1. JP
  2. EN

SSH PROGRAM

Art and architecture tours, organic farm visits, bespoke ski experiences, insider introductions, fireside talks – welcome to Shishi-Iwa House Program. Our monthly schedule of customized events, tours and activities is carefully curated and brought to life through a wide network of local friends and deep insider knowledge. Every visit can be tailor-made with bespoke activities – all designed to ensure that guests have a unique and unforgettable stay.

CULTURE

Tap into the creative world of SSH

Design-loving guests can enjoy insider tours of SSH, highlighting its groundbreaking architecture, artworks and design details. Beyond the hotel, staff can also craft bespoke creative itineraries, exploring Karuizawa’s world-class contemporary galleries and local craft ateliers.

FOOD AND DRINK

Explore Karuizawa’s finest flavors

SSH staff can arrange private access to a raft of culinary gems – from local bee farms to generations-old sake breweries. Back at the retreat, guests can also enjoy world-class cocktail, wine and whisky tastings, plus a Japanese roasted tea experience, with our in-house tea master.

SPORT AND WELLNESS

Inhale, exhale - and recharge in nature

Nature plays a key role at SSH – and guests can tap into this through a spectrum of sports and wellness activities. Bespoke highlights include skiing, snowboarding, golf, tennis, horse-riding, waterfall walks, hot spring onsen soaks and private morning yoga overlooking our gardens.

FIRESIDE CHATS

Intimate talks in your home from home

We also host an in-house talk series, with guests invited to join our fireside chats with a string of SSH friends – from Pritzker Prize-winning architects, whisky distillers and winemakers to local farmers – for an experience which is both intimate and informative.

EVENTS

From architect talks by the fire to pop-up dinner events, explore what’s on the schedule at Shishi-Iwa House.

SAKURA
IN THE SKY
2025

Limited to 14 participants, this journey takes guests to the peaks of Mt. Kurofu (elevation 2,404 meters) and Mt. Iodake (elevation 2,760 meters), and other cherry blossom viewpoints, where the landscapes transform into a vibrant tapestry of pink and white blooms. Highlights include one-of-a-kind highest natural outdoor onsen in Japan at 1,894 meter elevation, one of three designated national treasures 2,000-year-old Yamataka Jindai Zakura tree, the 330 years old Wanitsuka Sakura tree with stunning Mt. Fuji as its backdrop, and Kiyoharu Art Colony with masterworks by renowned architects such as the iconic one-leg tea house by Terunobu Fujimori and others by Tadao Ando and Hiroshi Sugimoto.

Inquiry:
For booking, detailed itinerary or further inquiries, please email inquiry@shishiiwahouse.com 

April 20 - 24, 2025 (4N/5D)

SECOND ANNUAL
CULTURAL GETAWAY
THE ANCIENT ART OF KINTSUGI
RETREAT 2025

Championing refined craftsmanship and cultural experiences, Shishi-Iwa House’s exclusive 3 nights / 4 days cultural getaway, in partnership with POJ Studio from Kyoto, returns this March 21 - 24, immersing guests in the ancient art of Kintsugi combined with luxury Michelin-Key accommodation, nature forest bathing and the finest culinary experience in Karuizawa.

Limited to 14 participants, this one-of-a-kind experience offers the opportunity to participate in an accelerated 4 intensive training sessions to learn the rare, centuries-old method of repairing ceramics and porcelain, embracing the meditative beauty of Zen philosophy through the art of imperfection.

Inquiry:
For booking, detailed itinerary or further inquiries, please email inquiry@shishiiwahouse.com

March 21 - 24, 2025 (3N/4D)

INVITATION TO
AN EXCLUSIVE
DINING EVENT

For three nights only, Jakob Zeller and Ethel Hoon will be taken over the management of Shola Restaurant from Chef Masashi Okamoto. Both chefs started their careers at different ends of the world but eventually met in Sweden while working in restaurant Faviken. Jakob, who hails from the Alpine region of South Tyrol, has worked in kitchens in Barcelona, southern France and Italy. Ethel, a native of tropical island-nation Singapore, has spent time in kitchens in her home country, Paris and Tokyo.

Using regional ingredients from producers who share their philosophy of quality with sustainability and respect for nature and their collective creative experiences, Jakob and Ethel would like to invite you to Karuizawa for a meal that is inspired by – and centered on – the rich local produces and ingredients that Nagano, the Japan Alps, has to offer.

