Kanpai Hotel, known as the model for the Kusagaru Hotel featured in Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece “The Wind Rises,” is a classic hotel located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture. With over 130 years of history, this hotel representing Japan continues to captivate many people not only as a setting for the film but also as a leading Japanese hotel. In this article, we provide detailed information about the charm and ways to enjoy Kanpai Hotel for Ghibli fans and those considering pilgrimage to sacred sites.
Kanpai Hotel | A Classic Hotel Weaving Together 130 Years of History
From Founding to Present
Kanpai Hotel was founded in 1894 (Meiji 27) as Kameyaya Hotel. Actually, its history goes back even further, beginning with Sato Manemon opening a ryokan called “Kameyaya” in 1764 during the Edo period. For approximately 130 years since its founding, this hotel has walked through the ages with Karuizawa, earning the title “Three Classic Hotels” alongside Nikko Kanaya Hotel and Hakone Fujiya Hotel.
In October 2024, following major renovation work spanning approximately one and a half years, the hotel held its grand reopening, evolving into a facility that preserves its nostalgic charm while incorporating modern comfort.
Registered National Tangible Cultural Property
The main building, the Alps Wing, is designated as a registered national tangible cultural property, and its historical value and architectural beauty are well worth seeing. The sturdy wooden appearance conveys the atmosphere of the Taisho Romantic period to the present day.
Beloved by Celebrities
Kanpai Hotel has been cherished by many celebrities across the ages. From Heihachiro Togo in the Meiji era, to Saisei Muroo and Tatsuo Hori in the Taisho period, to Yukio Mishima in the Showa era, and world-renowned artist John Lennon also stayed here. Room 128 of the Alps Wing, where John Lennon stayed with his family, remains a special room that many fans visit.
The Deep Connection Between “The Wind Rises” and Kanpai Hotel
The Model for the Kusagaru Hotel Appearing in the Film
The Kusagaru Hotel that appears in director Hayao Miyazaki’s “The Wind Rises” (released in 2013) is based in part on Kanpai Hotel. In the film, it is depicted as an important setting where the protagonist Jiro Horikoshi and Naoko Satomi have a fateful reunion.
Since the hotel’s exterior depicted in the film portrays the Taisho era, it differs from the current appearance of Kanpai Hotel, but the classical atmosphere and the Western-style interior of the main dining room evoke the world of the film.
Connection with the Novel “The Wind Rises”
Tatuo Hori’s novel “The Wind Rises,” which served as the source material for the film, also has a deep connection with Kanpai Hotel. The final chapter of the novel is said to have been written at Yasunari Kawabata’s villa in the Valley of Happiness behind Kanpai Hotel.
Furthermore, it is particularly noteworthy that Tatuo Hori himself met Ayako Yano, who would become his wife, at Kanpai Hotel. This romantic episode where the novel and reality intersect is a major attraction for literature fans visiting Kanpai Hotel.
Spaces That Overlap with Movie Scenes
In the main dining room, you can experience the atmosphere reminiscent of the scene in the film where foreign guests enjoy watercress. By dining in this space infused with the scent of Taisho Romanticism, you can have an experience as if stepping into the world of the film.
Kanpai Hotel Accommodations | Characteristics of Three Wings
Kanpai Hotel has three buildings, each with its own distinct appeal.
Alps Wing
The Alps Wing is the main building designated as a registered national tangible cultural property. The heavy wooden structure retains clear remnants of the Taisho era, allowing guests to experience the essence of a classic hotel. Room 128, where John Lennon stayed, is especially popular.
In the 2024 renovation, while preserving its historical exterior and atmosphere, facilities including water systems were completely renewed, significantly enhancing comfort.
Atago Wing
The Atago Wing is a building that fuses modern facilities with traditional atmosphere. While being a relatively new building, it is characterized by an interior that evokes the tradition of Kanpai Hotel.
Usui Wing
The Usui Wing includes guest rooms newly created during the 2024 renovation. Particularly noteworthy is the addition of guest rooms where guests can enjoy the Shiozawa hot spring. It has become a luxurious space where you can relax in a hot spring while feeling the nature of Karuizawa.
Kanpai Hotel Dining | Savoring Traditional Flavors
Main Dining Room
The main dining room is a space that symbolizes the history of Kanpai Hotel. Under the “Kanpai Hospitality” that has been passed down since its founding, refined French cuisine is served.
High ceilings and heavy interior design convey the atmosphere of the Taisho Romantic era to the present, allowing guests to enjoy meals while sensing the world of “The Wind Rises.” The seasonal menu features dishes utilizing local Nagano ingredients.
Café Terrace
The Café Terrace is a place where you can more casually enjoy the atmosphere of Kanpai Hotel. Since it can be used by non-guests as well, it’s easy to stop by when visiting for a pilgrimage to sacred sites.
Famous Apple Pie
When visiting Kanpai Hotel, you must taste the traditional apple pie. This apple pie, said to have been loved by John Lennon, is characterized by the exquisite harmony of crispy pie crust and tangy apples.
Simply enjoying apple pie and coffee at the Café Terrace allows you to fully savor the atmosphere of Kanpai Hotel. It’s also recommended to visit during breaks in sightseeing since you don’t need a restaurant reservation.
Ways to Enjoy Sacred Site Pilgrimage | Must-See for Ghibli Fans
Exterior Photo Spots
The exterior of the Alps Wing evokes the Kusagaru 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 near the main entrance is recommended.
