This Locavore, Boutique, Design Hotel Is the Total Japan Immersion We Need Right Now

Shishi-Iwa House is top-to-toe local, from its Japanese designers and aesthetic to its food and drink suppliers.

By Erick Prince Published on Aug 21, 2023, 10:34 AM

This Locavore, Boutique, Design Hotel Is the Total Japan Immersion We Need Right Now

Shishi-Iwa House is top-to-toe local, from its Japanese designers and aesthetic to its food and drink suppliers who focus on ethical cultivation you can see and taste for yourself in the nearby Karuizawa countryside. We journeyed to Japan to stay at their recently opened SSH No.3, to frolic in the fields with the hotel’s visionary founder, and to pluck straight from the ground some of the spiciest lettuce we’ve ever had in our lives.

WELCOME TO SHISHI-IWA HOUSE, a haven of tranquility nestled in a picturesque town of Karuizawa, Japan. I recently took a captivating journey to explore the architectural marvels and immersive experiences this extraordinary retreat has to offer. Shishi-Iwa House boasts three architectural masterpieces: SSH No.01 and 02 by Shigeru Ban, and SSH No.03, where we stayed, by Ryue Nishizawa. These visionary designs, their first ventures into hospitality, blend seamlessly with the surrounding wilderness.

SSH No.03 Interior
SSH No.03 Interior
SSH No.03 Interior

Engawa-style architecture, with its open verandas and seamless integration of indoor-outdoor spaces allows guests to immerse themselves in this serene natural beauty of Karuizawa – and there’s a lot of natural beauty to be had. Nature envelops Shishi-Iwa House, offering a cornucopia of experiences, from waterfall walks to forest bathing, birdwatching, and the enchantment of cherry blossoms and maple trees (in the right seasons, of course).

The retreat embraces the bountiful wonders of Karuizawa landscapes. To offer guests exceptional culinary experiences, Shishi-Iwa House collaborates with local farmers, cattle ranchers, and vineyards that prioritize organic and ethical practices. We were given an amazing tour to visit a few of these Shishi-Iwa House vendors. Our journey begins with a visit to a local farmer, Mr. Yusuki Iizuka of Duca Farm, where we witnessed their dedication to cultivating seasonal ingredients. Next, we ventured to Davos Farm and Cattle Ranch, where Japan’s rarest breed of cattle are raised by Mr. Jones Ito with the utmost care and respect. Finally, we explored a charming winery, Kusunoki Winery, with Mr. Kusunoki himself, which produces exceptional wines. All of these add a touch of extra uniqueness to Shola, the hotel’s restaurant, to which they all source.

FROM LEFT: Mr. Jones Ito owner of Davos Farm and Cattle Ranch; Mr. Yusuki Iizuka of dukkha farm
A local ingredients from Duca Farm

We ended our experience by seeing exactly what these products become: the culinary creations of Shola and his team, blending contemporary Japanese French cuisine with the freshest seasonal ingredients available from the local area. Need a pick-me-up? Indulge in a signature drink at the bar, offering rare Japanese wines, whiskies and cocktails.

Savour a taste of locavour with exquisite meals at Shilo — Tastes of Karuizawa at Shilo

If you want to spend a little more time on-site, you’ll find plenty of places for serenity and contemplation across the entire property. Immerse yourself in art and architecture books at the library, rejuvenate your senses with a hinoki-scented bath in the bathhouse – which is private, by the way – or partake in meditation or tea rituals at the tea house.

Shishi-Iwa House curates a 21st-century lifestyle for those seeking active, sophisticated and creative experiences. It’s all art, design, quality food and drink, and the ever-changing beauty of the seasonal nature around you. The type of break we all might consider injecting more of into our everyday lives.