[Summer 2026] If you’re looking to enjoy a summer getaway in the Karuizawa area, consider a wellness stay at “ASAMA KUZANBO” in Kita-Karuizawa, where the average temperature is around 20°C even in the height of summer.
In recent years, the number of days with extreme heat has been increasing across Japan, and the way people spend their summers is changing.
As more people are avoiding going out during the day, travel trends are shifting from “trips packed with sightseeing” to “trips focused on rejuvenating the mind and body.”
Of particular interest are “summer getaways,” where people escape the heat of urban areas to enjoy the cool climate of the highlands.
While Karuizawa and Nasu Highlands are well-known as popular summer resorts in the Kanto region and its vicinity, Kitakaruizawa—which stretches along the northern foothills of Mount Asama—has been gaining renewed attention in recent years.
Located at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters, Kita-Karuizawa offers a pleasant climate with average temperatures of around 20°C in July and August, and a refreshing highland breeze that blows through in the mornings and evenings. This environment, where visitors can stay comfortable without relying too heavily on air conditioning, is popular not only as a summer retreat but also among those seeking a relaxing getaway.
Table of Contents
- 1 Why Karuizawa Became One of Japan's Leading Summer Resorts
- 2 How Cool Is Kita-Karuizawa? A Comparison with Tokyo and Karuizawa
- 3 Why Is Kita-Karuizawa Chosen as a “Summer Resort”?
- 4 "ASAMA KUZANBO" a villa resort with views of Mount Asama, available for exclusive rental
- 5 Enjoy a Joshu Beef BBQ and a sunset unique to the highlands
- 6 A Wellness Stay Combining Saunas, Hot Baths, and Sleep
- 7 A Stay Dedicated to Sleep and Rest with TENTIAL’s “BAKUNE”
- 8 Also recommended for summer getaways with your dog
- 9 This summer, head to Kita-Karuizawa to recharge
- 10 FAQ
Why Karuizawa Became One of Japan's Leading Summer Resorts
Karuizawa has a history of more than 130 years as one of Japan’s leading summer resorts.
In 1886 (Meiji 19), Alexander Croft Shaw, a missionary from Canada, visited Karuizawa and was captivated by its cool climate and rich natural environment, which led to the area becoming known as a summer resort.
It later developed into a summer resort area where many foreign missionaries, cultural figures, and political and business leaders spent their summers, and has since become well-known as one of Japan’s premier highland resorts.
Even today, Karuizawa remains one of Japan’s most popular summer resorts, but in recent years, an increasing number of travelers have been venturing to Kita-Karuizawa—which stretches along the northern foothills of Mount Asama—in search of a quieter environment and abundant nature.
How Cool Is Kita-Karuizawa? A Comparison with Tokyo and Karuizawa
Kitakaruizawa is located at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters and is known for its relatively cool climate, even in summer.
| area | Elevation | Summer Temperature Guidelines |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | About 40 meters | There are many days when the temperature exceeds 30°C |
| Karuizawa | Approximately 1,000 meters | Average temperature in August: approximately 20.5°C |
| Kita-Karuizawa | Approximately 1,100 meters | Average temperature in August: around 20°C |
Karuizawa is located at an elevation of about 1,000 meters and is known for its average August temperature of about 20.5°C, which is about 6°C lower than Tokyo's.
Kita-Karuizawa is similarly blessed with a cool, highland climate, and a pleasant breeze blows through in the mornings and evenings. While the average temperature itself does not differ significantly from that of Karuizawa, the setting—surrounded by lush forests and highlands—offers a sense of comfort that cannot be fully captured by numbers alone.
Furthermore, since Kita-Karuizawa is located roughly halfway between Karuizawa and Kusatsu Onsen, one of its attractions is that visitors can enjoy shopping, sightseeing, and visiting hot springs during their stay.
Why Is Kita-Karuizawa Chosen as a “Summer Resort”?
The appeal of Kita-Karuizawa isn't just that it's cool.
At night, the sounds of insects and the rustling of the trees echo softly, and in the morning, you wake to the sound of birdsong. This environment, where you can spend your days surrendering to nature’s natural rhythm, is highly valued as a unique feature of this area.
Unlike Karuizawa, where visitors mainly enjoy sightseeing and shopping, Kita-Karuizawa offers the “luxury of doing nothing.”
Perhaps what many people are looking for in Kita-Karuizawa is the chance to step away from their hectic daily lives and take a moment to breathe deeply while surrounded by nature.
"ASAMA KUZANBO" a villa resort with views of Mount Asama, available for exclusive rental
Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Kita-Karuizawa is the “ASAMA KUZANBO” villa resort, available for exclusive rental.
In 2026, the resort will celebrate its fifth anniversary, with the anniversary theme: “Asama, where the sky, the mountains, and the five senses come alive—journey deeper into its heart.”
All villas offer views of the majestic Mount Asama, allowing you to enjoy private time together without worrying about your surroundings.
The Presidential Suite “Polaris” is the guest room that best embodies this “ASAMA KUZANBO” concept.
This exceptional villa features a spacious layout of approximately 112 square meters, complete with a living room boasting large windows, a bathroom offering views of Mount Asama, a private sauna, and a theater room.
- Entire Building for Rent · Spacious, Open-Concept Layout of Approximately 112㎡
- A whirlpool tub with a panoramic view of Mount Asama
- Completely Private Sauna
- A Theater Room for Enjoying Movies on a Big Screen
Then, in the summer of 2026, ASAMA KUZANBO launched a limited-time “Summer Recovery Plan” featuring “BAKUNE,” the recovery wear line from the conditioning brand “TENTIAL.”
