Mampei Hotel's story began all the way back with the Kameya Inn back in 1764, during the height of the Edo Period, when Karuizawa was a major thoroughfare because of the era's post-station system. However, during the Meiji Restoration, the new Usui Pass was opened, and activity in Karuizawa declined. In the summer of 1886, two foreign visitors at Kameya Inn, the Canadian missionary Alexander Croft Shaw and an instructor at the Imperial University named James Main Dixon, were so enamored with Karuizawa's beauty that they promoted the town when they got back to Tokyo. By word of mouth, people once again paid attention to Karuizawa and Mampei's family was quick to capitalize on the influx, renaming the inn to Kameya Hotel in 1894, then finally to Mampei Hotel in 1896.

Due to its success, Mampei Hotel eventually moved to a new location in Sakuranosawa in 1902, where it was able to expand further. In 1919, Mampei Sato inherited the business and took charge of furthering its development. They would add the Alps Wing in 1936, with a design reminiscent of European mountain cottages. The hotel would be seized by the American Military in 1945, during their occupation of Japan after the Second World War, but this would also inspire the hotel to develop ways to operate even during winter. Eventually, control of the hotel would return to the family, and they would add the Asama and Atago Wings in the 1960s. Over the next decades, Mampei Hotel would host many esteemed guests, including the renowned musical artist John Lennon and his family, as well as the meeting between US Presidential Advisor Henry Kissinger and Japanese Prime Minister Tanaka Kakuei.

Further recognition will be awarded to Mampei Hotel 2007 when the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry declared the hotel as a heritage of industrial modernization. The government would also recognize the hotel's Alps Wing as a tangible cultural property in 2018. More recently in 2023, Mampei Hotel also underwent major renovations in preparation for its 130th anniversary.

Design and Architecture

Mampei Hotel's core aesthetic involves the blending of Eastern and Western designs, ensuring guests will experience maximum comfort while immersing in a distinct atmosphere that still feels very Japonesque. The Alps Wing, having been built in 1936, has kept its aesthetics largely intact since it opened. Some rooms even have an adapted sukiya-zukuri setup with an alcove but filled with Western-style furniture. The Atago and Usui wings, however, make use of contemporary designs and decors, creating suites and spaces similar to what you'd find in ritzy American and European hotels.

From contemporary dishes that suit modern palates to classic signature recipes that embody decades of family legacy, dining at Mampei Hotel will always be a delightful experience for guests.

Main Dining Room

Specializing in French cuisine and regional specialties, the Main Dining Room of Mampei Hotel provides an elegant yet welcoming atmosphere where diners will be pampered as they savor the many flavors of Karuizawa.
Opening hours: 7 am - 10 am (Breakfast); 11:30 am - 2:30 pm (Lunch); 5:30 pm - 9 pm (Dinner)

Cafe Terrace

Enjoy the lovely views of Mampei Hotel's gardens while sipping your favorite beverage and snacking on your beloved desserts.
Opening hours: 9:30 am - 6 pm

Bar

Try Mampei Hotel's signature cocktails and mixes inspired by Karuizawa's natural beauty.
Opening hours: 6 pm - 11 pm

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Karuizawa's reputation as a resort town developed with the influx of foreign visitors looking for a retreat from the hustle and bustle of the modern big cities. Japanese travelers would also catch on, especially creative types such as artists who would find inspiration for their artworks around Karuizawa. Many of their contributions to Japan's art and literary scenes can be found in local museums such as The Literary Museum of Karuizawa, and The Museum of Contemporary Art, Karuizawa. The town also has several parks, often designed in a way that lets visitors view the surrounding mountains with unobstructed or intentionally arranged views. One good example is Yagasaki Park, which puts Mount Hanare on display with the park's lake in the foreground.

Due to the region's importance when it comes to trade and travel, shrines and temples also dot the mountain landscape. Kumano Koutai Jinja sits atop Usui Pass and close to the border of Nagano and Gunma. The shrine is also notable for its sacred tree that's said to be over 1000 years old, and said to be blessed with good fortune.