At Karuizawa Homestay, the property is divided into two separate spaces: the guesthouse, where you’ll sleep, bathe, work, and enjoy personal time—and the main house, where shared meals, conversation, and homestay activities take place.

The guesthouse is a simple 3LDK wooden home that accommodates up to five guests. There are no beds—only traditional Japanese futons laid directly on the floor. The house includes a minimal kitchen, bath, toilet, and Wi-Fi. Each room gets plenty of natural light and offers peaceful views of the surrounding forest. Heating, air purifiers, storage, and desks are provided, making it a comfortable space for quiet rest or remote work.

The main house is where we cook, eat, and connect. Meals are prepared together with guests as part of the homestay experience (in accordance with lodging license regulations). It’s not a restaurant or hotel—it’s a shared, lived-in space where everyday routines and cultural exchange naturally overlap.

At Karuizawa Homestay, we don’t offer sightseeing or tourist-focused stays. Instead, we invite guests into a shared way of life—one centered on simple routines, natural connections, and everyday cultural exchange.

We’re not tour guides, so we don’t provide transport, personalized schedules, or curated excursions. What we do offer are small, meaningful moments that arise naturally from daily life—opportunities to engage with nature, speak English, and connect across cultures.

You might join us for a backyard fire, a quiet walk through the neighborhood, a small DIY project, or even a stroll with our cat. Occasionally, we invite English-speaking friends—some from Western countries, others from Asia—for casual conversations and shared meals.

In accordance with local lodging regulations, guests are also expected to help with daily meal preparation. This is a valuable opportunity to connect through shared tasks and natural language use. Whether it’s washing vegetables or setting the table, these small moments often lead to the most memorable interactions.

Indoors, you’re welcome to read, get help with light homework in English, or relax by watching English TV shows or movies with us—an enjoyable way to get used to the rhythm of the language in a low-pressure environment.

What we enjoy most as hosts is the conversation around the table. It’s in those casual, everyday moments that language, values, and cultures naturally intersect—and that, to us, is the heart of this homestay.

If you let us know your interests before your stay, we’ll do our best to share parts of our life that align with them—within reason, and without over-promising. This isn’t a service-based “experience” stay; it’s a chance to live alongside us for a short time.

If you’re looking for real connection, quiet routines, and a slower kind of cultural immersion, we’d be happy to welcome you.

At Karuizawa Homestay, we provide three simple home-style meals a day, inspired by American and European comfort food.

As part of daily life together, guests are expected to help with meal preparation—this is required by our lodging license. Whether it’s washing vegetables, setting the table, or chatting in English while we cook, these shared tasks offer a natural way to practice everyday English and experience cross-cultural exchange.

Breakfast typically includes Western-style options like eggs, bacon, yogurt, salad, and bread. For lunch and dinner, we rotate dishes such as chicken wings, clam chowder, baked potatoes, homemade curry with naan, and simple Asian- or Chinese-style meals.

Don’t worry if you’re not confident in cooking or English—these activities are relaxed, supportive, and fun. Preparing meals together is an essential part of the homestay experience: a chance to learn, communicate, and share life around the kitchen.

After meals, you’re invited to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea. We offer a small selection of teas each day—from traditional black teas to herbal blends and a few unique international flavors.