SANU 2nd Home - Tsumagoi
Remote highland cabin in Tsumagoi's volcanic forest, offering total nature immersion with SANU's signature sustainable design.
About this stay
Hidden in the high volcanic plateau of Tsumagoi, surrounded by Gunma's most pristine beech and larch forests, this SANU cabin offers one of the brand's most remote and restorative settings. At nearly 1,400 metres, the air is sharp and clean, the nights reveal a dazzling Milky Way, and the absence of urban noise is total. The architect-designed structure honours the drama of its setting with restrained minimalism — natural materials, warm lighting, a generous stove — while high-speed connectivity keeps work and the world within reach whenever you choose.
What this place offers
Best for
Getting here
Car via Kanetsu Expressway
Shinkansen to Karuizawa + car
Where you'll be
Guest Reviews
The accommodation is a prefabricated house with smart home technology throughout. It comes fully equipped with a bathtub, gas stove, and a projector, which my child really loved. There is also a wood-burning stove. We stayed on a snowy day, so it was extremely cold — honestly colder than expected, and using the equipment wasn’t very convenient in that weather. If the place is targeting international tourists, having proper English support and instructions would be a big improvement.
Beautifully designed, practical and quiet cabins.
We had a very comfortable stay in the simple, warm room. The compact yet functional kitchen features a face-to-face layout, allowing for lively conversation while enjoying enjoyable mealtimes. The stylish kitchen appliances were also intriguing. This may be perfect for people who want to enjoy the outdoors but also want a clean room with a comfortable bed. You can get ingredients at the nearby supermarket or venture out to the hot springs, so while a car is a must, it's a fun environment. We'd love to be able to open the curtains and enjoy the natural surroundings, but we did think that depending on the building you're staying in, you might be concerned about neighboring buildings. We didn't mind, though. We'd like to return when it's colder, and next time we'll try using the stove.
We went in the middle of summer. The temperature was a very cool 20 degrees, so it was comfortable. The facilities were clean and fully equipped with a bath, toilet, kitchen (including dishes and condiments), beds, etc., so you can do anything you want by just bringing your own ingredients. The shampoo and conditioner provided as amenities were very good, and I wanted to buy some to take home, but I didn't know the manufacturer, so it would have been nice if they had a product introduction. It was so comfortable, I would like to make it my second home every year. We rented two buildings, and each building had a capacity of four people, so there were five of us, including small children. It would have been nice if they allowed co-sleeping, so it would have been appreciated if they could set the maximum number of people in more detail, such as how many people could stay, including co-sleeping.
I stayed here for one night over the Obon holiday. I don't have much information, so I'll give a lengthy review. ● Preparation: It's best to do plenty of shopping in Karuizawa Town before entering Kitakaruizawa. It's a 40-minute drive from Nakakaruizawa. The roads are steep, narrow, and full of curves, so it may feel more stressful than it is long. Until you get used to it, you won't feel like going all the way to the foot of the mountain just to buy groceries. Check-in is at exactly 3:00 PM. ● Location: In the middle of a lush forest. The nearest convenience store is about a 10-minute drive away. Seven-Eleven and Lawson are conveniently located next to each other. Be aware that the surrounding roads are bumpy, and the exit to Prefectural Route 235 is difficult to see and may be a little dangerous. ● Site: Each building is spaced a comfortable distance apart, providing privacy. (I stayed in Room 1308, and while making a bonfire, I had to say hello to my neighbors, which I wish they'd been more considerate.) ● Inside: Very clean. The property was well-maintained and I had no complaints. I was glad I was able to try out the Balmuda kitchen appliances. It would be nice to have foil for the frying pan to keep the toaster clean. (I used the provided cooking paper.) ● Condiments/Other: Only basic condiments. It would have been nice to have some Western vinegar like apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar (for dressing). There was curry in the fridge, but only the bare essentials. Two bottles of white wine and one bottle of red wine. You can probably get these at a convenience store. *We prepared at Tsuruya at the foot of the mountain (the Karuizawa branch was very crowded, so we used the Miyota branch). ● Sauna: It's hard to understand how to use it at first. Read the instructions carefully. Private saunas are the best. ● Bonfire: The provided fire starter is free. Kindling and firewood are available for a fee. Three bundles, the same size as those sold at home improvement stores. Each bundle burns out in 1-2 hours, so it's best to light them in small amounts. ● Clean up when you check out: Take out the sorted trash to the management building, clean up after the bonfire, and wash the dishes thoroughly and put them back in their original place. I also replaced the drain net, but it was hard to know exactly how much cleaning I needed to do, so it would be nice to have a list of things to do. Overall Review: Personally, I would stay here again. This is perfect for those who find crowded tourist hotels tiresome (as long as you don't mind doing everything yourself). This brand offers managed vacation homes. Regular users are borrowing the assets of investors. It may be necessary to ensure that they understand the importance of careful use of the facilities. On the other hand, I wonder about the durability of the building as an investment target. In any case, it was a pleasant stay.
Reviews sourced from Google
Up to $350/night depending on season
Not affiliated with this property. Prices may vary.
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