Key points
- The upcoming Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will open its doors in 2030 in the highland town of Karuizawa, nestled in Nagano Prefecture, one of the country’s most renowned luxury resort destinations.
- The Anantara Karuizawa Retreat is poised to deliver a highly curated luxury escape with a deep focus on wellness and environmental harmony.
- A highlight of the experience will be the Anantara Spa and an authentic Japanese onsen, integrated into a range of wellness programs designed to rejuvenate both body and mind.
Hotel News: Resort Promises Unmatched Elegance and Natural Immersion
Royal Minor Hotels Co., Ltd.—a joint venture between Thailand’s Minor Hotels and Japan’s Royal Holdings—has announced a landmark partnership with Japan-based List Development Co., Ltd. to launch the very first Anantara-branded hotel in Japan. The upcoming Anantara Karuizawa Retreat will open its doors in 2030 in the highland town of Karuizawa, nestled in Nagano Prefecture, one of the country’s most renowned luxury resort destinations.
Royal Minor and List Development sign deal for Japan’s first Anantara at Tokyo American Club on July 10, 2025.
Image Credit: Minor Hotels
This Hotel News report reveals that the new retreat will occupy a peaceful 10-acre forested site with panoramic views of the majestic Mount Asama. The resort will be positioned just an hour away from Tokyo via the Karuizawa Hokuriku Shinkansen line, making it an ideal nature getaway for both local and international travelers. Karuizawa’s appeal continues to grow, especially among Asian tourists, thanks to its refreshing summer climate, scenic beauty, and accessibility from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, which are just 2–3 hours away by rail.
A Nature Inspired Luxury Experience
The Anantara Karuizawa Retreat is poised to deliver a highly curated luxury escape with a deep focus on wellness and environmental harmony. The resort will feature 23 elegant suites ranging from 60 to 120 square meters and 18 spacious two- and three-bedroom villas sized from 70 to 270 square meters. These villas are also being considered for conversion into private branded residences.
The resort will offer a total of 51 units, with some villas configured as two-bedroom accommodations measuring up to 130 square meters. Culinary offerings will include three sophisticated outlets: an all-day dining restaurant, a specialty concept eatery, and a stylish bar.
A highlight of the experience will be the Anantara Spa and an authentic Japanese onsen, integrated into a range of wellness programs designed to rejuvenate both body and mind. Guests will also enjoy full access to premium leisure amenities such as a swimming pool, modern fitness center, library, lounge areas, and flexible meeting spaces to accommodate both business and retreat needs.
A Design Philosophy Rooted in Nature
The architectural vision for the Anantara Karuizawa Retreat emphasizes harmony with its surroundings. The use of natural materials, like timber-framed rooftops and wide panoramic windows, is aimed at blending the structures into the landscape while showcasing uninterrupted views of the Asama mountain range. The overall design reflects a strong commitment to sustainability, serenity, and immersive luxury.
Strategic Collaboration Between Hospitality Powerhouses
Mr. Kohei Motoyama, President and Representative Director of Royal Minor Hotels, expressed great enthusiasm about the collaboration, calling it a “perfect alignment” between List Development’s real estate expertise and Anantara’s philosophy of delivering one-of-a-kind, design-driven hospitality.
Mr. Hiroyuki Kiuchi, President and COO of List Development, added that the partnership represents a new chapter in Japanese luxury travel. “Karuizawa is internationally recognized and increasingly favored by discerning travelers. We believe this resort will become a landmark for upscale tourism in the region,” he noted. He further emphasized that the project aligns with List Development’s long-standing mission to enhance lifestyles through quality real estate and community development.
A Landmark Signing Ceremony in Tokyo
The official signing of the Hotel Management Agreement (HMA) took place on July 10, 2025, at the prestigious Tokyo American Club. Key figures in attendance included Mr. Naoyuki Kitami, Chairman and CEO of List Co., Ltd.; Mr. William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International; Mr. Kohei Motoyama of Royal Minor Hotels; and Mr. Hiroyuki Kiuchi of List Development.
This marks the first major milestone for Royal Minor Hotels following its establishment in March 2025. Looking ahead, the company aims to roll out 21 hotels across Japan under Minor Hotels’ renowned brands—Anantara, Tivoli, and Avani—by 2035.
Anantara Karuizawa Retreat is expected to raise the bar for Japanese luxury resorts by offering world-class hospitality, natural immersion, and sophisticated wellness in a setting that blends tradition with modern elegance. With its premium offerings and strategic location, the retreat is also anticipated to stimulate long-term economic development in the region and solidify Karuizawa’s position on the global luxury travel map.
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