We invite you to enjoy a summer stay that engages all five senses—from the view of Mount Asama (sight) to the breeze sweeping across the highlands and the chirping of birds (hearing), the flavors of local ingredients (taste), and the comfort of the highland air and hot springs (touch)—all complemented by a high-quality, restful experience.
Enjoy a Joshu Beef BBQ and a sunset unique to the highlands
One of the highlights of the trip is the food.
During the summer, in addition to a BBQ dinner featuring “Jōshū Beef”—Gunma Prefecture’s renowned brand of beef—and vegetables from the Tsumagoi Highlands, we offer a choice of four different dinner options.
Enjoying a barbecue on the villa’s wooden deck while feeling the cool mountain breeze is an experience unique to summer in Kitakaruizawa.
As the sun sets and the sky changes color, the silhouette of Mount Asama begins to emerge—a special moment that can only be experienced here.
A Wellness Stay Combining Saunas, Hot Baths, and Sleep
"Wellness stays," which have been gaining attention in recent years, refer to a style of travel in which guests restore their physical and mental well-being through the experience of staying at a hotel.
In ASAMA KUZANBO,
- The Cool Climate of Kita-Karuizawa
- A sightseeing bus with a view of Mount Asama
- Private Sauna *Available only at Polaris Villa*
- Sky Spa
- A High-Quality Sleep Environment
By combining these elements, we offer you a chance to step back from your busy daily life and take some time to reflect on yourself.
As part of this Summer Recovery Plan, we’ve introduced products from the conditioning brand “TENTIAL”—including “BAKUNE”—to further enhance that experience.
By combining the natural coolness of the surroundings with a relaxing environment, you can enjoy a summer wellness stay unique to Kita-Karuizawa.
A Stay Dedicated to Sleep and Rest with TENTIAL’s “BAKUNE”
"BAKUNE Dry: Leading You to a Cool Night's Sleep in the Highlands"
We offer “BAKUNE Dry” recovery wear for rent, which you can wear from your relaxation time after warming up in the view bath overlooking Mount Asama or the private sauna, right through to bedtime.
Featuring “SELFLAME®,” a special functional fiber that emits far-infrared rays from the body, this garment helps create a high-quality environment for rest and relaxation. With excellent moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, it offers a smooth, comfortable feel that keeps you comfortable even on the cool summer nights of Kita-Karuizawa.
The “BAKUNE BAKUNE All-Season Comforter” for the Perfect Sleep Environment
We provide the “BAKUNE BAKUNE All-Season Comforter” for double beds in Western-style rooms and futons in Japanese-style rooms. Developed using “Sleep Conditioning Technology®”—a proprietary blend of temperature- and humidity-regulating materials—this comforter ensures a comfortable night’s rest even in the cool climate of Kita-Karuizawa.
Relax from the Feet Up with the “Recovery Sandal”
We’ve prepared a pair of recovery sandals for you to enjoy throughout your stay—whether you’re taking a morning walk with your dog, sipping coffee on the terrace, or savoring a Joshu beef barbecue.
With just the right amount of cushioning and an arch support design, these shoes reduce strain while walking and help you relax from the moment you put them on.
Also recommended for summer getaways with your dog
In urban areas during the summer, the temperature of the asphalt can rise, which can make it difficult to take your dog out for a walk.
In Kita-Karuizawa, the morning and evening temperatures are relatively mild, making it an ideal environment for enjoying time with your dog in nature.
At ASAMA KUZANBO, we provide a dog-friendly environment so your dog can enjoy the trip with you as a member of the family.
Spending time in the spacious dog park and on the grounds surrounded by nature will surely be a special experience for your dog.
This summer, head to Kita-Karuizawa to recharge
It’s not just about traveling to a cool place; it’s about taking time to recharge both mind and body and step back from the daily grind.
That’s the summer wellness stay offered by ASAMA KUZANBO.
Experience a luxurious retreat in Kita-Karuizawa—where the average temperature stays around 20°C even in the height of summer—at a private villa overlooking Mount Asama, featuring a Joshu beef BBQ, a private sauna, and the TENTIAL “BAKUNE.”
Why not experience a “summer getaway and relaxation trip” in Kita-Karuizawa this summer?
*The content of this article is based on information available at the time of publication and is subject to change without notice.
FAQ
Q.Is Kita-Karuizawa cooler than the area around Karuizawa Station?？
A.Kita-Karuizawa, where ASAMA KUZANBO is located, sits at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters, with an average summer temperature of around 20°C. Like the area around Karuizawa Station, it enjoys a cool climate, but its charm also lies in the tranquility and close connection to nature that come from being surrounded by lush forests and highlands.
Q.What kinds of items can I try out as part of the Summer Recovery Plan?
A.With this plan, you can enjoy TENTIAL’s recovery wear—“BAKUNE Dry” and “BAKUNE All-Season Duvet”—as well as the “Recovery Sandal.” Please enjoy a relaxing break surrounded by the natural beauty of the highlands.
Q.Can I stay here with my dog?
A.Yes. ASAMA KUZANBO is a dog-friendly villa resort. You can enjoy a relaxing stay while taking in the natural beauty of North Karuizawa with your dog.
Q.What's on the menu for dinner?
A.This package includes a private BBQ featuring “Jōshū Beef,” a brand of beef from Gunma Prefecture, and vegetables from the Tsumagoi Highlands. Enjoy your meal on a wooden deck overlooking Mount Asama, accompanied by the cool highland breeze.