This is an exclusive event with limited seating, designed to offer a unique insight into our chefs’ philosophy of conscious cooking and their commitment to sustainable practices.  Please RSVP to secure your place at this special gathering by email to inquiry@shishiiwahouse.com.

Cost per guest: Yen 15,000++.

February 21 - 23, 2025

JAPAN
ARCHITECTURE
TOUR

From February 12 to 16, 2025, immerse yourself in a carefully curated journey through the architectural and culinary wonders of Karuizawa, hosted by the editorial team of Design Anthology. 
Karuizawa is known for its rich architectural heritage and is home to significant architect-designed buildings and striking examples of traditional styles. Rokumeikan architecture occurred in a very important architectural period in the early 1900s when Japan first opened its borders to the influence of foreign countries.  Guests will have the unique opportunity to experience and learn about the lasting impact of this period on today's Japan architecture, and exclusive visits to landmarks such as Kazuo Shinohara’s Tanikawa House, Hoshi Onsen and historic soba restaurant Kagimotoya. 

The event is private and exclusive with spaces for only 14 guests.
Inquiry:
For booking, detailed itinerary or further inquiries, please email  hello@design-anthology.com.

February 12 - 16, 2025 (4N/5D)

ARCHITECTURE
FIRESIDE CHAT w/ BIJOY JAIN
STUDIO MUMBAI

If you are staying at Shishi-Iwa House or dining at Shola Restaurant on January 4th, we invite you to join an intimate architectural talk with the acclaimed architect Bijoy Jain of Studio Mumbai. We are honored to welcome Mr. Jain to Karuizawa, as his work is nothing short of extraordinary. Recognized as one of the world’s leading architects, his unique approach combines sensuality and intellectual depth, bringing unparalleled richness to every project he undertakes.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Mr. Jain shares his philosophy and explores the connections between his work and Japanese architecture. This exclusive event is open only to our staying and dining guests. It is complimentary.

The talk will be conducted in both Japanese and English.

January 4, 2025 at 5 pm

ASCENDING
MT. ASAMA & KAMIKOCHI

Shishi-Iwa House (SSH), a collection of architecture masterpiece retreat houses celebrated for its commitment to refined craftsmanship and immersive cultural experiences, proudly presents "Ascending Mt. Asama & Kamikochi, ” an exclusive 4-night / 5-day program offering a profound journey into the heart and soul of Japan's spiritual landscape during the autumnal koyo season from 27-31 October.

For more details, please contact inquiry@shishiiwahouse.com.

27 to 31 OCT, 2024

KARUIZAWA
EPICUREAN ESCAPE

Shishi-Iwa House (SSH), a collection of architectural masterpiece retreat houses celebrated for its commitment to refined craftsmanship and immersive cultural experiences, proudly presents the “Karuizawa Epicurean Escape” , an exclusive 4-night/5-day programs from October 6 – 10, offering a culinary expedition celebrating the gastronomic specialties and traditions of Nagano. Against the breathtaking canvas of Japanese maple and ginkgo trees, embark on an exquisite dining journey into region’s rich food and farm culture at renowned restaurants presenting the authentic tastes of Nagano with high-quality local produce.

For more details, please contact inquiry@shishiiwahouse.com.

6 to 10 OCT, 2024

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

PREMIUM SAKE TASTING
GASTRONOMY DINNER

Join us for an exclusive evening with Mr. Yasutaka Daimon, the 6th-generation owner and Master Brewer (Toji) of Daimon Sake Brewery. Daimon Brewery is a pioneer Sake Brewery from the Osaka region. While sampling specially selected pre-dinner sake, gain personal insight into the essence of Daimon, what makes brewing sake so special, and what rice varieties, skills techniques, unique location and pristine stream water converge to shape a 190-year legacy.

23 FEBRUARY, 2024 @5pm

PRIVATE
RETREAT

There are few more peaceful settings for a private gathering, be it a corporate wellness break or a multi-generational family gathering. The hotel can be rented out in its entirety, or in the case of SSH No.01, by Villa, depending on the group size.

WEDDINGS

SSH is perfect for weddings, with its versatile interior spaces, bespoke menus and scenic natural backdrop.

CORPORATE

SSH can also help companies craft the ultimate corporate retreat, fusing design, nature and wellness, with the highest quality food and wine in a stunning setting.

Please contact us to receive the latest monthly schedule of SSH Program activities.