Celebrating its 130th anniversary, Karuizawa's Mampei Hotel is one of Japan's most classic hotels. On January 2023, 1, the hotel closed its doors for a time, undergoing major renovations and reconstruction, before holding its eagerly awaited grand opening in October 3. Large-scale renovations of long-established hotels are always big topics, and this was no exception for the Mampei Hotel. There was a sense of anxiety and anticipation about how it would turn out, but the newly reborn hotel was a wonderful rebirth that exceeded all expectations.

About 2km from Karuizawa Station, walking through the beautiful, lush villa area, you will see the elegant mountain hut-style Mampei Hotel. Looking at its nostalgic appearance, you will be tempted to ask, "Oh, it was renovated, wasn't it?" It has not changed in a good way. As you approach the hotel entrance, you will see the lively cafe terrace that is still as lively as before, and you will be moved by its magnificent revival.

Started as a lodging house called "Kameya" in anticipation of the development of Karuizawa, a scenic spot on Mt. Asama

Here's a little history about Manpei Hotel.
The origins of the Manpei Hotel date back to 1764, when Sato Man'emon opened the inn "Kameya." In 1886, Canadian-born missionary Alexander Croft Shaw and Imperial University teacher James Maine Dixon stayed at the inn for a summer, and the first Sato Manpei renovated Kameya into a Western-style hotel, changing the name to "Kameya Hotel," and later to "Manpei Hotel" to make it easier for foreigners to pronounce.

Mampei Hotel moved to its current location in Sakuranosawa in 1902. In 1936, the Alps Hall at the front of the hotel was built and designed by Kume Gonkuro, who was also responsible for the Nikko Kanaya Hotel and the Fuji View Hotel.

However, after the Pacific War broke out, the hotel went through a period of upheaval, becoming a special service hotel for officers to rest for a time after the war. In the 40s, the Atago Hall and the Asama Hall were added, and in 2001, the Usui Hall was newly built, expanding the hotel's scale and welcoming many business leaders and celebrities from Japan and abroad. In 2018, the Alps Hall was registered as a tangible cultural property.

The new Mampei Hotel pursues comfort while retaining the good old traditions and furnishings.

This hotel has a long history and many fans who adore it. Many families have spent their summers at the Manpei Hotel for generations, and there are even grandchildren who wish to hold their weddings here, filled with memories of their grandparents.

Even those who have never stayed at the Mampei Hotel, which is etched in such family memories, are curious to know how it has changed after undergoing major repairs and renovations. That is how important the hotel is to the Japanese people.

The Alps Pavilion, the symbol of Mampei Hotel, was once jacked up, and earthquake-resistance construction and repairs were carried out while leaving only the structure, and it was renovated to preserve as much of its original form as possible. The plantings in front of the Alps Pavilion have also been left as original as possible, and it has been returned to its former state, but the stairs at the entrance have been removed and it has been made barrier-free.

Once you pass through the entrance, you will find the lobby and front desk, which have retained their original appearance. The stained glass and furnishings that have been used since the hotel was built and evoke the hotel's tradition and history are still there, and most importantly, the warm smiles of the hotel staff remain unchanged.
Although a comfortable space is important for a hotel, it is the interaction with guests that leaves the biggest impression on guests.

Especially since it is a summer resort, the warmth and comfort of the service is what makes you feel at home. The Mampei Hotel's philosophy of "The hotel is the people" is certainly present here.

After passing through the lobby, the stately main dining room appears. The large stained glass and coffered ceiling motifs remain intact, so the previous style and dignity remain. The courtyard that can be seen from the sunroom has also been beautifully landscaped, but the sacred tree remains in the same place.

One of the pleasures of restaurants in long-established hotels is the recipes that have been handed down through the generations. Chef Ohashi has gathered together the recipes from when the restaurant first opened and reconstructed them to offer a variety of dishes created with local ingredients and careful craftsmanship. Among them, the "Classic Dinner" course, which is available for dinner, is a must-try, as it is a course featuring dishes that represent Mampei Hotel.

The traditional apple pie served at the café terrace is also a signature Mampei Hotel flavor. The apple pie, which has been passed down from a recipe created at the request of a customer about 50 years ago, is made with plenty of Shinshu-grown red apples and has a gentle sweetness that is delicious. The open outdoor terrace of the café terrace, surrounded by nature, is a place where locals and tourists can relax and unwind, and you can even spend time with your pet dog.

Impressed by the quality of Mampei Hotel, which promises a superb stay

Now let's introduce the much-anticipated guest rooms.

The accommodation buildings are the Alps Building, the Atago Building, and the Usui Building, and are connected by corridors.
For those who like a classic atmosphere, the Alps Hall is recommended. The hotel has been renovated to be more comfortable while retaining the old-fashioned features such as glass sliding doors with the distinctive lattice pattern known as "Mampei lattice," claw-foot bathtubs, and traditional Karuizawa carved furniture.

The Atagokan, connected to the Alpskan, has been rebuilt so that all rooms have hot springs, with water brought in from Shiozawa Onsen, allowing guests to enjoy the hot springs 24 hours a day. Being able to bathe in the hot springs at any time has definitely added to the enjoyment of a new stay.
Continuing down the corridor, you will come across the newly built Usuikan. The modern space, which embodies the spirit of the Mampei Hotel, promises to provide a relaxing stay.

Speaking of Mampei Hotel, it is well known that John Lennon of The Beatles and his family spent their holidays here in Karuizawa every year until the year before he died, but there are many other legends about the hotel. Therefore, although there were mixed opinions about the renovation and reconstruction, I heard many people say that they were glad they didn't change and that it was clean and comfortable after it was completed. This is probably because the hotel is a perfect example of the fusion of tradition and evolution.

Previously, the hotel was closed during the winter, but after renovations and reconstruction, it is now possible to stay there all year round, which is a great benefit for Mampei fans. It is not only a great way to escape the heat in the summer, but it would also be a great pleasure to make memories of the quiet winter in Karuizawa at the new Mampei Hotel.

Text by Yuko Taniguchi