Dining Experience in the Main Dining Room
The most strongly felt presence of movie scenes is during dining in the main dining room. By enjoying a meal in this space infused with Taisho Romantic atmosphere while sensing the traces of that era, you can relive the time spent by Jiro and Naoko.
Restaurant reservations are recommended in advance. Particularly during weekends and tourist season, early booking is necessary.
Light Meals at the Café Terrace
Even if not staying overnight, you can experience the atmosphere of Kanpai Hotel by enjoying apple pie or coffee at the Café Terrace. Since reservations are not required, it’s a must-visit spot during a pilgrimage to sacred sites.
Nearby Sacred Site Pilgrimage Spots
When visiting Kanpai Hotel, be sure to explore nearby “The Wind Rises” related spots.
- Valley of Happiness: Located behind Kanpai Hotel, the site where Yasunari Kawabata’s villa once stood where the final chapter of the novel “The Wind Rises” was written
- Karuizawa Forest: The beautiful forest scenery appearing in the film is nature itself in Karuizawa
- Moto-Karuizawa Ginza: A shopping street with a retro atmosphere where you can feel the Taisho Romantic period
Access Information | From Karuizawa Station to Kanpai Hotel
Basic Information
- Address: 〒389-0102 925 Karuizawa, Kitasaku District, Nagano Prefecture
- Phone: 0267-42-1234
Access by Train
The nearest station is Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen. It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from Tokyo Station. From Karuizawa Station to the hotel, it’s about 5 minutes by taxi or about 20 minutes on foot.
The hotel also offers a shuttle service, so it’s 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 Room Reservations and Restaurant Reservations
Room Reservations
Room reservations at Kanpai Hotel are best made through the official website. Guest rooms in the Alps Wing are particularly popular and require early booking. Room 128, where John Lennon stayed, is especially sought after, with reservations recommended several months in advance.
During tourist season (summer and autumn foliage season), advance booking from three months prior is recommended.
Restaurant Reservations
If you wish to dine in the main dining room, advance restaurant reservations are essential. While non-guests can also use it, weekend and holiday reservations fill up quickly.
The Café Terrace does not require reservations, but wait times may occur during busy periods.
Highlights of the 2024 Renovation
Birth of Guest Rooms with Shiozawa Hot Spring
The most notable aspect of the grand reopening in October 2024 is the creation of guest rooms where Shiozawa hot spring can be enjoyed. It is now possible to experience the luxury of enjoying a private hot spring while viewing Karuizawa’s nature.
Complete Overhaul of Water Systems
While preserving the atmosphere of the historic building, all water systems including bathrooms and toilets have been completely renewed. A bathrooms have been completely renewed. An ideal accommodation environment has been achieved through the fusion of classical exterior and modern comfort.
Fusion of Tradition and Evolution
The renovation of Kanpai Hotel is not merely an equipment update. It is characterized by preserving 130 years of history and tradition while evolving to meet the needs of contemporary guests. While inheriting the spirit of “Kanpai 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: Arrival at Karuizawa Station, exploration of Moto-Karuizawa Ginza
- Afternoon: Check-in at Kanpai Hotel, exploration of the building
- Late Afternoon: Stroll around the Valley of Happiness
- Evening: Dinner at the main dining room
Day 2
- Morning: Stroll through the forest around the hotel
- Noon: Apple pie and coffee at the Café Terrace
- Afternoon: Check-out and sightseeing in Karuizawa
Day-Trip Sacred Site Pilgrimage Plan
Even if staying overnight is difficult, you can fully enjoy a day trip.
- Apple pie and coffee at the Café Terrace
- Photography of the exterior
- Exploration of the nearby Valley of Happiness
- Lunch at the main dining room if possible (reservation required)
Precautions When Visiting Kanpai Hotel
Dress Code
For dining in the main dining room, attire that is not too casual is preferred. Aim for smart casual, such as a jacket or dress.
Photography Etiquette
Photography inside the building is permitted, but consideration for other guests is necessary. Particularly in the main dining room, be careful not to photograph other guests while they are eating.
Importance of Reservations
As a popular hotel, reservations are essential for both accommodations and restaurants. Particularly during tourist season and weekends, make early reservations.
Maximizing Enjoyment of Kanpai Hotel’s Charm
Learning the History
By studying the history of Kanpai Hotel, Tatuo Hori’s novel “The Wind Rises,” and the film before your visit, you can enjoy it more deeply. Detailed history is posted on the hotel’s website.
Seasonal Appeal
Kanpai Hotel has its own charm throughout the four seasons.
- Spring: Beautiful greenery in the forest
- Summer: Cool mountain resort weather
- Autumn: Spectacular autumn foliage
- Winter: Snowy landscapes and Christmas decorations
Recommendations for Extended Stays
If you have time available, a stay of two or more nights is recommended. By indulging in Karuizawa’s nature while relaxing, you can experience the world of “The Wind Rises” more deeply.
Conclusion | Kanpai Hotel Beloved Across the Ages
Kanpai 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. With the 2024 renovation, new appeal has been added through the fusion of tradition and evolution.
Whether staying overnight and immersing yourself in the world of the film, or simply enjoying apple pie at the Café Terrace—there are various ways to experience it, but Kanpai Hotel is sure to provide you with a special experience.
When visiting Nagano Prefecture’s Karuizawa, be sure to visit this historic classic hotel. In this space infused with the scent of Taisho Romanticism, you will be able to experience both the world of “The Wind Rises” and the “Kanpai Hospitality” inherited across generations.
