 2024 renovation has added new appeal with the fusion of tradition and evolution.
Whether you stay to immerse yourself in the world of the film or casually enjoy apple pie at the Cafe Terrace—each way of visiting the hotel is valid. The Manpei Hotel will surely provide you with a special experience.
When visiting Nagano’s Karuizawa, be sure to visit this historic classic hotel. In a space filled with the scent of Taisho-era romance, you will be able to experience the world of “The Wind Rises” and the “Manpei Hospitality” passed down across the ages.
