Shishi-Iwa House is a collection of intimately crafted retreats, fusing a mastery of contemporary architecture, design and art with culinary tastemaking and a deep connection to nature.
Wrapped in wild forests and mountain peaks, Shishi-Iwa House Karuizawa is located in an idyllic resort town just an hour by train from Tokyo. It is home to three architectural masterpieces. SSH No.01 and SSH No.02 by Shigeru Ban opened in 2018 and 2022; SSH No.03 by Ryue Nishizawa in 2023. These are the first hotel projects for both Pritzker Prize-winning architects. Guests are able to stay at all three houses, which are a few minutes apart on foot.
Architecture has the power to impact emotions. The enhancement of both mental and physical well-being lies at the heart of Shishi-Iwa House. We offer a tailor-made program of events and activities throughout the year.
Just on its doorstep is a cornucopia of nature, with the retreat perfectly positioned to enjoy Karuizawa’s landscape, from national parks and bird sanctuaries to protected forests. Waterfall walks, forest bathing, bird watching plus seasonal cherry blossom and maple tree appreciation are among outdoor highlights.
Inside, guests can read art and architecture books from the Library, enjoy a hinoki-scented soak in the Bathhouse, relax with a shiatsu or ayurvedic massage, take part in meditation or tea rituals in the Teahouse and enjoy traditional sweets in the ochanoma Lounges. Art is also center stage, with an extensive private collection of paintings, woodblock prints and photography by a spectrum of acclaimed artists.
Shola, our restaurant at SSH No.02, serves contemporary Japanese-French cuisine, crafted with seasonal ingredients from local farms. Guests can also relax at The Forest Terrace with a matcha cappuccino or a signature SSH maple leaf tea. After dark, rare wines, whiskies and cocktails are served at The Bar.
Shishi-Iwa House offers a 21st-century lifestyle for active, sophisticated, creative individuals who enjoy a passion for design, art, quality food and drink and seasonal nature.
- Living – Corriere della Sera 18th February 2024
- Nestled amidst the peaks and untamed forests surrounding Karuizawa, just an hour's train ride from Tokyo, lie three contemporary architectural marvels crafted by Pritzker Prize winners. They are part of the Shishi-Iwa House project: SSH No.01 and SSH No.02 by Shigeru Ban, and SSH No.03 by Ryue Nishizawa. These structures boast luxurious interiors inspired by both Japanese and Western styles, featuring exquisite hinoki craftsmanship.
- Karuizawa’s Architectural Gem: Shishi-Iwa House No.03 9th February 2024
- When designing Shishi-Iwa House No.03, Ryue Nishizawa, co-founder of SANAA, employs traditional Japanese architecture to create a meditative timber retreat.
- Robb Report Singapore 31st January 2024
- Shishi-Iwa House offers an exclusive Kintsugi experience that is both artistic and philosophical
SSH
SPECIAL OFFERExclusive Dinner at Shola
At Shola, the cuisine is inspired by the beauty of nature rooted in the passing seasons. Sourcing from a deep network of Nagano Prefecture’s farmers and purveyors, Shola puts provenance on the plate in a way that’s contemplative and contemporary. Available for reservation at Yen 15,000 per person (excluding tax and service charge) for those reservations made through the hotel's website only.
*Made reservations must be made by 12:00 p.m. two days in advance.
*Please select the ¥18,000 course from the Book and enter the name of your reservation for accommodation.
SSH
SPECIAL OFFEREARLY BIRD
BOOKING
Enjoy a special 15% discount by reserving a room at least 60 days ahead of the arrival date. The offer applies to all rooms at Shishi-Iwa House Karuizawa, depending on availability. The discount is available only on our website and is non-refundable.
SSH
SPECIAL OFFERSHISHI-IWA HOUSE'S
CULTURAL GETAWAY
CELEBRATES THE ANCIENT
ART OF KINTSUGI
The retreat offers an intensive two-day experience in hon-kintsugi, a traditional Japanese ceramic restoration technique using natural materials. Participants will learn all key steps of the repair process, usually taking 2-3 months, compressed into 48 hours. This rare opportunity provides a formal overview of the technique and its cultural context, empowering participants to continue the practice at home. Activities include dining experiences that express a high level of culinary craftsmanship revolving around the local food and farm culture of Nagano
Book your authentic kintsugi experience today by sending an email to inquiry@shishiiwahouse.com.
19 to 22 APRIL, 2024
NATURE
Be it a meditative garden stroll or a forested mountain hike, treat yourself to a full recharge in nature.
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THE RESTAURANT: SHOLA
Savor a taste of Karuizawa with exquisite meals at The Restaurant Shola, a curated collection of rare drinks in The Wine & Whisky Bar and a local craft coffee in the treetops at the Forest Terrace – all open to non-staying visitors as well as overnight guests.
LEARN MORE- SSH PROGRAM
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Bespoke tours, insider introductions and curated creative events: there’s always plenty to do at SSH.
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- THE NEIGHBORHOOD:
KARUIZAWA -
Say hello to the neighbors: from local chefs to the most popular craft coffee roasters in town.
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SSH SELECTS
From ceramics to towels, discover SSH’s bespoke collection of contemporary lifestyle goods.
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FUTURE
OPENINGS
And there’s more to come. Find out which
award-winning Japanese architects are
currently working on our next SSH openings.